getting started - photoworkshop.com · 2012. 2. 4. · the information in this manual is furnished...

Getting Startedwith Flextight and FlexColor

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Getting Startedwith Flextight and FlexColor

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© 2001 Imacon A/S. All rights reserved.

Getting Started with Flextight and FlexColor, Part No XXXXXXXX, revision X.X

The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to changewithout notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Imacon A/S.Imacon A/S assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that mayappear in this manual.

Imacon A/S assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage incurred during or as aresult of using Imacon software or products.

Imacon, FlexColor and Flextight are trademarks of Imacon A/S. Adobe and Adobe Photoshopare trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. Macintosh, Mac OS and ColorSync are registeredtrademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

Printed in Denmark.

Getting Started with Flextight and FlexColor

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Table of Contents


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Read This First! 5Calibrate Your Monitor! 6

Working with ICC Profiles 6

The Imacon Design Philosophy 7

Getting Started Quickly 9

Quick-Start Tutorial 11Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor 12

Calibration Materials 12

Color Calibrating Your System 12

Step 2: Set up Your Scanner 18

Important Notes and Warnings 18

SCSI Requirements for PCs 18

SCSI Requirements for Macintosh 19

Step 3: Install FlexColor Software 20

Installing FlexColor on a Macintosh 20

Installing FlexColor on a Windows Computer 21

Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with a Macintosh 21

Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with Windows 22

Step 4: Mount Your Original 23

Step 5: Take a Preview 24

Step 6: Crop and Size Your Scan 27

Step 7: Set the Tonal Range 29

Step 8: Finish Your Image 31

Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print 32

Troubleshooting 38Frequently Asked Questions 39

Imaging Problems 40

Focus or Sizing 40

Striping on Reflective Originals 41

All-Black or All-White Images 41


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Pixelated or Missing Images 41

Halos in Final Images 42

Noise in Final Images 42

Color Problems 42

Extreme Color Results 42

Color Inaccuracies in Final Prints 43

Loading Problems 43

Lost Originals in Flextight Precision 43

If the Drum Motor Does Not Turn Off 44

If the Originals Are Not Loading Correctly 44

If the Scanner Is Not Responding 44

Problems Starting Your Computer 44

Software Performance on a Macintosh 45

Macintosh Model 45

Monitor 45

Graphics Capability 45

Memory (RAM) Size 45

Memory Setup 46

Free Disk Space 46

Background Applications 46

System Extensions 46

Software Performance under Windows 47

Monitor 47

Graphics Capability 47

Memory (RAM) Size 47

Free Disk Space 47

Background Applications 47

Scanning to CMYK and Color Management 48

For Further Assistance 48

Read This First!

Welcome to FlexTight™ with FlexColor™ software! The FlexTightsystem is both powerful and easy to use. This section provides you withall of the information you need to get started quickly. It draws attentionto some of the less-obvious but most-important issues of monitorcalibration and color separation.

Even if you never read manuals - Read This First!

Getting Started with FlexTight and FlexColor

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Calibrate Your Monitor!

To get good results with your scanner you must calibrate your monitor.The FlexColor scanning software, and your other image manipulationsoftware, provide extremely powerful tools for manipulating thebrightness, contrast, and colors in your images. However, you will not beable to use the tools to get good results in print unless your monitor iscalibrated to resemble printed output.

There are two steps to getting good color results with Flextight andFlexColor:

• Calibrate your monitor by following the directions given in "Step 1:Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12.

• Set up a set of ICC profiles for use with FlexColor as described in "Step9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print" on page 32. FlexColor usesICC profiles to create calibrated color separations that incorporate theeffects of both the Flextight scanner and your output device whencreating output colors in CMYK.

Both of these steps are fast and easy, though not obvious. There is noother single action you can take that will have a more powerful effect onthe quality of your scans in print.

Working with ICC Profiles

When you use a scanner (no matter what kind), the light sensor thatcaptures the image breaks the image colors down into Red, Green, andBlue (RGB) light. These are the primary colors for transmitted light, andare also used by your computer monitor to show color images on thescreen.

When you print an image, the output device uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellowand black (CMYK) ink (though some proof printers and desktop colorprinters do not include black). These are the primary colors for reflectedlight.

The process of transforming image colors from RGB to CMYK is complex- especially when deciding how much black to place into the mix. Also,because each device in the chain (scanner, monitor, proof printer, andoffset printer) represents colors slightly differently, it becomes verychallenging indeed to maintain the original colors all the way through tothe final print.That is why the color reproduction industry has invented ICC profiles asa standard way to describe how all devices represent color.


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Calibrate Your Monitor!

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In Mac OS, ICC profiles are controlled through Apple's ColorSynctechnology. In Windows 98 and Windows 2000, they are controlledthrough the Image Color Management (ICM) system. Earlier versions ofWindows do not support ICC profiles.

By combining ICC profiles, FlexColor is able to maintain color fidelitythroughout the process, including the conversion to CMYK. It is veryeasy to use ICC profiles - complete instructions are given in "Step 1:Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12 and "Step 9: Scan to CMYK andMake a Test Print" on page 32.

The process of preparing RGB scans for print in CMYK colors hasbecome an art form that takes years to master. Every high-end scanneroperator and printer has his or her own system for judging how the inksshould balance to create attractive and accurate colors in the final print.

Keep in mind that when you approach your printer or service bureauwith your own pre-separated scans, they will most likely be suspiciousand may question the results even after checking the files.

We encourage you to follow through with a test print using the standardICC results. Then meet with your printer and discuss the results.

If you decide that you need to improve the accuracy of your outputprofile, send your printer a copy of the "Fax to Printer" form includedwith Flextight. It makes it easy for your printer to tell you how toimprove your results. The Macintosh version of FlexColor includes apowerful ICC profile editor which you can use to implement yourprinter's suggestions.

The Imacon Design Philosophy

Flextight and FlexColor have been designed with the philosophy thatwhen creating digital images, it is best to judge image quality with youreyes, not based on point measurements and color lookup tables. This iswhy we have drawn so much attention to the screen calibrationprocedure in the tutorial, and why we have integrated ICC profiles tomaintain the color accuracy you see on your screen all the way to print.

To make it easy for you to see and use the preview, FlexColor provides alarge 14-bit image with a zoom function and magnifier window. Becauseyour monitor can only show 8-bit colors, FlexColor calculates a new 8-bitimage from the 14-bit information each time you apply a highlight,shadow, gradation, or color setting. This creates a very accurate preview


Read This First!7


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image, but requires approximately one second (depending on yourcomputer) to update the preview each time you make a new setting.

