Scanning 4x5 on Epson V600 - Stitching and Workflow?

[PerTulip]

I was pondering a better scanner because I was not satisfied with the scans from 135 and 120. So, I was researching better models, better scan holders, wet scanning and so on.

But this weekend I "scanned" 135 and 120 with my DSLR since I got an incredible bargain on a macro lens. Conclusion: the first tests completely blew away any scan and it's way faster. I don't think I will ever use a scanner for 135 and 120.

This leaves 4x5. I know some people scan 4x5 on V600 and similar scanners (max size 120), then stich them. Theoretically, scanning at 2400dpi, then stitching, would have a better resolution than my DSLR. 5 inches at 2400 equals 12000 pixels, that's more resolution than I would get from my D850.

I have some questions:
- which holder/method are people using to scan 4x5 on a V600 or similar?
- I guess stitching is done in Photoshop
- If you did this: is it worth the time?
- any other comments/thoughts?

 

[Horatio]

I have scanned a couple 4x5 negatives in a V600 last year using the 120 film holder, then stitched in PS. I don't recall the specifics as it's been a year interval, but the results were acceptable. There's some YouTube videos that illustrate this process. Have fun!

 

[Carter john]

I've done it. I had a piece of plastic that was ~3x8 inches. I butted it up to the side on the glass on my V500, scanned the negative in contact with the glass and over the scanning area. Then flipped the negative to get the unscanned edge. After that is was simple stitch.

 

[Pioneer]

I have done this regularly with my Epson V500. It isn't hard. No holder is used.

I just use a piece of cardboard from the back of a pad of note paper cut to place the sheet of 4x5 film in the scanning window. I butt the cardboard up into the left side corner of the scanner. I then butt the film against the cardboard about 1.5 inches down (a small ink mark was made to indicate the spot), I then close the top and make the scan. The sheet of film rests directly on the scanner glass. The film is then rotated (not flipped), butted against the cardboard, and the cover is closed again. I make the second scan.

In photoshop cs6 I go to file/automate/photomerge. When the photomerge dialogue box opens I click browse, and then identify the two scans I want photoshop to merge. After that the program does its thing. How long it takes is dependent on how big the two files are and how much memory your computer has.

I also do this with 5x7, 6.5x8.5 and 8x10 as well though obviously these take more than two scans to get all the information.

It is much easier to contact print the negatives and scan the contact prints. That is usually what I do now.

 

[PerTulip]

I have scanned a couple 4x5 negatives in a V600 last year using the 120 film holder....!

How did you do that?

 

[Horatio]

How did you do that?

I don’t recall exactly as it’s been over a year, but I basically scanned one-half of the negative, then the other half and stitched them in Photoshop. I followed this YouTube tutorial:

 

[PerTulip]

I don’t recall exactly as it’s been over a year, but I basically scanned one-half of the negative, then the other half and stitched them in Photoshop. I followed this YouTube tutorial:

Thanks! Interesting how that guy fits the negative into the holder.... I will have to take a look at this.

 

[braxus]

I have an Epson 2400 with a 4x5 film adapter light. Im looking at upgrading to a V850, so if that happens, I'll be selling my 2400 combo. PM if interested.

 

[PerTulip]

Just tried the 120-holder workaround. Works really great, stitched in seconds.