V700 issue: preview much better than output image

[wolfpeterson]

This thread has given me alot of insight on my scanning practice. Thanks to all the comments, I will have little doubt when scanning.

One thing that is bothering me is this however:

Just make sure the endpoints of the histogram are not clipped and ignore everything else.

If I bring the Black and white points on the histogram to the exact beginning and end of the curve, the resulting scan should theoretically have at least a bit of data close to, if not exactly at 0, and 255.

But that is hardly ever the case, there is always a visible gap in the histogram of the resulting scan at the beginning and end. My worry is that by not using the full spectrum, I'm not utilizing all the image data contained in the negative...

Maybe it is better to fall inside the limits than to risk excluding image data. And maybe I shouldn't complain if my setup is not first properly calibrated. 😛

Could this possibly be another profiles/calibration issue?

 

[Bob Michaels]

Wolf: If you can set the endpoints of the histogram at exactly 0 & 255 in the scanner software, that is fine. But I do not think you can be that precise so I make sure the endpoints are set outside the beginning / end of the histogram. Assuming you are scanning in 16 bit, there is way more than enough space for the data so that you can later reset the endpoints (levels in Photoshop) to the ends of the histogram.

My film scanner is calibrated to a set of precise IT8 color targets but I do not think that really gains you anything.

Having a true color managed workflow from working in consistent color spaces, an accurately calibrated monitor and good printer profiles is very important. You must understand and apply the basics of color management to avoid making multiple prints with adjustments to each. Even is you shoot b&w as I do.

 

[Sparrow]

In my experience the Apple self-calibration tool is bogus. I use a Spyder and it's much more accurate. My iMac tends to drift too bright over time, so this will lead to photo output that is too dark.

I was surprised how close my macs' calibration thing came, altho I agree, and use a colour-spyder myself

Best to scan as a 16bit tiff then sort it out in photoshop after imo