120 film mask for Coolscan 8000?

[katgut@earthlink.net]

Occasionally I get dark strips next to the edges of 6x6 frames, apparently not uncommon in the 8000 ED. I've heard about using a mask to make the scanner pick up the frame edge better. What do you use? Black tape? White tape? What kind of tape? Also, have you tried darkening the frame space with a sharpie?

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

What you're seeing is common on the 8000 when scanning negatives. Light coming through the clear space between frames causes flare that gives those dark strips. Mainly a problem with 120 film, since the 35mm holder has plastic strips to cover the space between the frames. I would not blacken the edges with a marker, you might slip up and ruin a neg! Scotch photographic tape, is great. Its black and peels off easily once you're done with it. The BEST way, however, is to use a glass carrier. The rotating glass carrier has a set of masks with it for different 120 film sizes.