connecting hp Scanjet 4050 to Mac

If this is the ScanJet G4050 model, then you can use the paid, 64-bit VueScan Professional which requires no HP drivers or Apple software support. You can trial the VueScan Professional software to see if it suits your needs.

I purchased VueScan Professional in 2010 to support what was then, an unsupported Canon scanner. Without paying any VueScan upgrade fee, the current VueScan allows me to continue using this scanner on my M1 mini running macOS 11.5.2. I receive no benefits from the VueScan vendor for mentioning their product here.

A USB cable is your best option and then use Image Capture Scan images in Image Capture on Mac to scan your images.

If you own a new Mac that does not have an old style USB port on the back of your iMac then you will need an adapter. You can also use a dock such as a https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks/owc-thunderbolt-3-dock.