LaserSoft Imaging

I own both scanners, but only now I managed to make a comparisson between them and what I found is not a joy...

Let me tell you the story: I scanned same film, at same resolution and with no ICE or dust removal. The film was pressed for some days so it was flat-flat-flat (which I now can affect Epson's sharpness in particular). I scanned three times on the Epson with the plastic dividers placed at 0 at 1 and without them at all (they bring the film holder closer or farther to the lens and can modify the sharpness). I am using the same software, Silverfast - AI for Epson and SE ME for Nikon and have used the same profile Ilford XP2 400. Both softwares were set to NO FILTERS, same conditions I would say, so no sharpness etc etc.

The conclusion is that Coolscan is much-much sharper than the Epson

I know that Epson has no sharper adjustment, but THERE HAS to be something do be done, otherwise is a pity for such a good scanner which in theory should be superior than the Epson.

Is it possible to have a faulty Epson?

Any idea to what could I do are welcomed.

many thanks,
Serban

Dear Serban,

Please make sure the Epson SilverFast Version is set to transparency with the Epson Film holders..
Do not use transparency full are which will use the focus point for film material placed directly on the glas plate.
Also please check if you had any filters like GANE activated.

kind regards
Arne Ketelhohn

Dear Arne,

My system is set as you said

ICE is off, SRD is OFF, multiscan is OFF

Filter is set to NONE - or do you mean that I should activate GANE?

Serban

Dear Serban,

No I only wanted to know if maybe GANE was activated during the EPSON scan.

Which resolutions did you use?
The Nikon scan looks as if it is far beyond the resolution of the film as the film grain seems to be visible.

kind regards
Arne Ketelhohn

same resolution for both dpi 4000

I tried with 6400 on Epson (as it can) and the same result

honestly I do not believe it is something from my settings... anyway I am using the same settings on Epson and Nikon

it is simply something related to the focus!

Serban

Dear Serban.

the sharpness seperation is different for flatbed and dedicated film scanners.
So both devices will never deliver the same results.
The Epson V750 results probably represent the correct image at this resolution regarding the capabilities of flat bed devices.

kind regards
Arne Ketelhohn

I have run similar tests with the Epson V750 versus the Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 ED. I mount the transparency in an oil bath for the Epson. I mount the transparency in a black, full frame GEPE mount for the Nikon. The Nikon scanner wins hands down.

Mark Weidman

a flatbed scanner is no diascanner... and will not have the quality even when it specs "seem" to be superior.