Scanning 101 Getting the Best Digital Files from

Mark Fitzgerald

Scanning 101

Getting the Best Digital Files from Your Negatives and Slides

Mark@DDRoom.com ~ (503) 977-2400

© 2021 Mark Fitzgerald

Basic Meeting Controls

Your microphone is off by default when you join the meeting. You can turn on your video camera if you like (if you have one) but please leave your microphone muted.

After the meeting begins, you can press and hold the space bar to temporarily unmute your microphone to ask questions and make comments.

Locating Zoom

If for some reason you lose track of our meeting on your screen, go to the dock bar at the bottom of your screen where apps are shown and click the Zoom icon.

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This Class is Being Recorded

I will email the class video link by Monday

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Mark Fitzgerald

Scanning 101

Getting the Best Digital Files from Your Negatives and Slides

Mark@DDRoom.com ~ (503) 977-2400

© 2021 Mark Fitzgerald

This class is sponsored by Pro Photo Supply

© 2021 Mark Fitzgerald 7

1. Basic Concepts

2. Scanners and Scanning Gear 3. Automating LrC Importing 4. Scanning Software

5. Scanning with a Camera 6. SilverFast Giveaway!

Today’s Agenda

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Basic

Concepts

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! Dmax – A measurement of the darkest area, highest density that can be recorded by the scanner.

! Dmin – the lowest density that can be recorded by scanner.

! Dynamic Range is a measurement of a scanner’s ability to capture tonal detail from the lightest to the darkest. It’s the difference between Dmax and Dmin. Measured on a scale of 0-4.

! Epson V-series scanners have a Dmax of 4.0 and Plustek 8200i is 3.9. Nikon Coolscan 8000 has Dmax of 4.2, however

manufacturers often use different methodology to arrive at these numbers.

! Higher numbers equal increased ability to record greater shadow and highlight detail.

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Dynamic Range

! Bit depth describes how many color values per channel.

! You typically have the option to scan at either 8-bit or 16-bit.

These are also called 24-bit color (8-bit) and 48-bit color (16-bit).

! 8-bit per channel = 256 distinct tones per color channel. (Red, green and blue). Also called 24-bit color.

! 16-bit per channel = 65536 distinct tones per color channel. Also called 48-bit color.

! 16-bit files have much more tonal and color information which is useful when editing during postproduction. However, a 16-bit file is twice the size when saved as an 8-bit file.

! More bits also equals greater dynamic range.

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Understanding Bit Depth

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! Most scanners use CCD sensors (Charge Coupled Device) that is like a sensor on a camera. These scanners also have an optical lens, much like camera lens, and a system of mirrors to focus the image onto the CCD sensor.

! Resolution is a measure of how much information is recorded by the scanner. Higher resolution = more pixels.

! The dimensions of a digital photo is measured in pixels. For example, 403 x 272 is 403px wide and 272px high. The more pixels, the larger you can print the photo.

! Before making a scan, it’s important to select the best resolution for your needs. This is especially true when scanning film.

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Understanding Resolution

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How Much Resolution Do You Need?

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Format Size in MM Size in Inches

35mm 24x36mm .94x1.4

645 56x42mm 2.2x1.7

6x6 56x56mm 1.7x1.7

6x7 56x67mm 1.7x2.6

4x5 102x127 4x5

! If I scan 35mm film at 300ppi and the printer I use prints at 300ppi, my print will be the same size as the 35mm film (0.94 x 1.4 inches; 282 x 420 ppi). If I want a larger print, I need higher scanning resolution.

Standard film sizes scanned at 300ppi

35mm Resolution, Size & Dimensions

Scanning Resolution

8-Bit TIFF File Size

Pixel Dimensions

Print Size at 300ppi

Size Ratio

300ppi 550 KB 403 x 272 1.4 x .9 1:1

600ppi 1.48 MB 806 x 455 2.7 x 1.5 2:1

1200ppi 5.26 MB 1612 x 1089 5.4 x 3.6 4:1

2400ppi 20.33 MB 3223 x 2178 10.7 x 7.3 8:1

4800ppi 85.14 MB 6447 x 4357 21.5 x 14.5 16:1

6400ppi 147.65 MB 8596 x 5809 29 x 19.4 21:1

12800ppi 575.7 MB 17152 x 9728 57.2 x 32.4 43:1

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645 Resolution & File Dimensions

