SilverFast Multi-Exposure - 16 bit Grayscale Scanning

[agripix]

Hello:

First, I'm a long time user and fan of SilverFast. Very happy with the product. Currently I use Ai v6.6 2r4. Epson V750 Pro. Intel Mac OS-X 10.6.6 CS4 LR3

My work is almost all monochrome MF and LF negatives, which I normally scan 100% 16 bit grayscale to 3200lpi 4800dpi for so-called 'fine art' BW prints, or for enlarged negatives for alternative processing. I have all the auto functions turned off. I usually check the histogram for clipping and then do 2 or 4 passes. Always, very nice results. Sometimes I scan to 48 bit color, but mainly the files are too big for what I need.

My questions are:

First: I got the emailed newsletter about the new Multi Exposure version. What exactly will this version do for me, over and above what my program does now. Are you saying that scanning Grayscale it will still make extra scans to get into the shadow details and produce a merged result?
Second: I also scan my own alternative process printed step tablets (ziatype, pt/pd, etc) so that I can then measure densities, adjust curves, and create new profiles for my printer. I would need a straight scan, and not an adjusted (multiple) one. Can I turn the multiple scan OFF?

Thanks,

Colin

[LSI_Moeller]

Dear Colin,

that is right. Multi Exposure will increase the dynamic range in your images.
You can switch it off when you want.

Best regards
Artur Möller

[agripix]

Thank you, Artur.

Good. The ability to switch off multi scan is critical for me.

So, for monochrome there may also be benefits allowing a slightly different approach to setting exposures and for getting shadow detail without clipping highlights (via the scan histogram). Maybe, also, this will modify the placement of zones for exposure, and even the modification of development times N- N and N+. All to be considered even before getting near a scanner ! Interesting.

Apart from multi exposure, are there other changes which will make life easier for film addicts specializing in black and white photography?

Have you added any film profiles, Fuji Acros, as one example.

Best wishes.

Greets,

Colin

[LSI_Moeller]

Dear Colin,

SC2G is another tool to make your grayscale scans better. You can read more about this here:
http://blog.silverfast.com/sc2g%C2%AE-s ... y/#more-67

Fuji Acros is not added yet, but I will make a suggestion to do so.

Best regards
Artur Möller

[agripix]

Thank you, Artur.

I look forward to more Silverfast innovations.

Regards,

Colin