Epson Expression 12000XL Photo Scanner

This large format flatbed scanner is a pro-level tool for a variety of scanning tasks.

- George Schaub

THINK OF A SCANNER AS AN ARCHIVIST and a digital recording device for both prints and film images. Next think of a scanner as a kind of large format copying device and even a camera. Now put those together and you’ll get an idea of what Epson’s new 12000XL scanner has to offer. Capable of scanning images and objects up to 12.2x17.2 inches and batch scanning up to 30 (35mm) slides at a time, the Epson 12000XL is a pro-level tool that handles the “traditional” scanning tasks with ease and efficiency and opens the door to new forms of expression for artists and photographers alike.

FOOTPRINT AND SETUP 

Luckily I do my computer and image processing on a large farm table in my studio: this allowed me to make enough space for the unit’s 18x25-inch footprint. The scanner comes in two “parts,” a scanning module and a transparency unit, used for film and transparent images. Those working solo should have a hand truck handy should the entire package be delivered to their door. Also included are two sets of film holders for slides and negatives (35mm, medium format, and 4x5), a positioning bar for proper placement of film holders, and Laser Soft’s Silver Fast Ai software and IT8 targets (about $485 retail).

While physical setup instructions came in the package, full instructions and the Epson Scan 2 and Silver Fast software must be downloaded from the Epson and Laser Soft websites, which is a good thing,as that way you’ll get the most recent software updates on both. Setup is easy: you place the scanning module down first, then lift and insert the transparency unit onto it via two long pins on the scanning base, download the software, follow the instructions and you’re set.