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Scanning Resolution

8-Bit TIFF File Size

Pixel Dimensions

Print Size at 300ppi

Size Ratio

300ppi 963 KB 664 x 486 2.2 x 1.7 1:1

600ppi 3.72 MB 1328x973 4.4 x 3.4 2:1

1200ppi 14.81 MB 2657 x 1945 8.9 x 6.8 4:1

2400ppi 63.4 MB 5113 x 3891 17 x 13 8:1

4800ppi 240.9 MB 10627 x 7782 35.4 x 26 16:1

6400ppi 424.9 MB 13944 x 10206 46.48 x 34 21:1 12800ppi 1.65 GB 28552 x 20898 95.2 x 69.7 43:1

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! Most scanners offer Optical and Interpolated resolution.

! Optical resolution refers to the actual number of pixels read by the scanner’s CCD sensor. It is a truer measurement of a

scanner’s capability.

! Interpolation: Scanners use software to increase the resolution beyond what the scanner is able to produce via hardware. For example, the maximum optical resolution on some Epson scanners 6400ppi but they offer interpolation up to 12,800ppi.

! Interpolation is similar to increasing the resolution of a digital file with Photoshop or other editing programs. Because of that it is recommended to avoid scanner interpolation and use

postprocessing to increase size instead of scanner software.

Optical vs Interpolated Resolution

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! File size is the size of the saved file, such as 30 Mb or 100 Mb.

! Resolution: Resolution has the biggest impact on file size.

Higher resolution = more pixels, which = larger files.

! Bit Depth: 16-bit files are twice as bit as 8-bit files when saved.

! File Format: JPEG files are smaller than TIFF but if you are serious about your scanning, you will always use TIFF unless you’re just doing a quick scan.

! When scanning consider intended usage. Even if you need a small file now, will you want a bigger file down the road? If so, will you want to rescan for the larger size then?

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Factors That Affect File Size

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Scanners &

Scanning Gear

! Film Scanner: Uses transmitted light that passes through the film and is recorded on a moving sensor.

" 35mm film scanner works for users who shoot only 35mm.

" Medium format (and 35mm) scanners tend to have higher resolution, speed and greater dynamic range.

! Flatbed Scanner: With transparency unit can scan prints, 35mm, medium format and large format film (4x5 or larger).

! Professional Drum scanner: (Heidelberg tango) – Drum scanners produce very high quality. Cost anywhere from

$20,000 - $75,000. They can be slow and messy due to oil mounting. Require a steep learning curve.

! Virtual drum scanner: Imacon Flextight which is now called Hasselblad Flextight is $15k – $25k.

Types of Film Scanners

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! Cotton Gloves: Use these to prevent acids in your skin from coming in contact with film, which can damage it.

! Air blower: Best to avoid canned compressed air due to propellants that can get sprayed onto film. Use manual blower like the rocket or a

rechargeable blower.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08865VFTF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_se arch_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

! Liquid Film Cleaner and Photo Wipes: To remove the more difficult residue. Pec 12 & Pec Pads. https://photosol.com/products/

! Antistatic brush: Kinetronics StaticWisk to wipe dust off.

https://www.kinetronics.com/product/hand-held-anti-static-brush-1-25/

! Loupe: A loupe or other small magnifier.

! Light Box or Light Pad: This is a handy accessory that makes it easier to view film with a loupe.

! Scanner dust cover: Dust is the enemy of a good scan.

https://www.digitaldeckcovers.com/ (They also sell printer covers.)

Scanning Accessories

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! Removing dust before you scan saves lots of time removing dust in postproduction.

! Keep the scanner covered when not is use and keep the work area clean.

! Store film carriers in a dust free environment. Anti-static bags are best if you can find the right size.

! Clean the scanner glass on flatbed scanners. Use air blower and follow manufacturer’s directions if using any liquid cleaner.

You cannot clean the glass on dedicated film scanners.

! Clean the film with compressed air or liquid film cleaner.

! Use the scanning software infrared dust removal if available.

This can make a tremendous difference.

Busting Dust

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! Check the Frame Risers on film holders if they have them.

