Scanning software for Epson 4990?

[Jimi3]

So per my thread from last week, I’m going to start scanning my 4x5 negatives with an Epson 4990 that I haven’t touched in over 15 years. I was able to locate my negative holders, but I’m not sure what program(s) I will need to get started scanning. I’m currently running Windows 11 on my pc. What is the best way to get started?

 

[mwdake]

I have the Epson 4990 Photo scanner.
I use Epson Scan software, ver 3.04, but on Windows 10 not 11.
I.m not sure if it is supported by Windows 11 but you can probably try to install and run in in compatibility mode.

There is also Vuescan which I’m sure will have a Windows 11 version.

 

[Jimi3]

Ok, I think I’ll just use vuescan, as that should be compatible.

 

[Jimi3]

Another question - what do you use to clean the glass?

 

[koraks]

what do you use to clean the glass?

Something like ethanol, rubbing alcohol, IPA etc. will work. Use a soft cloth or non-scratching tissue. Anything works.

Sometimes it's necessary to clean the underside of the platen as well, especially if the scanner has been moved around. Muck tends to accumulate against the bottom of the glass. Same story for the glass in the transparency adapter/lid. Disassembly is straightforward, so no worries about it.

Btw, I prefer Epson Scan myself. It's straightforward. Only tested up to Win10 here, but I'd certainly give it a try on 11 - there's a good chance it'll work.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I use Epsonscan with Windows 11 on my new computer. You may have to download the Windows 11 update Epsonscan from Epson site.

 

[koraks]

I use Epsonscan with Windows 11 on my new computer. You may have to download the Windows 11 update Epsonscan from Epson site.

If memory serves, you're using a later version of Epson Scan (3.11?) because you're using one of the V-series scanners, not a 4990. Right?

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

If memory serves, you're using a later version of Epson Scan (3.11?) because you're using one of the V-series scanners, not a 4990. Right?

Oh yes. There might be a problem using it with the 4990.

 

[Jimi3]

Ok, yeah, I just decided to pay for Vuescan and it’s working fine.

 

[Jimi3]

I think I’ll try some lens cleaning fluid on a microfiber cloth - that’s always worked well on my lenses. I did a couple scans this morning and the glass is pretty dusty and dirty after 15 years.

 

[koraks]

---

Have fun rediscovering the scanner! Mine still works great; I bought it new when it just came out.

 

[warpath]

I'm on the same boat. Haven't used the 4990 in like 15 years but want to use it now. Looks like I might have to buy vuescan too

 

[Jimi3]

Something like ethanol, rubbing alcohol, IPA etc. will work. Use a soft cloth or non-scratching tissue. Anything works.

Sometimes it's necessary to clean the underside of the platen as well, especially if the scanner has been moved around. Muck tends to accumulate against the bottom of the glass. Same story for the glass in the transparency adapter/lid. Disassembly is straightforward, so no worries about it.

Btw, I prefer Epson Scan myself. It's straightforward. Only tested up to Win10 here, but I'd certainly give it a try on 11 - there's a good chance it'll work.

Hey, i looked more closely and the underside of the glass, as well as the glass jn th le kid, is pretty dirty as well. Any guidance on taking things apart for cleaning?

 

[Jimi3]

I'm on the same boat. Haven't used the 4990 in like 15 years but want to use it now. Looks like I might have to buy vuescan too

Yeah, I paid $99 for vuescan - I think the Pro version is necessary for scanning negs - but it works quite well and easily…..

 

[koraks]

Any guidance on taking things apart for cleaning?

Just take off the lid, remove the 6 (if memory serves) screws and take the top side off. It's straightforward really; there are no difficult steps involved or connectors to be released etc. The glass in the lid van be removed in a similar way.

 

[warpath]

Yeah, I paid $99 for vuescan - I think the Pro version is necessary for scanning negs - but it works quite well and easily…..

yay, more money to spend haha

 

[dabsond]

I just picked up a 4870 for scanning 4x5s. I could not download a driver from the US Epson site for windows 11. Google results led me to the EU Epson site where drivers were listed. Downloaded, installed and all works well now in windows 11.

 

[Larryc001]

Hey, i looked more closely and the underside of the glass, as well as the glass jn th le kid, is pretty dirty as well. Any guidance on taking things apart for cleaning?

Here goes:

Lomography - Cleaning the Internal Glass of an Epson Scanner

Looking for a way to clean your trusty scanner? Let Community Member @simonh82 show you how it's done with this nifty tutorial!

www.lomography.com

Have fun.