WIX Archives

Re: Photo Scanning Practice

Posted by Neil Medcalf on Wed Apr 16, 2003 12:13:09 PM

In reply top Photo Scanning Practice posted by Mike Henniger on Wed Apr 16, 2003 07:23:14 AM

Mike- This is my own personal views based upon my 16 years working as a darkroom tech.
First scan at the highest resolution possible every time. The scanner at work scans at 5000 dpi off of the negs and slides. This works out to 300 dpi on the prints, depending on the print size selected.
Second make sure everything is extremely clean! Invest in some neg cleaner from the local darkroom store. Also pick up a source of clean air (canned, use upright to avoid deposits), and a soft brush and a box of Q tips.( cotton swabs).
Third- Balance out your computer monitor! You'd be surprized at how many people have just plugged it in and haven't balance it out! Pay particular attention to density!
Most are far too bright!
Fourth-Do as little corrections as possible. Photoshop 7 is a great program. We use it at work to do restorations on. However, try to just do cleanup work on it and don't overcorrect for density and colour. Pay particular attention to contrast. As a slide will have more contrast than a negative.
Finnaly- the subject of film grain.-
The higher the film speed, the more the grain will show in the neg or slide. Always use the slowest film speed possible when taking photos for this reason. The reason its a problem when scanning negs and slides is the fact that scanning technology has surpassed film technology as to resolution. The scanners are picking out the grain in the film. As most of your photos are older, you can't do much about the use of higher film speeds. However "despeclking" is Photoshop will help to reduce the effects.

I took a look at the scans you posted and I feel the orignial scans without corrections from the neg look the best for colour and density and contrast. It may be dusty but it looks the best. Keep trying and have fun.

Neil Medcalf




: I have asked Ron Olsen if he can take a look at some scans
: I have done and critique them for me. If there is anyone
: else with some experience in scanning prints, negative an
: d slides I wouldn't mind if I heard from you as well. The
: pictures are posted on...
:
: http://cards.webshots.com/cp-52247737-nYya-album/69756702B
: YMlwz
:
: I scanned the print and negative of a picture of a Mig 17
: I took at the Quinte (Trenton) Air Show in 1999. The nega
: tive scan quality is so poor I didn't bother to clean away
: the dust and rescan. The print scan quality is not bad.
: There is also a slide scan of the DC-3 at the RCAF Memori
: al Museum (the home of the Halifax). It looks like the sl
: ide scan produces the best quality picture.
:
: Any constructive comments anyone?
:
: Mike

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