Railfan Technology > Recommendations for a Photo Scanner

I currently have an Epson Perfection V 500 [flatbed] photo scanner, whose operation isn't compatible with my MAC's Catalina OS.  Although I have a manufacturer suggested fix for it, it is nothing like the original operation of the V 500.  Although it copies documents well enough, it really doesn't like negatives (which remain negatives) or color positives, i.e., slides, of which I have many.  What's available that will do a good job scanning slides (in mounts) primarily to upload to Trainorders.com and which won't cost a prince's ransom?

Rather than blame the scanner, blame Epson for a lousy program/driver they haven't kept up to date.

You might want to download Vuescan to replace the Epson software.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the results! (note: I am a Vuescan customer and have not had any other relationship with that company)

You're absolutely right, Epson no longer supports that scanner.  I'll check out Vuescan shortly.  Thx!

Lots of good recommendations for VueScan. My approach was to use an old Windows Vista Laptop, that I keep off the Internet, and use the stock Epson software with my V500, seems to scan just fine. When I tranfer files I turn the modem off, then turn the Wi-Fi on and transfer to the W10 machine. Any clean up or post processing is on the W10 machine, not in the scan S/W. I guess I'm just getting my money's worth.

Can't way enough good things about Vuescan.  Been using it for years with all my scanners (Epson, Nikon, HP, etc.).

JBWX

For slides and negatives I've been using a Plustek scanner for several years.  Simple to use, sturdy slide and negative holders and easy to use software.  Got it through B&H in NY at a good price.