FUJI NPH color negative Problems

[loganross]

I am experiencing the same difficulty that others have experienced, which is the significant the distortion of images (color washed out/blown highlights/color casts) when scanning FUJI NPH medium format film with Negafix. For example, satin loses its sheen.

My biggest concern is that the problems are not consistent from frame to frame. The fact that the the problems are not consistent means that it has been tough to create a solution that will work consistently. I find that I have to create a new custom profile for each frame. Even then, I am unable to get the color to appear natural.

I know that I can generate excellent pictures from these negatives because I have the proofs that were generated when the film was originally processed which i use as a frame of reference. In addition, prints scan excellently and 35mm slides scan reasonably well


Setup:
Silverfast Ai Studio (latest version)
Epson 4990 Scanner
Windows PC w/ fully calibrated monitor (using SPYDER)
Colorspace (i have tried Ektaspace and Adobe RGB)
Fully color managed workflow
FILM: Fuji NPH 400 (medium format - originally shot/developed 2001)

PS, each frame sleeve indicates the exposure as well as an analysis. Can this info be used to improve results?


Thanks in advance for your help!!! To comply with LaserSoft protocol, I have also submitted this question through the lasersoft support request form.

[RAG]

loganross,

degrub made a recommendation for someone else having difficulty with color quality in the forum to try using the LAB color space. It might be worth a try while you are waiting to hear from technical support.

[loganross]

Thank you. It has been several days and I have heard nothing yet. What is frustrating is that I am getting much better results with Epson Scan. Whatever Negafiz does, even with the generic profile, degrades the scan quality. That is why I am hoping that LaserSoft or anyone will respond to my request to determine if and how to resolve the problem.

[RAG]

Have you tried using the same profile that Epson Scan is using in SilverFast? I had done some comparison scans and found that Epson Scan seemed to require less adjusting, so I changed the profile in SilverFast to match Epson Scan and the results are way better.

[loganross]

Hi, Reflective is currently set to use the epson (not SF) profile provided with silverfast. This is different from "Epson Standard" which is what epson scan uses. Should I try "Epson standard"? Also, I thought that the scanner profile was not used when working with negatives?

Thanks

[RAG]

Take a look at the screen capture below and you will see there is a setting for reflective and one (highlighted in the red box) for transparencies.
<img src="/img/forum/sf_icm.gif">

[loganross]

Hi, I do not use the one beginning with "sf". I use the EPSON4990 T.

I want you to know that I appreciate your help. I have pretty much given up on using silverfast for color negatives.

I am VERY VERY dissappointed in LaserSoft as I requested assistance over 1 week ago with no response. Because I paid $160.00 to upgrade the version that came with my scanner, its even more dissappointing that I cannot use the SW for the sole purpose for which I bought it.

Thank you again for your help. I will post a pic once I give it a shot.

[RAG]

Don't give up just yet. Remember this is the Holiday Season, so they probably have time off until the New Year. They will probably respond in the first week of the year.

Have a Happy New Year!