You may need to make some test scans to determine correct setting. On Epson V-series position #2 is a good place to start your test.

! Determine which side of the film is the emulsion and follow instructions for which direction the emulsion should face.

! Treat them with care because most are fragile plastic.

! Fluid mounting: Epson has a fluid mount accessory for some of its high-end scanners. It can help get the best quality from the scanner but it is time consuming and can be messy. Here’s an article that discusses scans using fluid mounting.

https://www.timlaytonfineart.com/blog/2015/5/wet-mount- scanning-vs-dry-mount-with-epson-v750-scanner

Film Holders

! Use a software like i1 Profiler to scan a calibration target.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT3xfhI6xbI&t=127s

! Scan a common target like a IT8 that has known values. IT8 targets can be transparent for different film types or reflective of different paper types. (Kodachrome targets are not available).

! Scan the target with all color management and other adjustments turned off.

! Clean up any major dust on the target scan.

! Use the profiling software to create the profile.

! The new profile should be applied by the scanner automatically.

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Scanner Calibration & Profiling

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! Scanning technology hasn’t really made broad advancements like digital cameras have over the last two decades.

! Some older dedicated film scanners, such as the Nikon Coolscan series can still produce outstanding results.

! In most cases you will need to find new scanning software because older apps won’t run on modern operating systems.

! If you need to purchase adapters to connect the scanner, use quality adapters. If you try an adapter (or cable) that doesn’t work, consider trying another from a different manufacturer before giving up.

Connecting An Older Scanner

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! Clean the film with compressed air - and liquid cleaner if needed.

! Use compressed air to blow dust off the scanning glass (top and bottom) and film holder.

! Load the film holder: Pay attention to emulsion of film. It’s usually the dull side of the film. The shiny side is the film base.

" Right-reading has the emulsion away from you.

Backward reading is emulsion facing you.

" Film carriers are often marked to tell you which way the emulsion should face

Preparing to Scan

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Automating

LrC Import

! If you are a Lightroom Classic user, you can take advantage of the Auto Import feature to automate importing of scans.

1. Create a folder named “Scans Temp” on your desktop or other location.

2. Setup the scanning software to save all scans to this folder.

3. Configure and turn on Lightroom Classic’s auto import.

(See next slide.)

4. Make sure Lightroom Classic is open before scanning.

Automating LRC for Scanning

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1. In LrC go to File > Auto Import > Auto Import Settings.

2. In the Auto Import Settings dialog check the box at the top to Enable Auto Import.

3. Use the first Choose button to select the Scan Temp folder you setup on the previous slide.

4. In the Move To section, select where you want the scans to be saved. I direct it to my main photos folder. Then create a Subfolder name called Scans.

5. Add any other settings, such as file naming and keywords. I usually rename the scans later but I do like to add the keyword

“Scan” when scanning.

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LRC Auto Import

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Scanning Software

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! The three main options are:

" Epson Scan – Comes with Epson scanners. The current version is Epson Scan 2. Be aware that most online help will feature screenshots of the previous version.

" VueScan – Third party company that supports over 6000 scanners. Great for people who have older scanners without usable software. https://www.hamrick.com/

" SilverFast – Another third party company that provides powerful scanning software for most scanners. It is

necessary to purchase a license for each scanner you use.

There are different packages with various features that range in price. The latest version is SilverFast 9.

https://www.silverfast.com/silverfast9/

Scanning Software Overview

! Document Source: For scanning film in a film holder choose Transparency Unit. For scanning film w/out a holder, choose Transparency Unit with Film Guides.

! Document Type: Choose the type of film you are scanning: Color negative, color positive or B&W.

! Image Type: Choose 24-bit Color for 8-bit or 48-bit Color for 16-bit file.

! Resolution: Choose the optimal resolution based on film size and intended usage.

! Scanning Quality: Choose High.

! Color Management: Click the Color tab and select ICM (Windows) or ColorSync (Mac). Select EPSON Standard for Source (Scanner). If you created a custom ICC profile, select it as the Source setting. Set Target to AdobeRGB.

! Thumbnail Options: Choose your most common medium format size.

Epson Scan 2 Main Settings

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! Image Format: Choose TIFF

! File Name: Use the Settings menu to modify how files are named or let them get renamed on import into Lightroom Classic.

