Material for homemade scanner masks (Nikon 9000 ED, RGH)

[Denverdad]

Does anyone know a source for some kind of thin-black sheet material that would be suitable for making homemade masks for the rotating glass holder of a Nikon 8000/9000 ED scanner? Has anyone actually done this? If so I would be curious to hear about it.

For reference, my interest in this is due to the diversity of actual frame sizes of my many old roll-film cameras, and the fact that I sometimes lose a significant fraction of the image when using the supplied masks. To be more specific, I want to make slightly larger versions of the 6x6 and 6x9 masks. Depending on how difficult this turns out to be, I might even consider making a whole set of new masks, with each cut to an exact frame size for a specific camera. But that might be a little too ambitious - we'll see!

 

[xvvvz]

You should measure the thickness and post it because it is going to be hard for anyone to know how to advise you without that. Nikons are picky so you want to get it right the first time.

Doug

 

[Denverdad]

That's a good point, thanks. I was aiming for matching the thickness of the Nikon masks if at all possible. But those without these scanners obviously wouldn't know the thickness, now would they? 😱
I'll measure them when I am back home later today.

 

[Denverdad]

So the mask material is about .008" (~0.21mm) thick.

 

[Denverdad]

Just a quick follow-up. Although I was looking for a plastic-like material to mimic the original (which is what? vinyl? PVC? I have no idea), I wasn't able to find any. What I finally picked up is actually a paper product. My local Hobby Lobby store offers 19"x 25" sheets of "artist's paper," including a couple different black colored ones that seem to have a suitable thickness and texture. The particular one I chose is Strathmore Artist, Black, #446-8. It is flat black (actually slightly blacker and less glossy than the original), about .009" thick, and fairly stiff and smooth. Assuming that it cuts nicely without producing a lot of fiber strands along the cuts, I think this might do the job - probably not as durable as the original material, but hey it's cheap enough that if I damage one I can just make another!

I'll give this a try when I have some time, and let you know how it works out. 🙂

 

[rbrooks]

Consider your goal. Masks are only really need to stop flare and prevent newton rings. Maybe you can do without? Otherwise I'm not sure you need to be too precise. I can imagine any reasonable thickness would work.
I use my glass holder to scan full frame 35mm with film rebate. So far no newton rings or flare.

 

[Denverdad]

The masks are needed if for no other reason than to furnish the "hole" code which tells the scanner what general area to scan - i.e., I don't think you can scan without them. I agree though that the precise thickness is not too important, as long as it is reasonable.