Epson V600 - Vuescan Workflow

[draka]

Can anyone please share or give tips about using the Epson V600 with Vuescan? I am a newbie, and specifically have the following issues/observations:

• scanning 35mm slides and negatives is easy as long as I do not exceed 6 MP, over that, I cannot seem to get any better resolution. Does it happen to anyone else? I typically scan at 2000 ppi resolution.
  
• I find that scanning medium format 6x4.5 slide film (and 6x9) is a chore. Film flatness is an issue. I know there are some 'better scanning' inserts one can buy, but is there a workaround for maintaining film flat, short of putting it in a heavy book for a long time?
  
• The scans from Vuescan (with IR noise reduction set to high and sharpening checked), are softer compared to the Epson software. However, the Epson software does not get all the dust spots on the film, and is non-intuitive. Any inputs there also will be appreciated.
  

Thanks.

 

[Tim Gray]

1 . I've heard these scanners are only good for about 2000 dpi. If that's where you are hitting your limit, that makes sense.

2. I stick all my 35mm film under books for at least 12 hours before I scan. Helps flatness. I've heard good things about the better scanning holders. You can also get some ANR glass (from Focal Point) for your holder and just drop it on top of your negatives while in the holder. I think the better scanning holders have this as an option too. Will keep it flat.

3 - Can't help you. Does the Epson software do sharpening?

 

[photokalia]

I use the better scanning glass and holder for 120, and the scanning glass for 35mm. I find it does help me get more sharpness and detail out of the scans, and flatness to a certain extent for the 35mm glass. I get good scans up to about 2400ppi. Anything above that and I usually find that I'm just scanning noise.

As for the sharpness, have you tried adjusting the height of the film holders using the spacers? I found that I get sharper scans after doing some experimentation with the height of the film holders.

 

[J. Borger]

My personal advise:

- Do not waste any time scanning 35mm without the glass inserts or 120 without the betterscanning holders
- Spend time adjusting the holders
- Do not invest any time in scanner software. Use Epson scan with all options set to OFF: no sharpening and noisereduction!
_ Do the processing of the scans in Photoshop (which should be very basic!!)
- Learn how to sharpen scans in 2 stages: Capture sharpening and sharpening for output
There is different freeware available for this on the web. You can ruin and make the files with it.

If you follow these rules you get far better results from the Epson Flatbed scanners than most threads on the forums might suggest.

Start with the glassinserts and adjusting the heighth of the holders: otherwise you will keep running in circles!

 

[thegman]

The BetterScanning kit in my opinion, turns the Epson (V700 at least) from a decent scanner into an awesome scanner. I got it for 120 film, but use a different scanner for 35mm. I'd suggest you consider that route too, Canon FS4000 scanners are not that pricey on eBay, and will very easily outperform my V700 with 35mm film.

I would say only use ICE if your negs actually are dusty, and then, probably better off just cleaning them with canned air or a blower brush. I used to use ICE all the time, but now only if I feel I need to.

I think these flatbeds are capable of great results if you tweak them and work within their limitations.

 

[draka]

Thanks for the wealth of info, folks.
I think I need to give in, and get the better scanning holders. I have been using a blower and a brush (separately), but cannot get all of the dust off. Need cleaner working environment 😉

 

[smile]

My personal advise:

- Do not waste any time scanning 35mm without the glass inserts or 120 without the betterscanning holders
- Spend time adjusting the holders
- Do not invest any time in scanner software. Use Epson scan with all options set to OFF: no sharpening and noisereduction!
_ Do the processing of the scans in Photoshop (which should be very basic!!)
- Learn how to sharpen scans in 2 stages: Capture sharpening and sharpening for output
There is different freeware available for this on the web. You can ruin and make the files with it.

If you follow these rules you get far better results from the Epson Flatbed scanners than most threads on the forums might suggest.

Start with the glassinserts and adjusting the heighth of the holders: otherwise you will keep running in circles!

what exactly glass inserts do you mean? where i can find them? are they expensive?
thx

 

[brandonmsweet]

Not sure if you still want any advice, but for flattening negatives I have found this to get far better, and faster results then placing in a book.

1. Place the cut negatives in their sleeves
2. Place this in a manila file folder
3. Roll up against the curl pretty tight.
4. Place rubber band around it to hold it and let it sit for a few hours.

*B

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Draka, I measured my V500 as resolving 1300 ppi in one direction and 2000 ppi in the other direction. Thus, scanning for more than 6MP won't add additional information.

My V500 is better at resolving lines which run along the scan bed than lines which run across the scan bed.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Draka, further, I tried different scan heights on my V500 to look for a focus sweet spot. I found no difference in scan quality on the V500.