photographic film and slide scanning alternatives
DESCRIPTION
This is an overview of the options available for digitizing photographic film and slides. It covers scanning 35mm and 120 format film and slides. This presentation also compares scanning yourself vs using a lab. Detailed information on Plustek's new OpticFilm 120 film scanner is also included.TRANSCRIPT
Alternatives for Scanning Film Negatives & Slides
Mark Druziak
Plustek Director of Marketing
562-650-3900
March 2013
Agenda
• Planning your film scanning projects• Film scanning alternatives• Film scanners vs flatbed vs camera based
scanners• Hardware alternatives• Software alternatives• Lab Scanning Services• Plustek OpticFilm Scanners
Planning your scanning projectScanning film & slides is an art!
• Still shooting film?– Color? B/W? both?– What format?
• Converting old stuff?– How many slides or negatives?
• Really? Edit Edit Edit!
– Shoebox of prints – • we’ll talk about this in a second
• What is your final output?– Scan it ONCE!
• Web• Print
Planning your scanning projectScanning film & slides is an art!
• Budgeting your time– Need to learn scanner and software– Editing, selecting and organizing film
and slides– Develop a workflow that works for
you
• Assume 2 – 10 minutes per image– Plus post scan editing
Scanning Workflows
• Bach scan then post scan edit– Risky because re-scans can take a lot of time.– Not possible with manual feed scanner
• Scan single image and edit immediately– Edit image while the next image is being scanned
• Scan all images in film holder and then edit– Good compromise – Works well with Lightroom Auto Import
Scanning PrintsShoeboxes Full Of Prints
– Scanner with automatic feeder• Load up feeder with up to 30 photos • Good enough quality for web and photo
books• Not for gallery prints
– Flatbed• Look for CCD based scanner for best quality• Might only be able to scan one image at a
time.
Film Scanner Alternatives
• Camera based “film scanner”• Flatbed scanner with transparency adapter• Dedicated film scanner• Drum scanner
Film Scanner ChoicesCamera Based Scanner
• Pros– Low price ($99 or less)– Simple
• Cons– Low resolution– Low dynamic range– Web sharing only
Film Scanner ChoicesFlatbed with Transparency Adapter
Pros– Some offer very good quality
• Higher $ = Higher Quality
– Easy batch scanning– Supports multiple formats
• Some even support large format negatives
• Better for MF and LF than 35mm
Cons– Some not any better than camera based devices– Lower resolution – Lower dynamic range
Film Scanner ChoicesDedicated Film Scanner
Pros– Higher resolution than a flatbed– Higher dynamic range than a flatbed– Color Consistency and Accuracy– Better overall image quality
• Web to Gallery Prints possible
Cons– Can only scan one or two different formats
Film Scanner ChoicesDedicated Film Scanner
• Higher resolution and dynamic range than flatbed
Film Scanner ChoicesDrum Scanner
Pros– Best image quality possible– Highest dynamic range possible
Cons– Slow– Cost
• Prices start at $12,000!
Dust and Scratch Removal Alternatives
• IR based system– IR image only show dust and scratches
– Automatically removed by software
– Requires and extra scanner pass• Longer scan times
– Does not work with silver halide based B/W film
• Software based– Softens image
• Wet Mount– Tedious
– Dangerous chemicals
– Works well!
• Healing tools in Photoshop– Tedious
– Need to buy software
ScanningSoftware Alternatives
• Software is important to image quality– Scanning software works with “raw” pixels– Adjust with scanning to get the best possible image
• But don’t kill yourself!• Post scan processing is almost always needed
– Burn/’Dodge, dust clean up etc
– Color negative to positive conversion important• Built in film profiles• Create your own profiles
Software AlternativesBasic Software Provided with Scanner
Pros– Easy to use– No additional cost
Cons– Typically doesn’t provide the best image quality– Does not provide as much control as third party
scanning software
Software AlternativesSilverFast and ViewScan
• SilverFast– Bundled with all Plustek Scanners
– Very comprehensive
– Learning curve
– IR Dust and scratch removal
– Multiple Exposure to increase dynamic range
• VueScan– Inexpensive
– Works with just about every scanner
– Easy to use
– DNG output
– IR Dust and Scratch
– Multiple Exposure
Alternative to scanning yourselfLab Scans
• Scanning film & slides is an art!• Image quality is only as good as the scan operator.• Know where your film is going!
