How can I keep using an Epson V500 for multi-format film scanning on macOS Big Sur?
Asked 4/28/2021
5 views
2 answers
0
I’m upgrading from an older Mac and found that my Epson V500 no longer works under macOS Big Sur with Epson’s current software. I scan several film formats, including 110, 16mm, half-frame 35mm, 35mm, 120, and 6x10, so I’m trying to avoid buying an expensive dedicated scanner if possible. Are there practical Big Sur-compatible options or workarounds for continuing to scan a range of film formats with this setup?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
7
Just so this isn't an 'answer in a comment'
Before you give up, try VueScan - specifically reverse-engineered older drivers to run on Big Sur. I haven't used it myself, but a lot of people have been talking about it this past year - https://www.hamrick.com
Originally by user57929. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user57929
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Before replacing the scanner, try a workaround. The most directly suggested option is VueScan, which is widely used to keep older scanners working on newer macOS versions by using its own driver support. That may let you continue using the Epson V500 on Big Sur even if Epson Scan no longer works.
If that fails, the practical alternatives from the community are to keep the V500 on an older supported system:
- dedicate your old Mac to scanning and share files over your network, or
- boot your newer Mac from an external drive running an older macOS version that still supports the scanner.
Both approaches let you keep your current scanner and workflow for multiple film formats without immediately buying new hardware.
Based on the answers provided, no specific new Big Sur-compatible consumer scanner model was identified. So the strongest recommendation is to try VueScan first, then fall back to using an older macOS environment for scanning.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI5y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
What scanner works well for 35mm half-frame negatives from an Olympus Pen-D?
Why does my Epson scanner overexpose cross-processed E-6 film, and how should I scan it?
Can Epson Scan automatically split half-frame negatives on an Epson Perfection V500?
How can I scan 35mm film with sprocket holes on an Epson V500 without blue blotches?
Do I need to replace my Epson Perfection 2400 for scanning old photos and 5x7 prints?