With a traditional drum scanner, the professional operator requiresextensive education and experience to make all of the settings requiredto obtain good results. The operator examines each original and,applying his or her experience, enters a "best guess" of what all thesetting should be for that particular type of original. Then the operatorchecks the preview and makes fine tuning adjustments.

FlexColor simplifies this process by enabling you to save a library ofsetups that you use most frequently. Nearly all FlexColor settings,including all settings in the Setup, Gradations, Histogram, and UnsharpMask windows, are saved in each setup file. FlexColor is delivered withseveral generic setups to get you started quickly.

Each time you scan a new original, select the closest setup from theSetup menu, define the crop, click on the Auto button, and you are 98 to100% of the way to a perfect scan.

All of the features of FlexColor are focused on helping you to take thebest part of the precision 14-bit colors captured by Flextight and saving aperfect 8-bit, print-ready image. We have not attempted to reproducefunctionality already available with other industry standard tools such asAdobe Photoshop. FlexColor presents a clean, streamlined user interfacethat captures the best possible images in the least possible time.


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Getting Started Quickly

The "Quick-Start Tutorial" on page 11 contains a short tutorial, whichshows you how to setup your scanner, install the software, and take yourfirst scan. We strongly recommend that you work through the tutorial asa way to familiarize yourself with your new scanner and software.

Below is a brief summary. For more information, please read the tutorialand/or consult the FlexColor Software Reference and your Flextight User'sGuide.

1. Calibrate your monitor as described in "Step 1: Calibrate YourMonitor" on page 12.

2. Set up the Flextight scanner as described in your scanner's usermanual. See also "Step 2: Set up Your Scanner" on page 18 forimportant notes.

3. Install the FlexColor software. See "Step 3: Install FlexColorSoftware" on page 20 for instructions and system requirements.

4. Start the FlexColor software.

5. Select the appropriate holder for your original and load it into thescanner by laying it on the light table and sliding it gently up intothe scanner.


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6. Lift the top layer of the original holder and position your original. Ifyou are scanning a transparency, make sure that all of the edges arecovered by a margin of at least 2 mm. If you are using FlextightPhoto, then place the emulsion side upwards. If you are usingFlextight Precision or Progression, place the emulsion side down.(See your scanner's manual for more information about loadingvarious types of originals.)

7. Use the Setup pop-up menu to choose the appropriately namedsetup for your original (ICC profile selections are made for you aspart of the setup you choose).

8. Use the Frame drop-down list to choose the format of your original.

9. Click on the Preview button in FlexColor.

10. Set the Height, Width, DPI, and color Mode for your final scan.

11. Click on the lock icon so that it is shut. Then click and drag anycorner of the dotted crop outline shown on the preview image. Notethat the Zoom value updates, but none of the other output valueschange.

12. Click on the Auto button to set highlight and shadow points.

13. Click on Scan.


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Quick-Start Tutorial

This Quick-start tutorial will get you up and running with your Flextightscanner quickly and easily. You will learn how to:

• Calibrate your monitor

• Set up your Flextight scanner

• Install the FlexColor Software

• Load originals into the scanner

• Take a preview

• Make basic scan settings

• Take a final scan

• Work with ICC color profiles to create color-calibrated print-readyCMYK output


Quick-Start Tutorial11

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Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor

One of the most important things you can do to get high-quality scans isto calibrate your monitor so that you can make good decisions whenmaking scan settings.

The procedure described here assumes that you have Adobe Photoshop5.02 or newer installed on your computer. If you are using an olderversion of Photoshop, or another image-editing program, then check thedocumentation that came with your program to see if it supports similarsettings and try to follow the procedure below as closely as possible.

Calibration Materials

Your Flextight scanner comes with a sample image print. Both RGB andCMYK versions of the file used to make this print are included on theFlexColor CD-ROM.

Color Calibrating Your System

Photoshop includes a setup assistant that will help you set up your colormanagement system (this assistant was introduced in Photoshop 5.0.2; itis not available in older versions). When you have finished running theassistant, a color profile for your monitor will be set up for your systemand Photoshop will be configured to use these profiles to create anaccurate on-screen representation of your printed output.

Before starting the procedure below, we recommend that you read"Chapter 5: Representing Color Accurately" of the Photoshop manual,which provides excellent background information.




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To color calibrate your system:

1. Make sure that the Knoll Gamma control panel is not active on yourmachine. Use the search feature of your operating system (usually inthe Apple menu in Mac OS and in the Start menu in Windows) tofind "Gamma". If the control panel is found, run it and make sure itis set to Off.

2. If you have a hardware-based monitor calibration and ICCprofile-generating system, then use it to measure and calibrate yourmonitor. Follow the instructions included with your calibrationsystem and skip to step 8 below. If you plan to use Adobe's tools forcalibrating your monitor, continue with the next step.

3. Start Photoshop (version 5.02 or higher).

4. Choose Color Management from the Help menu. The Adobe ColorManagement Assistant appears.




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5. Click on the Open Adobe Gamma button to open the AdobeGamma window.

6. Click on the Step By Step (Assistant) radio button and then click onNext. Informative text is provided on-screen for each setting. Formore information about the settings, see "Chapter 5: RepresentingColor Accurately" of the Photoshop manual.

7. When you have finished working through the gamma assistant, anew monitor profile will be created based on your settings. Click onSave to save your profile with a new name. You must save it in thefolder used by your operating system for ICC profiles. For mostrecent versions of the Mac OS, use the ColorSync Profiles folderinside the System Folder. For Windows 98, useC:\WIN98\SYSTEM\COLOR\. This profile will automatically beselected as the monitor profile for your system.

8. Choose File -> Color Settings -> CMYK Setup in Photoshop. Thenclick on the ICC radio button. It should match the screen shot below.

Here you should choose the CMYK profile that you will use for mostof your work. You will also choose this profile in FlexColor to createcolor-calibrated color separations on-the-fly while scanning.




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If you are not sure what to choose, we recommend that you use theFlextight 330% Skel.K. 75/30%, which has been created by Imaconto create generally useful high-quality color separations. For moreinformation about the profiles included with FlexColor, see theFlexColor Software Reference. When you are done, click on OK.

9. Choose File -> Color Settings -> RGB Setup in Photoshop. Set theRGB pop-up menu to Adobe RGB (1998). This assigns the workingspace used by Photoshop. The Adobe RGB space is very large,thereby allowing you to view and work with the largest possiblenumber of different colors.