– Some low cost services ship your film and slides off shore
• Can be very expensive– $1 to $25 per image
• If you choose to use a lab:– Send at least two different test batches at different times
• Judge quality and repeatability
OpticFilm Scanner Models
Plustek OpticFilm Scanners:
35mm:– OpticFilm 8100– OpticFilm 8200i Ai
35mm and 120 Format:– OpticFilm 120
OpticFilm 8XXX Quick Facts:• 7200 dpi 35mm film and slide scanner• 3 different models:
– Entry
– Intermediate
– Pro
• LED illumination• SilverFast SE or Ai included• IR dust and scratch removal on “i” models.• Professional image quality.• Many excellent independent reviews on internet
OpticFilm Scanner Models
• All three models are basically the same hardware.• EXCEPT:
– 8200i models add infrared dust and scratch removal
• OpticFilm 8100 and 8200i SE– Both ship with Lasersoft SilverFast SE– 8200i SE adds IR dust and scratch removal
• OpticFilm 8200i Ai– Ships with SilverFast Ai– IT8 Calibration Slide
OpticFilm Features• LED Illumination
– Long life– Consistent output
• SilverFast SE or Ai• Multi-Sampling
– Noise reduction
• Multi-Exposure– Increased Dmax – up to 3.6
• Automatic dust removal– SRD software based on 8100– iSRD IR based on 8200i models
• iSRD does not work with silver halide based B/W film• iSRD does work with chromogenic B/W film (C-41 process)
OpticFilm Features - continued
• Film tray• Slide tray• Quick Scan
– Create a JPG at the touch of a button
• Carrying bag• Quick start guide
OpticFilm - Model Positioning
• OpticFilm 8100– Easy to use– Amateur photographer or film scanner– Customer that is more interested in “Auto” mode
rather than ultimate control over the scanning process.
– Customer that will ONLY scan B/W film and is price sensitive.
OpticFilm - Model Positioning
• OpticFilm 8200i SE– Advanced amateur– Customer concerned with dust and scratch removal
• OpticFilm 8200i Ai– Professional or advanced amateur wanting complete
control over the scanning process.– Customer that requires IT8 calibration and/or color
managed workflow.
Lasersoft SilverFast SE vs Ai
• Lasersoft SilverFast is defacto standard for film scanning software.
• What’s the difference?– Both 8200i models support iSRD.– 8100 model supports SRD only.– Think of the difference between Photoshop Elements
and Photoshop CS5.– SE is (relatively) easy to use.– Ai offers complete control.– Ai includes IT8 calibration slide
Reviews
• Shutterbug Magazine 9/2010 Issuehttp://shutterbug.com/equipmentreviews/scanners_printers/0910plustek/
• Shutterbug Magzaine 10/2013 issue – OpticFilm 120 Review
• TrustedReviews 3/8/2010http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2010/03/08/Plustek-OpticFilm-
8200i-SE-Film-Scanner/p1
• Luminous Landscape 7/2010http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/scanners/plustek.shtml
• Rangefinderforum.com• Leica forum – i-camera-forum.com• Flickr.com – Opticfilm groups and user images
Resources
• Plustek OpticFilm Websitehttp://plustek.com/usa/products/opticfilm-series/
– Detailed Features– OpticFilm 8100 vs 8200i– OpticFilm 8200i SE vs 8200i Ai– Specifications– Downloads– Customer Testimonials (NEW!)
PlustekPlustekOpticFilm 120OpticFilm 120Product IntroductionProduct Introduction
Mark DruziakPlustek Director of Marketing February 2013Ver 4.0
Agenda• Why a dedicated film scanner?• OpticFilm 120 Introduction• Product Purpose• Target Audiences• OpticFilm 120 Overview• What’s in the box• Specifications• Unique Selling points• Competitor Analysis• Appendix
Why a dedicated film scanner?
• Higher resolution than a flatbed• Higher dynamic range than a flatbed• Color Consistency and Accuracy
OpticFilm 120 Introduction
The OpticFilm 120 delivers the professional image quality results from 35mm film strips, slides, and 120/220 film from 6x4.5cm up to 6x12cm in sizes. It is designed for professional photographers, advanced amateur photographers, film photo enthusiasts, photography schools and clubs.
The OpticFilm 120 satisfies the film scanning requirements of advanced amateurs or professionals that require the ultimate in
image quality and an ICC profiled scanning system.
Product Design Goals• Scan film and provide extremely high quality digital images for any
output including presentation quality prints.• Provide the highest quality digital images from photographic film.• Satisfy the film scanning needs of professional and consumer
photographers using high quality film cameras. For example: 645 cameras: Pentax 645, Hasselblad, Mamiya 645; TLR Cameras: Rolleiflex, Rolleicord, Yashica; 6x7 Cameras Mamiya 7, FujiFilm 670, Voigtlander Bessa 667; 35mm Cameras: Leica, Voigtlander, Nikon, Canon etc.
• Satisfy the film scanning needs of advanced amateurs or professionals that require a complete ICC profiled system.
• Sharing of film photo images.
Target Audiences• Classic film camera owners• Film photo enthusiasts• Professional photographers• Advanced amateur photographers• Photography school and clubs• Photographers and photo labs that require an ICC profiled
scanning system• Low volume custom photographic processing and printing
shops
OpticFilm 120 Overview (Front view)
Power on buttonEject button
LED indicator
1
2 Power on buttonEject button
1. Power on: blue
2. Standby: orange
Action button
Film holder slot
OpticFilm 120 Overview (Rear view)
1
2 3
1. Rear film holder slot
2. USB port connector
3. AC adapter connector
Folding rear protection cover
What’s in the box
OF120 Film scanner
Film holders
6x7 cm IT8 Target
Masking Sheet x2
AC adapter ; USB cable
Plustek and SilverFast QG
SilverFast DVD
Plustek CD SilverFast license key
Key Features• Extraordinary Image Quality
– 8-element glass lens– High sensitive color CCD– Built-in infrared channel– IT 8 target and color calibration
• Newly Designed film carriers ensure accurate imaging and efficient workflow.
