Scanning and printing B&W 35mm negatives

[vsbrajsa]

I have many old 35mm B&W negatives. I would like to scan them and print them. I find that with the color negatives I get better results than with the B&W transparencies. Should I scan the B&W negatives in the color mode (24 bit) and print them also with the printer in the color mode? I have Epson Perfection 2450 scanner and an Epson 6 color photo printer. Please note that I am a beginner in digital photography. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
VSB

[LSI_Support]

Dear VBS,
I hope you set the software "Scan Mode" to 16-8bit Greyscale, which is the setting for b/w film material.
Also, please apply the Auto-correction function of SilverFast to your scan (SilverFast control window, second button from left)

[cbordian]

An article in Shutterbug suggested using the color mode first. The process involves scanning in color, positive, raw mode. Adjust the levels in Photoshop, then invert the image (from positive to negative, which actually gives you a positive image). Adjust the levels again, if desired. Then set the image mode to Greyscale.

I have been getting good results from B&W negatives using this method, but haven't done a direct comparison of the straight 16-8 bit negative scan to the above, much more elaborate, method.

[LSI_Belli]

You will also find some information at the topic "Tips & Tricks" of this forum. For example:

viewtopic.php?t=190

Good luck.

Thomas