Scanning Questions

[bob_ross3]

<p>I just picked up a Nikon Coolscan 9000 ED and have three important questions before I get started.....</p>

<ol>

<li>Can I use the supplied Nikon Scan software on my Mac or will I need to purchase something like VUESCAN?</li>

<li>Can I use the supplied Medium Format film holder or will I need to purchase a different holder for MF Film?</li>

<li>According to the owner's manual the supplied MF Film holder can scan two images at a time - should I ask the lab that processes my MF film to cut the film into strips of two for me?</li>

</ol>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Bob</p>

[christoph_sensen]

<p>Hello Bob,<br>

congratulations on getting the famed Nikon Coolscan 9000 ED!<br>

Here are some answers:</p>

<ol>

<li>There is a Mac version of Nikon Scan, which still runs under Snowleopard, you can use it if you wish. For VueScan to work properly with the 9000 ED, it needs to be installed on your Mac anyway. There haven't been any updates to this software for quite a while, so investing into VueScan is still recommended in my opinion, as it has a vastly superior user interface and is updated at least twice a month.</li>

<li>My guess is that you have a glassless holder, which can hold two mounted slides (I don't have my holders in front of me right now, so I can't tell you what number to look for). To optimize the scanning quality, it is best to have a glass holder, which keeps the film absolutely flat. You can start with your current holder and look for a glass holder or buy some third party glass inlays for your current holder. This has been discussed before, just look for Nikon 9000 ED in the archives of photo.net.</li>

<li>If I guessed the type of your holder correctly, you would scan mounted slides. It won't matter what the lab cuts the film into, if they don't mount your slides it won't make a difference. Glass mounts would be advised, see comments under #2.</li>

</ol>

<p>have fun with the scanner!<br>

Christoph</p>

[User_4754088]

<p>Hi Bob,</p>

<p>Congrats on your Coolscan 9000. Absolutely love mine. The medium format film holder that comes from the factory, will hold a negative that contains 3 6x6 images. It will also accommodate 2 6x7 images or 4 6x4.5 images. Both my MF cameras shoot 6x6, so I always cut my negative strips into three images each.</p>

<p>I know alot of folks swear by Vuescan, but I've never liked it. Been using NikonScan since the late 1990's and always got good results. It's funny, Nikon says NikonScan isn't supported on Snow Leopard, but it works fine on my MacPro, so I don't know what's up with that.</p>

<p>As far as glass holders, I use the standard MF holder that comes with the scanner for most MF scanning. Only when I have a really curled negative will I get out the Newton Glass holder. The reason is that the Newton Glass holder really accumulates and shows alot of dust. So you should be fine for now with the standard holder. You may want to start looking for the Newton Glass holder, because they are rather difficult to find (at least they were a few years ago when I got mine). If memory serves, I had to order it from B&H and wait months for them to get one in stock.</p>

<p>Best,<br>

-Tim</p>

[robert lee]

<blockquote>

<p>Can I use the supplied Nikon Scan software on my Mac or will I need to purchase something like VUESCAN</p>

</blockquote>

<p>If Nikonscan runs on your Mac, use it. The only reason for Vuescan is if your computer or operating system doesn't support the scanner manufacturer's software. Nikonscan is well thought out, runs well, and produces excellent results out of the box; in particular, multipass scanning is implemented correctly (on the odd occasion that it proves helpful.) Vuescan is rather a monstrosity on multiple fronts.</p>

<p>By the way, you'll need a Firewire interface for the 9000.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Can I use the supplied Medium Format film holder</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Sure. It works but getting edge to edge sharpness might be a problem. It depends on the amount of curl in the film strip. Freshly processed film doesn't work well for me. Film that's been flattened awhile in storage sleeves are fine.</p>

<p>I eventually bit the bullet and bought the AN glass holder.</p>

[nealcurrie]

<p>You can easily modify the glassless medium format holder by buying a couple sheets of AN glass from focal point. It took me about 1 minute to do this with mine using some instructions I found online. It ain't pretty but it's cheap and works perfectly.</p>

[pryszmont]

<p>Hi Ross<br>

I am selling currently glass holder and 35 mm slides holder :<br>

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120664546863&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1156</p>

[pryszmont]

<p>Hi Ross<br>

I am selling currently glass holder and 35 mm slides holder :<br>

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120664546863&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1156</p>

[stp]

<p>1. I'm using Nikonscan on a Mac with OS 10.5.8; works great. I think it's when you move to 10.6 that problems will appear (I can't keep track of the names for the Mac operating systems).</p>