! Folder: Choose the temporary folder you setup in Lightroom Classic’s auto import settings.

! Configuration settings (gear icon at the bottom-left) can be used to modify basic Epson Scan 2 preferences if needed.

Epson Scan 2 Additional Settings

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! Brightness, Contrast, Saturation: Use these if you need to make large adjustments. It’s best to do the fine tuning with LrC or PS after the scan. The same goes for Detailed Adjustments.

! Unsharp Mask: It’s usually a good idea to add a bit of sharpening when scanning. Choose Low and then evaluate your scans.

! Color Restoration: Used for aged, faded film.

! Backlight Correction: Used for photos that weren’t exposed correctly – where the subject is dark and the background is light.

! Dust Removal: Used to automatically detect and remove dust.

Can sometimes have a negative effect on sharpness.

! Grain Reduction: Higher settings make focus softer.

! Digital ICE: Advanced hardware driven dust removal. Choose Quality or Speed. Does not work on B&W and Kodachrome so be sure to turn it off for those or you will get unwanted artifacts.

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Epson Scan 2 Advanced Settings

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1. After configuring Main, Advanced, and other settings – click the Preview button to do a quick preview of the film in the film holder.

2. Click and drag to draw a marquee around the frame you wish to scan.

3. Click the Zoom button to isolate the selected frame.

4. Adjust the marquee if needed.

5. Click the Auto button to apply automatic color and tone correction.

6. Make any adjustments to Advanced Brightness setting if needed.

7. Click the Scan button to initiate the scan.

Making the Scan – Epson Scan

! Most scanning software provides the ability to scan multiple slides/negatives at one time.

! Typically you need to select and adjust each slide/negative before batch scanning to get the best results.

! Batch Scanning in Epson Scan 2

1. Click the Thumbnail box at the top.

2. Click the Select all button to select all slides/negatives.

3. Click the Auto button to apply auto adjustments to all selected thumbnails.

4. Hover over a thumbnail and click the ”X” to deselect it.

5. Make any other adjustments to individual thumbnails and then click the Scan button.

Batch Scanning

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! VueScan comes in Standard and Professional editions. To scan film, you need the Professional edition.

! Use the Option menu at the top to select Professional Mode.

Then use the tabs at the top to modify settings.

! Input tab: Choose basic settings such as mode, media, bit depth, scan resolution, file type, and saving location.

! Crop tab: Use Multi crop to help when you plan to scan several negatives at the same time, such as slides or strips of film.

! Filter tab: Dust removal, restoration, grain and sharpen options.

" Infrared clean: Use the IR channel to remove dust. Most scanner app dust removal works with the IR channel.

VueScan Settings Overview

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! Color tab: Choose film type and color space settings.

" Color balance menu: Choose Auto levels. This way auto

adjustments take place when you add a marquee. (Choose Manual to take control of color, which can be a bit clunky.)

" Don’t adjust Black point, White point, Curve or Brightness unless you really need to.

" Negative vendor, brand & type: Choose settings appropriate to the film you are scanning.

" Scanner color space: Choose ICC Profile if you profiled the scanner.

" Output color space: Choose Adobe RGB or ProPhotoRGB.

! Output tab: Choose save location, file type, and file naming.

! TIFF DNG format: This option uses metadata to store scanner information that can be used to re-edit the scan in VueScan. I personally don’t find it useful.

VueScan Settings Overview (2)

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! Comes in multiple versions that are purchased for specific scanners.

! The most advanced scanning software I have used, and the most complicated because of that.

! Workflow Pilot helps to simplify the process.

! Uses a 48 to 24-bit system to scan in 48-bit and convert to 24- bit to reduce file size.

! ISRD: Infrared dust and scratch removal.

! SRDx: Dust and scratch removal w/out IR. This is useful for scanners that don’t have an IR channel and for scanning B&W and Kodachrome.

! A really useful video on using SilverFast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07BEgO6gW_A&t=933s

SilverFast

! Grain: Can be a problem when scanning. If you used grain reduction in the scanning software but still have significant grain, try using LRC’s Noise Reduction in the Detail panel.

