Please help me decide

[DigiDurst]

Hello all

I've recently purchased an Epson 4870 for scanning MF and 4x5 negatives and transparencies. I'm not so impressed with Epson's software and have been using SilverFast SE. I like SilverFast so much better but need (at a minimum) 16bit output. So, am I correct that I would need to upgrade to at least the AI version? SE Plus wouldn't fit the bill would it?

Also, I'm having a hard time deciding between AI and AI Studio... Can someone offer advice in that area?

Thanks in advance!

[LSI_Leschke]

Hello !

Maybe you can elaborate a bit more as to for which purpose you intend on scanning the images (archiving/printing/web). Do these images need color restoration ? Is there dust or scratches on them ?

[DigiDurst]

Gee, I guess that information would help, wouldn't it!

I am scanning for prints, typically in the range of 11x14 and smaller. Some of the images might require a small amount of color balance work (like when you've shot with expired film and you get a slight color shift) but nothing to major in that department. As for dust and scratches, I try to keep my negs as clean as possible and they are archived in sealed binders so dust/scratches aren't a huge problem either.

Basically, I'm just trying to get the most out of my 4870.

By the way, I have another question... What about those IT8 targets? There seem to be alot of them to choose from and I haven't a clue! So start from the beginning and speak s-l-o-w-l-y!

Thank you!

[LSI_Leschke]

For 16 Bit color corrected output, and also for IT-8, you would need SilverFast AI. IT8 calibration is an optional on the AI version, and the upgrade includes one target.

IT8 calibration only applies to prints and slide film. In order to calibrate for prints, you need a reflective target. To calibrate slide film, you need a transparent target. We offer transparent targets made on Fuji Provia film, and on Kodak Ektachrome. If you scan Fuji film as well as Kodak, you can use the Fuji target. If you exclusively scan Kodak, you can use the Kodak target. If you want to scan Kodachrome, you will likely have to apply color corrections to the image that are beyond what IT8 can do (even if you'd get a Kodachrome IT8 target).

useful links to get more information about calibration:


http://www.computer-darkroom.com/sf5_contents.htm

https://www.silverfast.com/highlights/it8/en.html

[DigiDurst]

For 16 Bit color corrected output, and also for IT-8, you would need Silverfast AI. IT8 calibration is an optional on the AI version, and the upgrade includes one target.

So does IT8 calibration come with the AI Studio version? And would the [reflective] target would be included?

Also, based on your response, I think I would need the Fuji transparent target. What size? On the order page, I see options for 35mm, MF & 4x5.

Thank you so much for your help so far

[LSI_Leschke]

The reflective target is included. AI Studio does not include calibration for this scanner. The target size mostly depends on your scanner. With a flatbed scanner, you can use the 6x7 or 4x5 transparent target.