what am i doing wrong? epson gt-x970 (V750 U.S)

[Noir]

what am i doing wrong?
Im working with the epson gt-x970 (v750 U.S.A) and everything but my 135 color photos come out great. Im using epson scan. B&W, medium/large format in both color and b&w are awesome. but 135 color makes my $400 scanner like like a $10 one.
I must be doing something wrong because when i take those same negs to the local mom and pop photo shops, the difference is night and day!:bang:
here is an example of what i mean by bad...

 

[xvvvz]

Since you haven't told us anything about the exact and complete details of your workflow, there is no way anyone can offer advice on what you might be doing less than optimally.

Doug

 

[taemo]

do you have a higher res scan from 135mm?

here's my 135mm scan from last night with my v600(v700 and v750 lil brother) and ANR glass from BetterScanning

img980 by earl.dieta, on Flickr

 

[Noir]

here is a little bit of a higher rez scan of a different photo.
also here are my settings for my work flow. note that i've tried scanning at a really high rez to try and get better results, but i just get a bigger photo with no tonal detail and it looks washed out.
thanks

 

[Ranchu]

800 dpi is too low, 2400 at least. Dust removal is another term for Blur, use Digital ICE, I use 'speed' rather than 'quality'. You may have to do a little cloning later. Put sharpening on 'Low' and set the middle box in the levels dialog (second button from the left) to 1.00 if midtones are washed out. In configuration, set 'auto exposure' to the lowest level.

🙂

 

[Noir]

Ok, i usually scan at much higher rez, but never tried digital ice. i'll give it a shot and see what i come up with...

 

[agricola]

I hesitate to say this, because I am no expert. However I have been using a V700 for a couple of years with good results. It has been a lot of trial and error.

1. do the preview - leaving the dpi setting at 300 (I'll come back to that)
2. once the preview is up go to the window you show above - select the Target size i.e., 8x10 or whatever you like from the drop down menu
3. leave the dpi at 300
4. tick unsharp mask if you want - I think (my machine is not by me now) you can select low, medium and high - I use not more than medium
5. scan

The use of 300dpi (the usual printing resolution) and specification of the Target size you want to print at causes the Scan to be done at a resolution which is appropriate.

In other words the software produces a file of a size suitable for printing an 11 x 14 print (or whatever) at a print resolution of 300dpi.

So the idea is to select whatever you think may be the largest print you want to make. Leave it at 300dpi. The resolution of the scan will be adjusted accordingly.

Scan at 9600 if you want. But the above approach works well. It's one of the things I really like about the V700. I have had very good experience with it on 35mm film - and of course really good experience with 6x6. Those statements are subjective. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[f16sunshine]

Set your levels and saturation for a very neutral flat scan with accurate (as you can) colors.
Contrast and Saturation should not be addressed during scanning stage. Wait until PP to give your images more "Bang!".

It's a Flatbed. Don't expect miracle from a tiny 35mm negative. That said you should be able to get some quite satisfying results.

2 below one image and one link web sized and scanned for A4 output originally via Epson scan on V700.

Contax T2 Fuji pro 160S

And another Fuji 160S with Hex f2/50mm. This showing some small details even in a small size (drops from her fingers) Warning depending on your job this may be NSFW!
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4088/5082515317_de457f7dfa_o.jpg

 

[Photo_Smith]

Scan flat and process in post.
Here is my guide and settings.
http://photo-utopia.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/scanning-with-epson-v500.html

Remember the most important thing is to scan so that none of the histogram is clipped, Epson flatbeds have a tendency to take the highlight info when left to their own devices.

 

[Jubb Jubb]

Scan flat and process in post.
Here is my guide and settings.
http://photo-utopia.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/scanning-with-epson-v500.html

Remember the most important thing is to scan so that none of the histogram is clipped, Epson flatbeds have a tendency to take the highlight info when left to their own devices.

Yep. I often use the auto exposure tool when scanning my images and it really screws with a lot of my files.

I used to have a good workflow with my V700 and epson scan, but i had to purchase a new computer and download new epson scan software off the epson website. since then i have not had a result i am happy with and i have no idea what i am doing wrong.

I feel your pain.

 

[Noir]

f16sunshine
can you break down your workflow? your scans look great!
photo smith, thanks, will give that a try!