10. Still working the RGB Setup window, click on Save. This will saveyour selected RGB working space as an ICC profile. Give the profilea new name, such as "Adobe RGB (1998) Profile", and save it in theICC profile folder used by your operating system. For most recentversions of the Mac OS, use the ColorSync Profiles folder inside theSystem Folder. For Windows 98, useC:\WIN98\SYSTEM\COLOR\. The RGB drop down list in theRGB Setup window now shows the name of the file that you justsaved. Finally, click on OK to close the RGB Setup window.

11. Quit and restart Photoshop. This will make the new RGB profile yousaved available to other dialog boxes in Photoshop.

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...continued12. Choose File -> Color Settings -> Profile Setup in Photoshop. This

window enables you to control how Photoshop will handle imagefiles that contain embedded ICC profiles, such as those created byFlexColor.

Make the following settings:

• Mark all of the check boxes in the Embed Profiles area except forCMYK. This will cause Photoshop to embed the profiles it uses forall color spaces other than CMYK. In general, you do not want tomake further conversions after you have generated CMYK data.Because embedding a profile could trigger automatic conversionto another profile when the file is opened again in Photoshop, it isbest not to embed a CMYK profile.

• Set all of the Assumed Profiles pop-up menus to None. Thismeans that Photoshop will not assume that any profile was usedfor files that do not have an embedded profile.

• Set the RGB pop-up menu under Profile Mismatch Handling toAsk When Opening. This will cause Photoshop to ask you whatto do whenever it tries to open a file that has an RGB profile otherthan the one selected in the RGB Setup window, which youselected and saved in step 10.

• Set the CMYK pop-up menu under Profile Mismatch Handlingto Ignore. This will cause Photoshop to ignore profiles embeddedin CMYK files. This is best because you generally should notchange the color spaces of CMYK files.




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• The Grayscale settings are not used by FlexColor, so they are notimportant to this procedure.

13. Insert the FlexColor CD into your CD-ROM drive. From Photoshop,choose Open from the File menu. Navigate to the Calibration folderon the FlexColor CD and open the CMYK and RGB images storedthere. Note that the two images are similar, but not exactly alike.This is because the CMYK color space is more limited than the RGBspace.

14. Compare the images you see on your screen with the sample printincluded with your scanner. They should be very similar, allowingfor ambient lighting conditions at your desk. If they are not, repeatthis procedure to double-check you settings.

15. Your monitor, system, and Photoshop are now color calibrated.




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Step 2: Set up Your Scanner

See your Flextight Scanner User's Guide for complete instructions abouthow to set up your scanner. A few important notes are provided in thesections below.

Important Notes and Warnings

Take special notice of the following points as you set up yourscanner:

• Make sure all electrical and environmental requirements are satisfied.

• Always turn off your computer and all SCSI devices before installingthe scanner. You can damage your equipment if you make or breakSCSI connections to or from units that are turned on.

• Make sure that each device in your SCSI chain has been assigned adifferent SCSI address.

• Make sure your SCSI chain is terminated correctly. This means thatthe empty connector on the last device in your SCSI chain must befitted with a terminator. If your chain is not terminated, yourcomputer system may not work properly.

SCSI Requirements for PCs

If you ordered you scanner for use with a PC, then the scanner includes aSCSI card. If you computer does not already have a SCSI card, then youmust install one before you can connect your scanner to your computer.See the manual packaged with the SCSI card for instructions.

Imacon has tested the following cards for compatibility with Windowsand Flextight:

• Adaptec 2930: This is the card that is shipped with Flextight scannersordered for use with a PC. It includes the required EZ-SCSI software.

• Adaptec 2904: This card has been tested for compatibility withFlextight scanners running under Windows, but does not include theEZ-SCSI software, which is required when running under NT4 orWin2000.

You must have the following software installed to use your SCSI cardwith Flextight:

• Adaptec EZ-SCSI version 5.0 or later: This software is required whenrunning under NT4 or Win2000. It is included with the Adaptec 2930adapter and with Flextight scanner delivered for use with a PC.




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SCSI Requirements for Macintosh

Most Macintosh systems before the G4 desktop series come with SCSIcard as standard. If you are using a G4 model that does not include aSCSI card, then you must purchase and install one yourself before youcan use the scanner.

Imacon has tested the following cards for compatibility with Mac OScomputers and Flextight:

• Adaptec 2904: This is an inexpensive card that works well withFlextight scanners connected to a Macintosh. Note, however, that yourcomputer will not be able to boot from a SCSI hard drive connected tothis adapter.

• Adaptec 2930: This is the card that is shipped with Flextight scannersordered for use with a PC. In addition to driving Flextight scanners,you can also boot your computer from SCSI hard disks connected tothis card.

The Mac OS offers excellent plug-and-play support for SCSI cards, soinstallation should be very easy and no additional software is required.See the documentation that comes with your SCSI card for completeinstructions.




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Step 3: Install FlexColor Software

Flextight Precision comes with its own image-capturing softwareapplication, which is called FlexColor. Now that your scanner is set-up,you must install the software so that you can control the scanner fromyour computer.

Installing FlexColor on a Macintosh

1. Insert the FlexColor CD into your CD-ROM drive.

2. Open the CD in Mac OS and double-click on the program called"FlexColor Installer."

3. Follow the directions given on the screen while the install programruns. Be sure to check the Read Me file and follow any extrainstructions included there.

4. Start FlexColor by doubleclicking on the FlexColor icon.When launching FlexColor for the first time a Memoryconfiguration window will pop up giving you a choice of 3 memoryconfigurations:

Small (=50 MB): Only scanners are supported.

Medium (=100 MB): Only scanners - but with improved rotationspeed. This setting is also recommendedwhen scanning high resolution scans on aslow host computer.

Large (=192 MB): Supports both scanners and cameras.




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5. Male your selection (it is recommended to select at least Medium(=100 MB)) and click OK.

The configuration will not be effective before quitting andrelaunching the application. If you need to change the configurationyou can access the dialog by pressing the Memory Usage button inthe Preferences window.

The memory configuration affects the settings that are accessible viathe Finder Get Info window, and you are free to fine tune thesettings there if you need to.

6. Quit FlexColor.

NOTE! If you decide to go back to an older version of Flextight scannersoftware after running the new version of FlexColor, then you must openthe Preferences folder inside your Systems Folder and delete the oldFlexColor Preferences file. You also may be unable to use the setup filesyou created using the new version of FlexColor.

Installing FlexColor on a Windows Computer

1. Insert the FlexColor CD into your CD-ROM drive.

2. Use the Windows File Explorer to navigate to the CD anddouble-click on the program called "Setup."

3. Follow the directions given on the screen while the install programruns. Be sure to check the Read Me file and follow any extrainstructions included there.

Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with a Macintosh

This section applies only to people using the original Flextight 4800scanner under Mac OS. Skip this section unless you are using a Flextight4800. See the next section if you are using a 4800 with Windows.

The Flextight 4800 requires a file named imacon.ini. This file must besaved in a folder named "Flextight 4800," which must be in thepreferences folder inside your system folder. This file must be installedon the machine from which you will be controlling the scanner. Be surethat this file is still installed when you have finished installing FlexColor.If it is missing, then copy it from your original Calibration disk. If you donot have this file installed correctly, then your scans will not come outright.




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If you are installing FlexColor for use with a Flextight 4800 scanner on amachine on which you have not used the scanner before, then you mustinstall Flextight 4800 support. To do this, you must manually addFlextight 4800 support when you run the FlexColor installer. Theinstaller shows a list of install options - mark Full Install, command-clickon Flextight 4800 Support and then click on Install. Alternatively, youcan run the installer twice, installing each option one at a time.

Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with Windows

This section applies only to people using the original Flextight 4800scanner under Microsoft Windows. Skip this section unless you are usinga Flextight 4800. See the previous section if you are using a Flextight 4800with Mac OS.

Flextight 4800 scanners require an extra file called imacon.ini. It must bestored in the same folder that contains the FlexColor.exe application.This file was included as part of the original software that came withyour scanner. If necessary, you must first install the software that camewith your scanner, then install FlexColor. Finally, you must copy theimacon.ini file from its original location into the folder that contains theFlexColor.exe application. Note also that if you have been using adifferent type of Flextight scanner on a machine on which you now planto use Flextight 4800, then you must erase the Pref.prt file from theFlexColor application folder before using the 4800.




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Step 4: Mount Your Original

Your scanner is now ready to use. First you must select an image andprepare it for scanning. We recommend that you begin by using atransparent original. If your Flextight model is able to scan opaqueoriginals, and you would like to use one for the tutorial, then please seeyour Flextight scanner user's guide for mounting instructions.

1. The scanner comes with several original holders. Select the bestholder for your original. Choose one of the holders that has a squarehole in it. The original must completely fill the hole with no edgesshowing. Also, no edges of the original must extend past the outeredges of the holder.

2. Place the original holder with the slotted tab facing into the scanner.

• The flexible magnetic layer must face upwards.

• Guides are supplied on either side of the light table.

3. Slide the holder gently into the slot at the top of the light table. It willslip about ½ cm (1/4 inch) into a slot at the top of the light table. Donot press too hard. It slips in very easily and is held in place by amagnet. To remove the holder, simply slide it back out.

4. Lift the top layer of the original holder and position your original.The original must completely fill the hole with no edges showingand with a minimum overlap of 2 mm along each edge. Use the lighttable to help line up the image.

• If you are using Flextight Photo, then place the emulsion side up.

• If you are using Flextight Precision or Progression, place theemulsion side down.

(See your scanner's manual for more information about loadingvarious types of originals.)

5. Lay the top layer of the holder down flat over the original. The toplayer is magnetic, which will hold the original fast.



Step 4: Mount Your Original

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Step 5: Take a Preview

Now you are ready to start the FlexColor scanning software, makesettings and take a preview. A preview is a fast, low resolution scan ofyour original. It lets you select an area to scan and to preview othersettings that will be applied during the final scan.

FlexColor delivers "what you see is what you get" scanning, thus makingit one of the easiest software products to use for creating professionalhigh-quality prints. An important feature that enables FlexColor todeliver this functionality is its use of a 14-bit preview image. Becauseyour monitor can only show 8-bit colors, FlexColor calculates a new 8-bitimage from the 14-bit information each time you apply a highlight,shadow, gradation, or color setting. This creates a very accurate previewimage, but requires approximately one second (depending on yourcomputer) for calculation each time you make a new setting.

1. On your computer, start the FlexColor program by double clickingon the FlexColor icon. The program starts-up and the mainFlexColor window appears.

2. Use the Setup pop-up menu to choose a setup that is appropriate foryour original. Each setup is named for the type of original it is meantto scan and most names also specify either CMYK or RGB output.There are also many negative setups, each of which is named for thetype of film it is designed to scan. As you work with FlexColor, youwill be able to save your own favorite setups and select them fromthis list.




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3. Use the Frame pop-up menu to choose the size of your original.(Later, when you take a preview, the scanner will automaticallyzoom and focus to take the best possible scan for your format.)

4. Click on the Preview button in the main FlexColor window. It isimportant that the scanner remains completely stationary for theduration of the scan. Depending on your Flextight model and thesettings you have chosen, the scanner may take a few seconds toprepare itself for the scan.

5. In about ten seconds, the preview appears on your screen. Inspectthe preview. Experiment with buttons in the Zoom area of the mainFlexColor window. They enable you to look more closely at theimage.




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Open the Magnifier window

Zoom percentage

Return to full view

Zoom in on preview

Zoom out from preview

6. Note that values appear in the Color area to the left of the preview.The number fields in this area indicate the pixel brightness at theselected position in the image.

Note the following:

• The values indicate values after gradation and tonal rangesettings.

• When showing CMYK, the values indicate ink percentage values(0 - 100) with white = 0, 0, 0, 0.

• When showing RGB, the values indicate pixel brightness values (0- 255) with white = 255, 255, 255.




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Step 6: Crop and Size Your Scan

It is important that you set the scanner to create an image that is the rightsize (height, width, and DPI) for your final print. If the scan is too small,then your print will be fuzzy or jagged. If your scans are too large, thenyou will waste disk space and spend too much time scanning, editing,and storing images that contain information that you do not need.

1. Select the area of the original that you want to scan (in other words,crop the image). To do this, place the mouse cursor over the previewimage. Click and hold over one corner of the area you wish to scanand drag the cursor away to outline the scan area. Release the mousebutton to select the area.

• To move the crop area, place the mouse cursor inside the outline,then click and drag the area. Release the button to drop the areaagain.

• To resize the crop area, place the mouse cursor over one of thesides or corners. The cursor will change into a double sided arrow.Click and drag the side or corner to enlarge or reduce the area.Release the button to drop the corner.

• If the lock icon is closed, then the proportions of height to widthof your crop area will be kept constant if you resize the crop, aswill the values in the Width and Height fields. The Zoom value,however will change as needed. Click on the lock icon to open orclose the lock.

2. Check the output dimensions shown in the Width and Height fields.The numbers show the final output width and height in cm. If youwant to adjust one of the dimensions, click on the number you wantto change and edit the value with your keyboard.

• If the lock icon is closed, then you can drag the size of the croparea without affecting the output dimensions (as describedabove). This way, you can be sure your output image has the rightsize for your layout, but you can freely choose the composition.




