![]() Getting good reproduction of the light skin tones in a portrait is the crucial element. Landscapes and similar “hard” subjects are easier to scan to a file that prints well compared to portraits because the characteristic curves of the density ranges are so different. I also choose to scan both landscape and portrait black-and-white images because each is exposed and developed quite differently. Black and white tells me more about the scanner’s ability to reproduce fine detail and whether it is or is not prone to reproducing graininess in scanned images. I prefer to scan black-and-white film because it is inherently sharper with usually more distinct grain than either color negative or transparency film. So I did little with the Epson driver and moved on to SilverFast for a series of black-and-white film scans. Brooks, All Rights ReservedĪfter many years of working with Epson scanners using LaserSoft’s SilverFast software to run the scanners and adjust my scans, I must admit to being spoiled. I instead opt for the SilverFast solution.Īll Photos © 2010, David B. It looks simple but involves many obtuse options and settings that have never worked well from my experience. The Epson Scan scanning software (in Professional Mode) is much like it has been for many years now. My only reservation is that the Epson software is not effectively supportive of the hardware, particularly with carefully adjusted film scans, and that’s where the LaserSoft SilverFast software comes into play. In general, the resulting scan images are exceptionally fine and especially so for the modest $250 cost of this scanner. From my use of the V500, which I considered extraordinary for its cost, the V600 provides more refined scan image quality, better film support, and ease of handling. In addition to light effectiveness and efficiency, the quality of film scans is noticeably improved with the V600. (Bottom): Although the film holders look similar to the earlier V500, the design and construction has been refined, particularly the 120 medium format holder. In addition to the new advantages of LED scan light sources, the V600 supports 6400 ppi resolution and a 3.4 Dmax dynamic range. Frankly, looking at Pete's work, I don't think he did, either! Building contrast with the copy process was part of his technique.(Top): The new Epson Perfection V600 Photo is just a bit larger than the earlier V500, but contains a much better film scan operating system. Whether it worked or not, I never could decide. This lowered the dMax, and supposedly sensitized the film just enough to reveal more shadow detail. It "flashed" the film with a second, very dim white light exposure at the same time as the main copy exposure. Many folks, including famous photographer, Pete Turner, ( ) used Kodachrome 25 as copy film in a Bowens Illumitran IIIc, in part because the IIIc had a "contrast reduction" system. You still got some contrast build-up, but nothing like using standard slide film for copies. They worked fine with Ektachrome originals, but weirdly with Kodachrome. Those were essentially the same film, with different reciprocity characteristics. I used 5071 with an enlarger color head source, and SO-366 with a Bowens Illumitran IIIc. SO-366 (special order) was for electronic flash exposures of 1/300 and shorter. 5071 Ektachrome Duplicating Film was for tungsten-halogen light exposures of about one second. Never tried special slide duplicating filmīack in the 1970s and 1980s, Kodak made two low contrast Ektachrome emulsions specifically for slide duplication. In Pleistocene era doing film to film duplication with conventional film contrast build up was main problem BTW, I taught Photoshop and later Lightroom at the university level so I know a little bit about scanning. Fortunately, I scanned them on a 5400 Minolta, corrected them and they are fine. ![]() They were on Anscochrome and starting to turn magenta and now many are unrecognizable. I scanned my parents' wedding slides from 1955 about 15 years ago. ![]() Ask yourself if you want to scan hundreds of image at maybe a low quality and if you print them, will you be happy? Get it right the first time so you don't have to re-scan. Companies like ScanCafe will scan each slide on a disc or hard drive to send them to you, but they're only 10mb, far less than you could do with a Nikon scanner. Those dedicated scanners are 10 years out of production, but are often seen on e-bay and a company or two will still service the Nikon, which can be used with a batch scanner. I've done some on an Epson and they don't compare at all with what I've done on a Nikon 5000 or Minolta 5400. You might be disappointed with the quality of flatbed scans.
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