– Holds medium format film flat.– Easy to load– The patent-pending adjustable pitch film holders– Efficent workflow – Motorized film transport; batch scanning capability
• Elegant and Compact Design– Elegant appearance– Compact Design - Smaller Footprint– Special rubber shock isolator foot pads
• Powered by LaserSoft Imaging AG SilverFast®
– Windows/ Mac ; multi-tasking capability; lots of image tools and features for best image quality
“The OpticFilm 120 reaches an image quality level that is typically achieved by
drum scanners.”
Quote from LaserSoft Imaging
Extraordinary Image Quality
Glass Lens with 8-elements in 5 groups
100 % crop without post editing
200 % crop without post editing
• Sharpness and high resolution (Optical resolution is up to 5300 dpi )
Helps to resolve every detail that is captured by the camera and film
High sensitivity color CCD• With 10,600 dpi resolution and with multi-exposure capability.
• Delivering an effective usable Dynamic Range of 4,01 (with SilverFast Multi-Exposure®/ according to ISO 21550:2004) and a theoretically maximum density of 4.8.
Normal scan
w/ Multi-Exposure
Provides accurate color and all highlight and shadow details.
Built-in Infrared Channel• IR Channel detects dust and scratches on non-silverhalide based films.
• Tight integration with SilverFast iSRD® for excellent dust and scratch removal image results.
Original
IR
Mark
Correct
Removes dust and scratches without the need for additional retouching
IT8 Target and color calibration• Stable led light sources
• Medium format 6x7cm IT 8 calibration target included
• SilverFast Auto IT8 Calibration® - in just 2 mouse clicks. “Easy to use”
Newly designed film carriers ensure accurate imaging and
efficient workflow
Film Flatness on Medium Format
Plustek OpticFilm 120 film holders
VS
Competitive 120 film holders
User-Oriented• Plustek OpticFilm 120 users do not need to cut their 3-
frame 6x7 film strip into single frames.
3rd frame will not fit
Result is cropped image
Plustek OpticFilm 120 film holders
Competitive 120 film holders
Patent-pending adjustable pitch film holders
1. Dedicated 120 film strip holders.2. Specifically designed for 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x8/6x9, 6x12, 35mm negative, and
35mm slide films3. Easy to load film strip4. Adjustable pitch maintains film flatness5. No need to cut 3-frame 6x7 120 film strips.
6x6
6x12
6x4.5
6x7
6x8 | 6x9
35mm
Adjustable pitch design
Efficient workflow
• Motorized film transport• Automatic batch scanning capacity.
A. For scanning 35mm mounted slides (max. 5 slides)B. For scanning 35mm filmstrips (max. 12 frames)C. For scanning 120/220 6x4.5 film strips (max. 4 frames)D. For scanning 120/220 6x6 film strips (max. 3 frames)E. For scanning 120/220 6x7 film strips (max. 3 frames)F. For scanning 120/220 6x8/ 6x9 film strips (max. 2 frames)G. For scanning 120/220 6x12 film strips (max. 1 frame)
Elegant and Compact Design
The OpticFilm 120 is the most compact 120 film scanner on the market.
Textured metal case
LED indicator
Black mirror acrylic front panel
Elegant Appearance
Compact Design - Smaller Footprint
Folding rear cover
Competitor Analysis - 1
Plustek Brand N Brand P | Brand R
OpticFilm 120 9000 PF120 | 5000
Film Type Frame size Supported Up to Supported Up to Supported Up to
135 35 mm strip vv 1212 vv 1212 vv 66
35 mm framed vv 55 vv 55 vv 44
120/220
6 x 4.5 strip vv 44 vv 44 vv 33
6 x 6 strip vv 33 vv 33 vv 22
6 x 7 strip vv 33 vv 22 vv 11
6 x 8 strip vv 22 vv 22 vv 11
6 x 9 strip vv 22 vv 22 vv 11
6 x 12 strip vv 11 No -- vv 11
Competitor Analysis - 2
Plustek Brand N Brand P | Brand R
OpticFilm 120 9000 PF120 | 5000
Optical resolution 5300 dpi 4000 dpi 3200 dpi
Multi- Exposure capability vv vv NoNo
Built-in IR and solution vv | SilverFast iSRD vv | ICE vv | Magic Touch
Dynamic RangeHigher result than
Nikon- Lower result than Nikon
Automatic Feeder vv vv NoNo
Batch scan capability vv vv NoNo
Dimensions (W x D x H) 210 x 374 x 189 mm 249 x 203 x 498 mm 200 x 400 x 160 mm
Win
Powered By LaserSoft Imaging SilverFast
The Plustek OpticFilm 120 is a critical element of the film processing and printing workflow that produces results that professionals demand.
Perfect for scanning 35mm and 120 size films