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• Click on the lock icon to toggle it open or closed. You can set thezoom level by clicking in the Zoom field and editing the valuewith your keyboard. The new output size will be updated in theWidth and Height fields, but the crop area will not change.

3. Check the final image size. It is shown in the Size field, which isupdated each time you change the crop dimensions or zoom values.The file size will also depend on the output resolution set in the DPIpop-up menu.

When you work with the scanner, you will typically know the targetoutput dimensions and resolution. If so, first enter the dimensions in theHeight and Width fields and choose the output resolution from the DPIpop-up menu. Then click on the lock icon so that it is closed (this willlock your height and width settings). You are now able to click and dragthe crop area to define the composition of your scan - the Zoom valueautomatically tracks your changes without changing the height, width,or DPI of your output image.

A common point of confusion when working with digital images is thedifference between input DPI and output DPI (dots per inch). Input DPIis the number of samples taken from your original per linear inch.Output DPI is the number of pixels per inch in the printed image.

In FlexColor, the input DPI is equal to the setting in the DPI pop-upmenu multiplied by the Zoom value. Note, however, that the scanner hasonly a limited number of true optical resolutions in which all pixels inthe output image are directly sampled from the input. If you enter acombination of Zoom and DPI values that result in an input DPI that isnot one of Flextight's true resolutions, then the scanner will take the nexthigher resolution scan (if possible) and then interpolate the data so thatthe output image is the correct size.

For any given Zoom setting, the DPI pop-up menu shows underlinesbelow the DPI settings that scan at true optical resolution. For moreinformation about true optical resolution, see your Flextight scanneruser's guide.




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Step 7: Set the Tonal Range

FlexColor features an automatic correction button, which makes it easyto optimize the tonal range in your scans. Your highlights will be brightand your shadows dark, but details will be visible in both bright anddark areas.

To use this feature, click on the Auto button. The software will analyzethe image inside of your crop area and decide the best settings forhighlight and shadow points. The preview image will be updated toshow the effect.

The auto function uses only the part of the image that is inside the croparea you defined in the last section. You must always define a crop areabefore using the Auto button.

• The highlight point is set to the brightest point in the crop area. Thispoint will print white - all points brighter than the highlight point (ifthere are any) will become white. All areas above the shadow pointwill be brightened proportionately to make a lighter, better exposedpicture.

• The shadow point is set to darkest point in the scan. This point willprint black - all areas that are darker than the shadow point (if thereare any) will become black. This will darken the shadowsproportionately to add contrast and preserve the "depth" of yourimage.

• As an option, the auto function may also correct for color cast in yourimage. If the remove cast feature is enabled, then highlight andshadow points will be assigned individually for each color channel.The option is set on the Auto tab of the Setup window. Please see theFlexColor Software Reference for more information about this and othersettings available in the Setup window.




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Inspect the resulting image by moving the mouse cursor over thepreview and reading the values shown in the Color area.

Note that the values are as they will appear in the final image afterapplying highlight and shadow settings.

When the highlight and shadow are set appropriately, your final scancan make use of the full available range of tones for optimal contrast andquality. The Auto button will do a satisfactory job of this. However, adistinctive quality of a skilled scanner operator is his or her ability to sethighlight and shadow points correctly. Advanced manual settings areavailable with the FlexColor application. When you have finishedworking through the quick-start steps, please see the FlexColor SoftwareReference for more information about the Histogram window.

Note also that you can modify the behavior of the automatic tonal rangebutton by editing the settings in the Setup window. If you wish tomodify the print values for highlight and shadow from their defaultsettings of 255 and 0, respectively, then make settings on the Dot tab ofthe Setup window. See the FlexColor Software Reference for moreinformation about these settings.




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Step 8: Finish Your Image

1. If you would like to have your final image automatically open in animage editing program (for example, Adobe Photoshop) forinspection after the final scan is finished, then select Preferencesfrom the File menu. The Preferences window appears. (If you do notwant to use this feature, then skip to step 3.)

2. Click on the Open in checkbox in the Saved Image area and thenclick on the Select button. A standard file finder window willappear. Use it to locate your image editing program. Click on OK toapply your setting.

3. You are now ready to take the final scan. Click on the Scan button totake the scan you have set up.

4. A standard file save dialog appears. Use it to choose a folder and filename for your final scan.

5. A small window will appear which tracks the progress of your scan.When the scan is finished, your final image will be stored in thefolder you selected. If you set the preferences in steps 1 and 2, thenthe selected image editing program will start-up and display yourfinal scan.



Step 8: Finish Your Image

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Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print

In this section, we will configure FlexColor to work with ICC colorprofiles. Under Mac OS, ICC profiles are controlled by Apple'sColorSync technology. Under Windows 98 and Windows 2000, thetechnology is referred to as "ICM" (which stands for "Image ColorManagement").

FlexColor uses ICC profiles when it creates output in CMYK. It is easy touse and produces extremely accurate, high-quality results.

Flextight scanners and most monitors and output devices include ICCprofiles, which will help make sure the colors in your original aremaintained and that colors you see on your screen will be accuratelyreproduced on paper.

Use the following procedure to set up ICC profiles with FlexColor:

1. If you have not done so, calibrate your monitor to set up an ICCprofile for you system as described in "Step 1: Calibrate YourMonitor" on page 12.

2. Select CMYK Standard from the Setup drop down list. This willload a setup that is preconfigured to make a CMYK scan, but willnot apply any histogram or gradation settings.

3. In FlexColor, select Setup from the File menu.

4. If you are working on a Macintosh, click on the ColorSync™ tab. Ifyou are working under Windows, click on the ICM tab. Thiswindow lets you choose ICC profiles for your scanner and outputdevice.




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5. Select the input profile for your model of Imacon scanner from theInput pop-up menu.

6. Select your output device from the CMYK pop-up menu. Thisshould be the same CMYK profile that you chose for Photoshop in"Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12. If you do not havePhotoshop and your output device is not shown, then selectFlextight 330% Skel. K. 75/30% - this generic profile will give goodresults in the majority of cases.




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7. Use the RGB pop-up menu to select the Photoshop working spaceRGB profile that you created and saved in "Step 1: Calibrate YourMonitor" on page 12. Although we will be creating a CMYK file inthis procedure, it is a good idea to set this here because if you usethis setup to scan to RGB sometime in the future, then the filecreated will be saved using the Photoshop working color space.Therefore, Photoshop will not need to convert the colors when youopen the file.

8. Mark the Convert checkbox if it is not already marked. The Convertsetting activates the ICC profile feature of FlexColor, therebyallowing the program to convert to the specified CMYK or RGBspace.