<p>2. I used the supplied medium format film holder for quite some time and got what I considered were good scans. The key is to get a good grip on both sides and then pull the transparency flat. However, the "stickiness" of the two sides fades over time, although I think that can be restored (pencil eraser?). I ended up getting a glass holder and am extremely happy with it. However, to avoid Newton rings, I use the very thin paper/cardboard mounts that are supplied with the scanner to lift the transparency slightly. No problems at all since I started using them. Formerly, these mounts came in pre-cut sizes (6x9, 6x7, 6x6, 6x4.5), and it was very easy to put the mount on the film holder and place the transparency on the mount. Now, however, you may have to make your own side and end strips that aren't connected -- much more difficult, IMO.</p>

<p>3. I tried Vuescan at one time but didn't like it. Nikonscan is working fine for me. If you move to OS 10.6, you'll probably have to use Vuescan or Silverfast.</p>

[bobmichaels]

<blockquote>

<p>The only reason for Vuescan is if your computer or operating system doesn't support the scanner manufacturer's software. <snip> Vuescan is rather a monstrosity on multiple fronts.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>The above is certainly not a universal view as many of us have chosen Vuescan as a standard scanner interface. Use what you like. I won't debate which is better than the other. Just be aware the referenced comment is that one person's personal opinion.</p>

[bob_ross3]

<p>Can I scan old 35mm slides that are in glass mounts using the same film holder as I do for 35mm slides in cardboard?Or does that require a different holder?</p>

[philip_wilson]

<p>Despite rumours to the contrary I find that Nikon scan works fine on my Mac (which is running OS 10.6.5) with my 9000 but does not work well with the 5000. I assume this is something to do with USB vs Firewire. Some people have gone to Silverfast as they have had issues with the Mac. My issues were when I tried to use Nikon Scan with Windows Vista (64 bit) and Windows 7 as it did not work.<br>

The Supplied MF holder is rubbish - you can get away with it if you shoot 6x4.5 but with larger MF film it is almost impossible to get the whole frame in focus. You need to drop $200+ for one of the glass film holders - you can get them from many places including Adorama and B&H.<br>

If I shoot slide then I get the lab to cut and sleeve it. Even then I still often need to cut it. My holder does 4 6x4.5 images or 2 6x8 images.</p>

[robert lee]

<blockquote>

<p>You need to drop $200+ for one of the glass film holders</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Yes, it's convenience worth paying for, much as you'd grit your teeth for doing so. For a scanner that costs as much as it does, it should have been standard equipment.</p>

<p>Before I bought the Nikon holder, I actually ordered a few pieces of cut AN glass from an EBay seller. Total outlay was about $30. </p>

<p>Now, the top half of the Nikon glassless clam shell holder pops right off. Doing so lets you place the AN glass on top of the film. This improves the film flatness situation but does not fix it completely. The jig really requires a bottom glass sheet so that the film is entirely sandwiched between the two. </p>

<p>I gave up at this point. I was unsure whether the additional height would interfere with the mechanical transport. The savings wasn't worth potentially sacrificing a $2.5K scanner.</p>

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>You need a carrier with glass to get consistently sharp scans, especially at the edges and corners. The standard carrier might work with really flat film, but the unsupported ends tend to curl even then.</p>

<p>The non-rotating version is best, since you can scan several frames without reloading. The rotating carrier is primarily designed for panoramas and microscope slides (e.g., SEM slides), which are long and narrow, and can only scan a single frame, requiring a special mask.</p>

<p>Only the upper glass is anti-Newton. The lower glass is coated (like a lens) to reduce reflections. Since film usually cups downward, I put the emulsion side down and use one of the masks (or a piece of tape) to keep the upper side from touching the AN glass. AN glass is etched, and will reduce sharpness if placed between the film and scanner lens.</p>

<p>Dust is a problem, but mainly on the film itself. The DOF is shallow, so dust on the glass is generally out of focus, at least on the outer faces. Use photo finisher gloves to avoid fingerprints, and an anti-static brush to clean the film. A blast of canned air (or airbrush compressor) finishes the job. The remaining dust is effectively removed by using the Digital ICE feature.</p>

<p>I always cut the film myself, and leave blank frames as needed to complete the strip. Single frames are hard to handle, even in a glass holder. A technician will often remove blank frames, leaving you with with a single frame when that occurs. Film is less likely to curl at the ends if you allow it to equilibrate with the room after processing, which takes a day or two.</p>

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>(removing a double post)</p>

[jens_g.r._benthien]

<blockquote>

<p>Can I use the supplied Nikon Scan software on my Mac or will I need to purchase something like VUESCAN?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>It will hang from time to time, and if you are on a Mac with OS X 10.6.4 I guess you'll have to go for VueScan (which is a fantastic software)</p>

