LaserSoft Imaging

I am trying to scan black and white negatives using a Microtek ArtixScan 4000tf and SilverFast AI V6.4.3r9. I am doing a 4000dpi high res scan for archival purposes. The film is Kodak 5062 PX. The scans are coming out VERY grainy and VERY poor quality. I have tried all kinds of different settings with no luck. Are there any "magic" settings for this combination?? I have had good luck with doing color scanning on this setup, but the b/w isn't working. Can anyone PLEASE HELP??


Thanks!

djohnson

djohnson,

If you are selecting black and white for your scans try using 48-bit Color. This will give you two additional channels of image information. In addition try using the Gain filter to smooth the images.

yes - as RAG says - use the 48 color all the time and disaturate it if u want pure grey.
whatch for the sharpening mask - make sure it is not wilde. u hae preview there. dont use the auto settings, surely not with the b/w films. here is the setting for b/w sharpening that i use as an example. but watch the movie of sharpening or read the relevant chapters to see how well u can control it.
<img src="/img/forum/usm_copy1.jpg">[/img]

RAG wrote:djohnson,

If you are selecting black and white for your scans try using 48-bit Color. This will give you two additional channels of image information. In addition try using the Gain filter to smooth the images.

What are the advantages of scanning Black and White Negatives in RGB over 16 Bit Grey Scale ?

Dear user,

Using 48 bit would allow you to keep any distinctive characteristic of the B&W film.
Most B&W films have a slight green or blue hue and this would bee preserved this way.
Also further editing might require RGB channels in some applications. Not all tools can work with a true greyscale image.

Kind regards,
Arne