! Dust removal: If dust is minor, use the Spot Removal brush in LrC. If it’s a bigger problem, it can be easier to use Photoshop’s Spot Healing Brush.

! Developing: Processing slides is straightforward. Adjust to either match the slide or improve on it’s tone and/or color. With negatives you don’t have a true reference so adjust the scans to look their best.

! Sharpening: Due to grain you need to be careful when sharpening. When using LRC’s Detail panel to improve

sharpness, be sure to use the Masking slider to limit the amount of sharpening that is applied to smaller details.

Postprocessing Considerations

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Scanning with a Camera

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! A good quality digital camera, preferably full frame.

! A quality macro/micro lens with good edge-to-edge sharpness.

Avoid using adapters and extension tubes.

! A light source with a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 90+ is preferred. https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/suggested- backlight-sources-for-scanning-film-with-dslr/130

! Copy stand or tripod. If using a tripod it’s useful to rotate the center column 90 degrees.

! Film holders that hold the film flat and elevate it off of the light source.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEzP8AynPos

Scanning Negatives – What You Need

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! Just like when using a scanner, a film holder is necessary to keep the film flat and in position.

! There are many options for film carriers, from enlarger negative carriers to more sophisticated carriers designed for scanning.

! Pixl-latr: https://www.pixl-latr.com/

! Digital Liza: https://shop.lomography.com/en/digitaliza-35mm- scanning-mask?country=us

! Essential Film Holder: https://clifforth.co.uk/

! Negative Supply Shop: A range of film holders and other useful items. https://www.negative.supply/shop

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Negative Film Holders

! Use live view on your camera, if it has that feature, to help with focus (which is critical with macro lenses). If your camera has focus peaking, use it to assist with accurate focus.

! Level the camera with the negative carrier. Here’s a cool method for doing that:

https://forums.negativelabpro.com/t/how-to-adjust-for-low- distortion/1676?u=nate

! Turn off room lights and mask off stray light from the light source to avoid unwanted flare.

! Use a remote shutter release or shutter delay timer to reduce any vibration.

! Shoot tethered to LrC to automate importing or import the card in the usual way.

Basic Setup

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! Use a lens hood to reduce flare and remove all filters, such as UV to reduce reflections.

! Shoot with your highest quality raw file format.

! Use low ISO, such as 100, or whatever your camera’s base ISO is.

! Use manual setting on camera with aperture set to f/8. This should offer maximum lens sharpness and minimize vignetting.

! Manually focus on each negative. Focus peaking is useful to see where the camera is focusing.

! When scanning negatives, set the shutter speed to 1-stop higher than what is indicated by the meter. This provides a bit more data when editing during postproduction.

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Camera Setup

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! One of the problems with scanning color negatives with a camera is the process of converting to a positive and getting accurate color. (Different film types have different base colors.)

! NLP is a plugin for Lightroom that has presets for many types of film. If you are scanning film with a camera, this plugin will make it much easier to get consistent results.

https://www.negativelabpro.com/

! NLP has presets that emulate professional scanners. It has non- destructive editing tools that interface with LrC.

! Make large adjustments with NLP and then save the file as a TIFF. Then you can add finishing touches with LrC.

! NLP adds its own film specific metadata - which is cool.

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Negative Lab Pro

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! If you want quick scans of 35mm slides you can use a simple slide duplicator that attaches to the front of your macro/micro lens. Some of these will let you scan 35mm negatives too.

! Nikon duplicator: https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon- products/product/miscellaneous/27192/es-2-film-digitizing- adapter-set.html

! Check the filter size of your lens (diameter). You may need to order a step up/down ring adapter to get the duplicator to fit.

! When using this setup, you don’t necessarily need a lightbox.

You just need a consistent light source. Balanced to daylight is best but not necessary.

! Dust can be a problem so work in a dust-free area is possible.

Duplicating 35mm Slides

! 2020 Film Scanner Roundup:

https://www.adorama.com/alc/best-film-scanners-for- photographers/

Additional Resources

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SilverFast AI Studio 9 Giveaway!

Screen Recording Off

https://www.silverfast.com/show/silverfast-archive-suite/en.html

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Archive Suite is SilverFast Ai Studio 9 and SilverFast HDR Studio 9

Value = $399

Final

Thoughts

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