You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Medium format negative scanner for Mac OS

I'm using an old Canon 8400 flatbed scanner with a somewhat old iMac and while the CanoScan sofware (always somewhat klunky) has lost some some functionality over the years as Mas OS been updated (I'm now on High Sierra), overall it works, and -- most importantly -- still scans medium-format negatives, which not a lot of scanners do. My mac is from 2013 and I expect to replace it in the next year or so, so I've been looking for a Mac-compatible scanner that handles medium-format negatives. The only thing that comes close in the under $500 category is the Epson V600 and V550, but on other sites I've seen many reviews from Mac users to steer clear because of long-standing Epson compatibility issues. Can anybody shed any light on this issue?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jul 10, 2020 2:06 PM

Reply
3 replies

Jul 10, 2020 2:17 PM in response to BPpark

Hi BPpark, yes, I use several scanners almost daily and I’m familiar with the Canon 8400. The issue with the Epson V600, V550 is that they flatbed scanners and are exceedingly slow compared to a dedicated slide/negative scanner. I use a Nikon Coolscan 4000/5000 for 35mm and a Nikon 9000 for medium format. I use an Epson 850 for 4x5 and larger film.


I don’t use the Epson software or Nikon software. I use Vuescan most of time of my scans and if it is really critical work or needs more extensive color correction/noise reduction etc I use Silverfast. Silverfast is pretty pricey so it may not be worth the expense for what you need to scan. If you more specific questions, I’d be happy to help.

Jul 10, 2020 5:29 PM in response to BPpark

An obvious question is how many negatives/slides do you have to scan? Another is what is your time worth? But, in answer to your question, Epson generally keeps their software/drivers up to date for their current products. I do a lot of scanning so Vuescan was a no brainer for me. It may not be worth the expense for you. There is not any compatibility issues I’m aware of. But if concerned, buy from a retailer that has a 30 day return policy. If a compatibility issue arises, return it.

Medium format negative scanner for Mac OS

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.