PS 7 "Layers" not available for TIFF files created

[Jim]

Windows XP on Dell Inspiron 8100
Polaroid Sprintscan 120 with updated firmware and PolaColor software
Firewire Connection
PhotoShop 7
SilverFast Ai and HDR v. 6 update, installed as plug-in
Epson 2200 printer

I have noticed that PS7 Layers menu (greyed out) and dialogue box are disabled when opening Tiff files created from saved images scanned using SF.

I checked other TIFF files converted from Canon EOS D30 RAW (CRW) files, and also TIFF files created from scanning transparencies with my Epson 2450 and twain driver. Layers is functional when they are opened into PS.

Anyone have any ideas about why SF scans saved as TIFFs cause Layers to be disabled in PS7? I'm fairly new to the digital darkroom, but I'm concerned for future photo-editing not to have this feature available for my TIFF files, since I'll be using the SS 120 and SF for the great majority of my scans. In all other regards, I have experienced no problems with the software, and the scans are superb.

Thanks,

Jim

[LSI_Flyvbjerg]

Dear Jim.

You are possibly scanning 16 bit images (16 for gray, 48 for RGB color). PhotShop 6, which I?m using, grayes out the layers menu for 16-bit images.

Eric.

[Jim]

Eric,

You are correct. SF scanning at 48 for RGB does in fact result in the unavailability of the Layers feature for TIFF files in PS7. I tried the lower scan setting and the resulting TIFF files can be edited in Layers.
Thanks for the tip.

Jim