<blockquote>

<p><br /> Can I use the supplied Medium Format film holder or will I need to purchase a different holder for MF Film?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>If you want razor sharp images from edge to edge - yes, you will need the Nikon FH-869G. You can mount up to two 6x9 slides for scanning.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>According to the owner's manual the supplied MF Film holder can scan two images at a time - should I ask the lab that processes my MF film to cut the film into strips of two for me?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Usually labs cut the slide film into strips of 3 slides 6x6 and 6x7, or 2 slides 6x8 and 6x9. I've never seen one single strip for MF from any lab.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Can I scan old 35mm slides that are in glass mounts using the same film holder as I do for 35mm slides in cardboard?Or does that require a different holder?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>You can use the FH-835M holder (supplied with the scanner) for 5 mounted 35mm slides. More information <strong><a href="http://www.filmscanner.info/en/NikonSuperCoolscan9000ED.html">here</a></strong><br>

<img src="http://www.filmscanner.info/Bilder/Nikon9000Diahalter.jpg" alt="" width="350" height="288" /></p>

[philip_wilson]

<p>Jens <br>

The Lab I use for colour slide (Vistek in Calgary Canada) charges extra for cutting and sleeving MF slide film. Their standard is to just put the developed film into a long sleeve for 120 slide.</p>

<p>Does anyone else find that the Nikon software does not accurately adjust to the edges of the second frame but cuts a bit off. With 645 it is not too bad but when I shoot 6x8 (Fuji) the scanner does not quite get the second frame edges correct. It appears that it expects a bigger gap between the frames than the Fuji offers (the Nikon software does have a 6x8 setting)</p>

[robert lee]

<p>I shoot 6x7. The frame to frame spacing from the RB is usually consistent. The spacing from the KoniOmega varies wildly. The Nikon scanner works well with both.</p>

[jens_g.r._benthien]

<p>Philip,<br>

geez, that's weird that they charge extra. The lab in Germany where I have my slides processed does everything I want for Euro 1.85 per roll :-)</p>

<p>If the 9000 cuts off the frame, you might try to cut the leader down to 3 mm - if the leader is longer and you don't place the film at the correct position, the frame spacing is off (sometimes). In addition you should use the masks. They feature a cut out on the left side. I always place the slide into the holder onto the mask so that the frame covers the cutout. This way it starts where I want it to be.</p>

<p>This is where VueScan really shines. I've set up several *.ini files for different formats (6x8 and 6x9) and emulsions, including specifications for the size of the gap. Different cameras have different frame spacings. Example: 6x9plaubel_provia100.ini is for the Plaubel 69W ProShift Superwide and the Fuji Provia 100 F with the required settings for aspect ratio, color settings, etc., 6x9fuji_provia100.ini is for both Fuji GW and GSW cameras, the 6x9horseman_provia100.ini is for the Arca with a 6x9 Horseman back, the 6x8mamiya_provia100.ini is for the Arca with the 6x8 Mamiya back. </p>

<p>Usually I put the slides in the sleeve onto a light table with a ruler and measure the size of the gap, so just in case the camera didn't pull the film consistently I can adjust the gap after loading the *.ini file.</p>

<p>I know that the Nikon software doesn't have this feature, it relies (more or less) on a correct film placement in the holder. Unfortunately the 9000 doesn't have a sensor like the LS 5000 to detect the frames ...</p>

<p>Sure, the VueScan settings will keep you busy for a while, but once set, scanning is a simple task.</p>

[marc_batters]

<p>Concerning the glass carriers from Nikon for the 8000/9000 Coolscans, there seems to be some confusion as to the real cost of these carriers. There are two of them, a FH-869"G", non-rotating @ $250.00, and a FH-869"GR", rotating @ $350.00.<br /> As discussed earlier, the non-rotating version will suffice for most scanning duties.</p>

<p>J. Pryzmont's link is for a non-rotating carrier, FH-869G, that the Adorama link at the top of P-Net sells new, for $249.95, with free shipping. That's $75.00 less, with shipping, then the used price being asked at the auction site link, posted by a P-Net member, here on P-Net. It is not the $349.95 rotating carrier, FH-869GR.</p>

<p>Please read the fine print when it comes to discussing model numbers.</p>

<p>http://www.adorama.com/searchsite/default.aspx?searchinfo=glass+film+holder+nikon+ls+9000+ed</p>

[jens_g.r._benthien]

<p>If you use VueScan, you don't need the rotating glass carrier. With VueScan you can adjust the rotation correction prior to scanning (It's called 'skew' in ViewScan).<br>

BTW, the rotating glass carrier is limited to one single MF slide, whereas the FH-869G accepts even 2 6x9 or one 6x17 slide (scanned in two passes including overlap to combine the parts in a photo editor).</p>