Capture One for Camera Scanning

[silvergelatin]

I recently tried a demo of the new version of C1, since they added a negative conversion mode, and while the conversion itself seems to be nothing more than a simple invert+auto-levels, I do really like the general workflow and color tools in C1 better than LR/PS. The neg conversion itself is still light years behind something like NLP, but things like LCC (FFC in LR) are much better implemented, in my opinion. I am also curious if the use of presets/styles and newer “Smart” tools can help close the gap between C1 and NLP/LR/PS.

Is anyone using C1 for film scanning, and what do you do to make it work for you?

 

[mwde]

I've been using Capture One for many years for film scanning purposes. Even developed a custom tool for supporting a better workflow within Capture One. Since they now integrated film scanning into their product I consider it a very solid solution for B&W and color reversal film handling.

For color negatives however any solution that uses single capture white spectrum backlight fights against the inherent attributes of that film type. For that matter I've settled on 3-shot narrowband composite scanning through the years. Using this approach calibration is done in the physical domain with better color separation and predictable, reliable results in the software domain. It's essentially a compromise. Trading more physical effort (3 shots) for better results.

 

[silvergelatin]

I've been using Capture One for many years for film scanning purposes. Even developed a custom tool for supporting a better workflow within Capture One. Since they now integrated film scanning into their product I consider it a very solid solution for B&W and color reversal film handling.

For color negatives however any solution that uses single capture white spectrum backlight fights against the inherent attributes of that film type. For that matter I've settled on 3-shot narrowband composite scanning through the years. Using this approach calibration is done in the physical domain with better color separation and predictable, reliable results in the software domain. It's essentially a compromise. Trading more physical effort (3 shots) for better results.

I am using a combined RGB light rather than white light. The difference is quite striking.
My concern with C1 is that the auto convert mode is too crude to give a useful preview. I also do manual inversion and tweaking of final images rather than rely on NLP, but having that solid preview from NLP lets me quickly understand what is possible from each image. In every other way, I like C1 so much more. I may just have to double up for a year and use both to see who wins at the end. I don't want to lose my locked-in Adobe pricing, in case I change my mind. Also the upcoming standalone NLP may change things a bit.