Photographic Film and Slide Scanning Alternatives

Alternatives for Scanning Film Negatives & Slides

Mark Druziak

Plustek Director of Marketing

562-650-3900

[email protected]

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

Scanning is FUN!

Mark Druziak

[email protected]

562-650-3900

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

Thank You!

Mark Druziak

[email protected]

562-650-3900