The distance from the glass surface of a flatbed scanner to where the film is supported can be critical. Some scanners models that have better 120 film holder like the current Epson V700 or V750 Pro or the Microtek i800 hold the film at a specific distance and the scanner when set to scan film focuses at that distance. In other words it would not be prudent to use a holder from one scanner on another as it could place the film outside and beyond the scanner's focus plane.

With some less expensive flatbed scanners that do not have a dual focus plane function, the best way to scan 120 film is to use drum scanning liquid mounting directly on the scanner glass. This does require some special care to limit the spread of the scanning fluid, as well as general care and precision, but it is a worthwhile trouble to endure like getting any air bubbles out if you want the best possible scan quality. You also have to invest in the special fluid, tape and cover mylar sheets to use the method. But the resulting scans are edge to edge sharp, cleaner, and better quality for the extra effort.

Thanks! Very very helpful. Do you - or does anyone - happen to know if the 4990 has the better holders? (I will look into using fluids as well.) By the way, I only have the 4490, which had been fine for its purpose, which was scanning old family snapshots.

The 4990 has the same holders as the 4870 had. You can't use the V series holders on the previous scanner models since the film suspension height changed from 1 mm to 3 mm.

Doug
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