9. Make sure that the Embed Profile checkbox is not checked. Asexplained in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12, you willsave some disk space (and possibly prevent errors) by notembedding CMYK profiles.

Note, however, that when you scan to RGB, you should work withthe Embed Profile checkbox checked. By saving the profile withyour RGB files, your scans can be both shown correctly in otherprograms (such as Photoshop) and accurately converted to CMYKlater either by you or by your service bureau. If the Convertcheckbox is also checked, then you will embed the output profileselected in the RGB pop-up menu. If the Convert checkbox is notchecked, then the Input profile will be embedded.

10. Click on New to save your settings. Give your new setup a name like"My CMYK".

11. Click on OK.

12. In the main FlexColor window, select CMYK from the Modepop-up menu (this was probably already done for you by the setup).

13. Select a colorful transparency - preferably a well-exposed shot thatincludes a color test card.

14. Load the transparency into your scanner.

15. Set the format of your original and click on Preview. Wait for thepreview scan to appear on your screen.

16. Set the Width, Height and Zoom fields so that the scan will take upmost of an A4 or letter-size paper (30 - 35 MB).

17. Use the DPI pop-up menu to set the output resolution to 300 dpi.




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18. Click on the Reset button to remove all gradation, histogram, andcolor correction settings.

19. Select a crop area that includes the entire image, but cuts off theblack frame that surrounds the image.

20. Click on Auto to set highlight and shadow points. Do not make anyother settings in the Gradation, Histogram, or Color Correctionwindows.

21. Send the final scan file to your service bureau to make a test printsuch as a Chromalin or AgfaProof. Save a copy of the file. Be sure toremind your service bureau not to alter the image in any way (i.e.,do not open and save it using any program).

22. When your proof print comes back, open the original scan again inPhotoshop. Compare the image on your screen with the printedimage. They should be very similar. If they are not, first make surethat your judgement is not being affected by the ambient light inyour office by using a light box to view the print. If the images arestill too dissimilar, try to repeat the procedure given in "Step 1:Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12 while comparing your print tothe image in Photoshop as you make each setting (also be sure tospecify the light temperature of your light box when calibrating themonitor with the Adobe control panel).

23. Be sure to check the ColorSync/ICM setup in FlexColor each timeyou create a new setup.

The process of preparing RGB scans for print in CMYK colors hasbecome an art form that takes years to master. Every high-end scanneroperator and printer has his or her own system for judging how the inksshould balance to create attractive and accurate colors in the final print.Keep in mind that when you approach your printer or service bureauwith your own pre-separated scans, they will most likely be suspiciousand may question the results even after checking the files. We encourageyou to follow through with a test print using the standard ICC profileresults. Then meet with your printer and discuss the results.

If you decide that you need to improve the accuracy of your CMYKoutput profile, send your printer a copy of the "Fax to Printer" formincluded with Flextight. It makes it easy for your printer to tell you howto improve your results.

The Macintosh version of FlexColor includes a powerful ICC profileeditor which you can use to implement your printers suggestions. Seethe FlexColor Software Reference for more information.




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Troubleshooting37

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Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble with your Flextight scanner or FlexColorsoftware, then read through this part to find advice that will help yousolve your problems. This part includes:

• Answers to frequently asked questions

• A discussion of some common problems and how to solve them

• Advice for increasing the performance of your system


Troubleshooting38

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between input and output resolution?

A: Input DPI is the number of samples taken from your original perlinear inch. Output DPI is the number of pixels per inch in theprinted image.

In FlexColor, the input DPI is equal to the setting in the DPI pop-upmenu multiplied by the Zoom value. Note, however, that thescanner has only a limited number of true optical resolutions inwhich all pixels in the output image are directly sampled from theinput. If you enter a combination of Zoom and DPI values that resultin an input DPI that is not one of Flextight's true resolutions, thenthe scanner will take the next higher resolution scan (if possible) andthen interpolate the data so that the output image is the correct size.See your Flextight scanner user's guide for specific informationabout the optical resolution of your scanner.

Q: Why do low-contrast patterns sometimes come out looking strangein my final scan?

A: As mentioned in the previous question, FlexColor interpolates yourimage whenever you enter a combination of Zoom and DPI valuesthat result in an input DPI that is not one of your scanner's trueresolutions. With some images, especially those containing alow-contrast repeating pattern, this can result in degradation of theimage.

To avoid this problem, always use one of the true optical resolutionsettings. Note that for any given Zoom setting, the DPI pop-up menushows underlines below the DPI settings that scan at true opticalresolution. For more information about true optical resolution, seeyour Flextight scanner user's guide.

Q: How can I bring out details in the dark areas of my images?

A: There are three methods for this. First, make sure that the Enhancedshadow detail checkbox is marked on the General tab of the Setupwindow. If this is not enough, try the Shadow depth slider in theGradations window. If neither of these techniques produce theresults you are looking for, you can work with the curve in theGradations window. Set the curve so that there is a steep slope inthe dark areas and then pull it down so it is nearly flat in the otherareas. Use two points to define the curve, as shown below.


Troubleshooting39

Imaging Problems

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For more information about the Gradations curve, see the FlexColorSoftware Reference.

Q: Why is the CMYK mode gray (disabled)?

A: Before you can scan in CMYK mode, you must select input andoutput ICC profiles in the ColorSync (Mac OS) or ICM (Windows)tab of the Setup window. See the FlexColor Software Reference formore information. Note that support for ICC profiles is not possibleunder Windows 95, NT 4.0, or older. Therefore, Windows 98 orWindows 2000 or later are required to scan directly to CMYK or usecolor management under Windows.

Q: Why do I get vertical lines in my reflective originals?

A: You may need to take a new white calibration or clean thecalibration rail.

White calibration is only required for reflective scans. Duringcalibration, the scanner scans a white target to establish the whitepoint along the full length of the scanner's CCD. The results of thewhite calibration scan are saved on your computer's hard disk.

See the FlexColor Software Reference for more information abouttaking a white calibration.

Imaging Problems

Focus or Sizing

You must load transparencies with the emulsion side in its correctposition for your scanner (down for Flextight Precision and Progression,up for Flextight Photo). If you place them with the emulsion in thewrong direction, then the image will be slightly displaced from the lens(by the thickness of the film), which is enough to effect the focus slightly.


Troubleshooting40

Imaging Problems

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Flextight Precision and Progression make use of an internal zoommechanism for optimizing scans of different formats. If your scans areconsistently coming out unfocused or at slightly the wrong size, then youmay need to recalibrate the zoom mechanism. See your Flextight scanneruser's guide for instructions.

