Scanning film negatives on Epson 4490

[windraider]

Hi I just bought the Epson 4490 scanner recently and tried out scanning color film negatives in default color mode. When comparing the scanned results vs the original 4R prints (made at neighbourhood photo shops), I notice that scanned images appear a little grainy and colors are not as vibrant as originals. Queries:

1) Is this a limitation of film scanners in general or would the results on a dedicated scanner be different?

2) Additionally I tried playing with the contrast and hue settings of the image in Photoshop, but can't seem to match the colors of the original prints or reduce the graininess. As it is my first time playing with Photoshop, would appreciate if some experienced user could advice on the other common/simple tools/applications to adjust color and remove grainy results.

3) I notice that scan settings can be set in the scanner’s Professional mode, does anyone know what would be the recommended general settings that would give a scan with colors as close to the originals as possible and reduce the grainy results? As a film shooter I can’t make sense of RGB/sRGB settings and histogram interpretations.

Many thanks in advance for any advice offered.

 

[wdenies]

What scanning software do you use, Epson scan or another product?. For Epson scan I can give you some advice.

 

[wdenies]

Windraider,
I did some tests for you.
Film: Fuji NPH400
Camera: Xpan - 90mm lens
Scanner: Epson 4870
Software : Epson scan

Grain: scanned without any reduction ans scanned with medium reduction.
In both cases grain is nearly visible to my eyes.

Color correction: I used my quick and dirty 3 point method i.e. setting the white, black and middle gray point in photshop.
This procedure takes only a few seconds of your time.
When you communicate your email address, I will send you a doc explaining this method (a little too long to give it in this thread)

Wim

 

[JoeFriday]

I wouldn't worry too much about being able to match the scans that you get from a photo lab.. when I first bought my Nikon Coolscan V, I wanted to calibrate it so it was consistent with some scans I had the local one-hour lab burn onto cd for me.. I quickly learned that the lab's scans were next to impossible to duplicate without doing some major adjustments in PS that I never would have done on my own initiative

sure, the lab scans looked interesting and had a big wow factor.. but their colors weren't even remotely accurate, and the levels were pushed to increase contrast way beyond what my 15 years as a graphic artist would recommend

btw, how do you like the 4990? I'm comparing that to the Canoscan 9950F as my next purchase so I can handle medium format film

 

[windraider]

Wim,

Thanks for the samples.
Yes I'm using Epson Scan.
Attached some of my results scanned in default Auto mode.
I've left you my email address in your PM.

Joe,

I'm actually using the 4490 model.
It is my first time scanning color negatives so I'm not sure what to expect.
Personally apart from the grain & "faded" colours I don't have any other complaints.
No loss in sharpness & details in the photos when:
1) viewed with a 17" LCD screen; or
2) comparing print results with originals at 4R size(4x6").
Resolution from scanning negatives appear shaper than scanning from 4R prints, although colors from scanning prints appear to match originals better.
I suspect the photo labs may have adjusted color settings when printing photos.
Am going to scan some slides this weekend to confirm this.

 

[David Eger]

I use an epson also and there is something in the options that is a color correction mode.. I turn that off and my negs com in kinda cyan then I manipulate them in PS. I find the mini-lab prints are okay to decide what negs to scan but that's it the ones I do myself are always better...