Striping on Reflective Originals

If vertical stripes appear in your reflective scans, then you may need totake a new white calibration.

White calibration is only required for reflective scans. During calibration,the scanner scans a white target to establish the white point along the fulllength of the scanner's CCD. The results of the white calibration scan aresaved on your computer's hard disk.

See your Flextight scanner user's guide for more information abouttaking a white calibration.

All-Black or All-White Images

If images are all black or all white, first make sure you are using thecorrect settings for your original holder. Open the Setup window byselecting Setup from the File menu. Look at the Film Type setting on theGeneral tab sheet. Make sure the setting matches your original.

If the Film Type setting is correct, then your light tubes (or tubes) maybe burned out. See also "Pixelated or Missing Images," below.

See your Flextight scanner user's guide for instructions about how toreplacing the light tubes.

Pixelated or Missing Images

This problem affects only Flextight Precision II and Photo scanners,which include a reflective sleeve around their light tubes to concentratethe light on your originals.If your transparency scans are missing or simply look like a random setof pixels, then your transparency light tube may have come out ofalignment. See your Flextight scanner user's guide for instructions abouthow to adjust the transmission light tube for your scanner.


Troubleshooting41

Color Problems

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Halos in Final Images

If "halos" or bright outlines are appearing in your output images, checkthe settings in the Unsharp Mask window by selecting Unsharp Maskfrom the Windows menu. Halos are a symptom of applying too muchsharpness to an image. Try to reduce the settings for Amount andRadius and take the scan again.

Noise in Final Images

If your images look noisy or grainy, then make sure you are not usingthe Histogram window to apply a highlight less than about 180 or so.

If your originals are too dark, then try to increase the light instead oflowering the highlight point. To do this, select Setup from the File menu.On the General tab sheet there is a setting called Adaptive Light. Trysetting it to its maximum setting (50) and take the scan again to see if youcan scan with a higher highlight point. This will help in some, but not allcases.

Another possible source of noise can be the unsharp mask settings. Iftextures or other unwanted items in your originals are too distinct inyour final images, check your unsharp masking settings by selectingUnsharp Mask from the Windows menu. Try to increase the Thresholdsetting. This will reduce the effect of the sharpness filter on textures andother low-contrast features.

Color Problems

Extreme Color Results

If you are getting extremely wrong color results, then check thefollowing:

• Check the setting in the Mode pop-up menu of the main FlexColorwindow. Make sure it is set to the result you are looking for.

• Check the Film Type setting on the General tab of the Setup window.Make sure the setting matches your original.

• Check the setting of the CC tab of the Setup window. It contains acolor correction matrix. If the matrix contains extreme settings, thenneutralize these settings (set to zero) and check your image again.

• Check the setting in the Gradations window by selecting Gradationsfrom the Windows menu. If the graph and/or sliders are notconfigured as expected, then set all sliders to zero and click on Resetto neutralize the graph.


Troubleshooting42

Loading Problems

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• Check the setting in the Histogram window by selecting Histogramfrom the Windows menu. If the sliders are not configured as expected,then click on Reset to remove the effects of the Histogram settings.Note that this window also contains separate sliders for each color -the color settings may be hidden. Click on the arrow in the bottom leftcorner of the window to hide or show the color settings.

• If the Softproof box is checked in the main FlexColor window, thenclick to remove the check and inspect the result.

Color Inaccuracies in Final Prints

If you are having trouble getting the right colors in your final prints, thenmake sure you have set up color management on your system asdescribed in "Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor" on page 12 and "Step 9:Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print" on page 32 in the tutorial.

If you are not getting satisfactory results, even though you have set upcolor management correctly, then you should try to customize youroutput profile.

For more information about setting up ICC profiles and customizing theoutput profiles, see the FlexColor Software Reference.

Loading Problems

Lost Originals in Flextight Precision

This problem only affects Flextight Precision scanners, which feature aspecial flexible original holder for scanning reflectives. If you take apreview or scan with the software set to use the A4 reflective holder, buthave instead mounted one of the transparency holders, then the scannermay draw the original holder all of the way into the scanner and not ejectit again. To get the original holder out:

1. Turn off and unplug your scanner.

2. Lie the scanner down on its back.

3. Find the allen key (hex wrench) that came with your scanner and useit to remove the four screws that hold on the bottom panel of thescanner.

4. It should be very easy to see the original holder inside the scanner.Remove it and reassemble the scanner.


Troubleshooting43

If the Scanner Is Not Responding

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If the Drum Motor Does Not Turn Off

If, after ejecting your original, the drum motor continues to operate,possibly making a clicking sound, then you need to have the shut-offswitch adjusted inside your scanner. The procedure is fast, but requiresthe help of a technician. Please contact your Imacon dealer.

If the Originals Are Not Loading Correctly

If the scanner makes a clicking sound instead of loading your originalwhen you begin to scan using a flexible original holder, or if the originalholder rotates slightly as it is drawn in, then the passive rollers thatregulate the original loading may be sticking. You should get themreplaced. The procedure is fast, but requires the help of a technician.Please contact your Imacon dealer.

If the Scanner Is Not Responding

If the scanner is not responding to commands from your computer, thencheck the following:

• Make sure the scanner is plugged in and turned on.

• Inspect all SCSI connections to and from the scanner. Make sure thecables are firmly attached to all connectors.

• Make sure that no two devices share the same SCSI address.

• Make sure Flextight is not set for SCSI address 7, 8, or 9.

• Make sure the last device on the chain is properly fitted with aterminator (or provides internal termination).

• Reduce the number of devices on the chain.

• Use shorter and/or newer cables.

Problems Starting Your Computer

If you have had trouble starting your computer since attaching theFlextight scanner, then there may be a problem with your SCSI setup.Try the following:

• Make sure that no two devices share the same SCSI address.

• Make sure the last device on the chain is properly fitted with aterminator (or provides internal termination).

• Reduce the number of devices on the chain.

• Use shorter and/or newer cables.


Troubleshooting44

Software Performance on a Macintosh

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If you are having trouble with the performance of the Macintosh versionof the FlexColor software, then check the following guidelines for advice.

Macintosh Model

As with most graphics applications, the more powerful your computer,the better. As a minimum, you must use a Power PC-based machinerunning Mac OS 7.5 or later. We recommend at G3 model running MacOS 8.5.1 or later.

Monitor

Your monitor must be at least 16" (832 x 624 pixels) to fit the userinterface and preview image.

Graphics Capability

Your computer must be capable of showing at least 16 bit graphics(thousands of colors) to run the FlexColor software. We recommend thatyou use 32 bit graphics (Millions of colors), which is the standard for allphoto quality graphic work.

To check your graphics capability, open the Monitors (or Monitors andSound) control panel. If it shows options for Thousands or Millions ofcolors, then click on the highest available option and close the controlpanel. If it shows nothing higher than 256 colors, then check yourmonitor resolution setting (this setting is either right next to the colordepth or available via the Options button). In some cases, you can getmore colors by reducing the resolution setting. Do not reduce theresolution to below 832 x 624 pixels or else the FlexColor main windowwill be too large to fit on the screen.

If you are still unable to get more than 256 colors, then you must eitheradd more video RAM (VRAM) to your graphics card or purchase a newplug-in graphics card. Please contact your computer dealer forassistance. Ask them how to get millions or thousands of colors on yourmodel of computer with your model of monitor.

Memory (RAM) Size

The FlexColor application requires 28 MB of free RAM. This means thatyou need more than 40MB of physical RAM installed in your computer.More RAM will enable you to have other applications, such asPhotoshop, open at the same time.


Troubleshooting45


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If memory is tight, try starting your computer with the extensionsdisabled (hold down the shift key while the computer starts up). Thiswill temporarily remove some of the custom functionality of yoursystem, but will make your system use less RAM and possibly increaseprocessing speed. Note however, that this will disable ColorSync, so youwill not be able to scan to CMYK.

Memory Setup

For optimal performance, use the following procedure to check yourmemory setup:

1. Open the Memory control panel.

2. Make sure that Virtual Memory is set to off.

FlexColor will work with virtual memory, but performance will beimproved if you turn it off.

Free Disk Space

Make sure that you have at least 200 MB of free disk space available. Thescanner is capable of generating files of over 100 MB, so you will quicklyuse up disk space if you are scanning high resolution images.High-capacity removable media storage systems such as JAZ, ZIP or MOdrives can help alleviate disk space (and image transportation) problems.

Background Applications

If you run other applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, in thebackground while you are scanning with Flextight, then your systemmay run slower. If you are having performance problems or run out ofmemory, then try quitting all background applications before you startthe FlexColor application.

System Extensions

Mac OS allows you to install system extensions and control panels to addutilities and other functionality to your computer. In some cases,conflicts can occur because some extensions or applications try to use thesame resources. This usually results in system or application crashes orfreezes. If you are having these problems, try starting your computerwith the extensions off by holding the shift key during start-up.


Troubleshooting46

Software Performance under Windows

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Software Performance under Windows

Monitor

Your monitor must be at least 16" (832 x 624 pixels) to fit the userinterface and preview image.

Graphics Capability

Your computer must be capable of showing at least 16 bit graphics(thousands of colors) to run the FlexColor software. We recommend thatyou use 32 bit graphics (Millions of colors), which is the standard for allphoto quality graphic work.

To check your graphics capability, open the Display control panel andchoose the Settings tab. Check the options given in the Color palettedrop-down list. If it shows nothing higher than 256 colors, then check theDesktop area setting shown. In some cases, you can get more colors byreducing the resolution setting. Do not reduce the resolution to below832 x 624 pixels or else the FlexColor main window will be too large to fiton the screen.

If you are still unable to get more than 256 colors, then you must eitheradd more video RAM (VRAM) to your graphics card or purchase a newplug-in graphics card. Please contact your computer dealer forassistance. Ask them how to get millions or thousands of colors on yourmodel of computer with your model of monitor.

Memory (RAM) Size

You must have a minimum of 64 MB of RAM to run FlexColorefficiently.

Free Disk Space

Make sure that you have at least 200 MB of free disk space available. Thescanner is capable of generating files of over 100 MB, so you will quicklyuse up disk space if you are scanning high resolution images.High-capacity removable media storage systems such as JAZ, ZIP or MOdrives can help alleviate disk space (and image transportation) problems.

Background Applications

If you run other applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, in thebackground while you are scanning with Flextight, then your systemmay run slower. If you are having performance problems or run out ofmemory, then try quitting all background applications before you startthe FlexColor application, or get more memory.


Troubleshooting47

For Further Assistance

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Scanning to CMYK and Color Management

FlexColor relies on ICC profiles for making color separations andimplementing color management. Support for ICC profiles was firstintroduced in Windows 98, which includes ICM 2.0. Therefore, you mustuse Windows 98 or Windows 2000 or later to make use of these features.

For Further Assistance

If you have checked all of the conditions listed above and are still havingproblems with your system please contact your local dealer ordistributor. Please be close to your computer and scanner when callingbecause the technical support person may ask questions that require youto access your equipment. Many problems can be solved right over thephone - without sending in your equipment.


Troubleshooting48

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Read This First! 5Calibrate Your Monitor! 6Working with ICC Profiles 6The Imacon Design Philosophy 7Getting Started Quickly 9

Quick-Start Tutorial 11Step 1: Calibrate Your Monitor 12Calibration Materials 12Color Calibrating Your System 12

Step 2: Set up Your Scanner 18Important Notes and Warnings 18SCSI Requirements for PCs 18SCSI Requirements for Macintosh 19

Step 3: Install FlexColor Software 20Installing FlexColor on a Macintosh 20Installing FlexColor on a Windows Computer 21Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with a Macintosh 21Important Notes for using Flextight 4800 with Windows 22

Step 4: Mount Your Original 23Step 5: Take a Preview 24Step 6: Crop and Size Your Scan 27Step 7: Set the Tonal Range 29Step 8: Finish Your Image 31Step 9: Scan to CMYK and Make a Test Print 32

Troubleshooting 38Frequently Asked Questions 39Imaging Problems 40Focus or Sizing 40Striping on Reflective Originals 41All-Black or All-White Images 41Pixelated or Missing Images 41Halos in Final Images 42Noise in Final Images 42

Color Problems 42Extreme Color Results 42Color Inaccuracies in Final Prints 43

Loading Problems 43Lost Originals in Flextight Precision 43If the Drum Motor Does Not Turn Off 44If the Originals Are Not Loading Correctly 44

If the Scanner Is Not Responding 44Problems Starting Your Computer 44Software Performance on a Macintosh 45Macintosh Model 45Monitor 45Graphics Capability 45Memory (RAM) Size 45Memory Setup 46Free Disk Space 46Background Applications 46System Extensions 46

Software Performance under Windows 47Monitor 47Graphics Capability 47Memory (RAM) Size 47Free Disk Space 47Background Applications 47Scanning to CMYK and Color Management 48

For Further Assistance 48

getting started - photoworkshop.com · 2012. 2. 4. · the information in this manual is furnished...

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