That is one quirk of Adobe software I find annoying.
I actually use the subscription PhotoShop/Lightroom combination and there are some tasks which are just so much easier to do in one program and seem to work quite differently from the process in the other. In fact Lightroom Classic, the desktop version I use most, looks a lot like Lightroom, the web based version, but many functions are different. I really miss the levels control in LR, and frequently pass my scans images through PS for levels adjustments and cropping before importing into LR for fine tuning.
Are you definitely set on a dedicated scanner? I bought an Epson V550 and sold it again to commit to DSLR scanning. The results with my Nikon D850 are just so much better it's incredible. In terms of workflow speed, I think they are comparable. A used Nikon D800 with a macro lens will also set you back less than a decent film scanner.
Here is a great article about the workflow, and Nate's Lightroom Plugin for the conversion is fantastic: http://natephotographic.com/dslr-film-scanning-perfect-color-negatives/
Don't worry, you don't need a Lightroom subscription, buying an old stand-alone license for Lightroom 6 is what I use as well.
I use a Lomography film holder with this setup, but I am about to replace that with a custom built film holder to process an entire roll in one go. I used to have some slight problems with dust (see below), but all those problems were also resolved after learning with my first few rolls of film.
View attachment 244984
Here is a scan of one of my images (scanned at less than half the possible resolution and compressed for upload) and a detail crop:
Crop thumbnail:
View attachment 244985
Overall, the setup is comparable in terms of cost with a flatbed scanning workflow, but in my opinion is much more flexible in terms of film formats. Also, I am icnredibly happy with the results, as the colours also come out a lot nicer than on the Epson in my opinion.
Just curious but why are you using film when you are going to digitise them, wouldn’t it be a lot simpler to just start with a high end digital camera?
What film format is this scan from?
Any chance you could share some information on this custom film holder?
It's from a 6x9 negative of a Fuji GW690 III. I am currently making a design for a 120 & 35mm film holder roughly based on this design: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3985120/files
However, I am adding an advance mechanism, film cleaning, improved assembly and some other features. The design will be made for 3D-printing "at home". I made a few prototypes, but time is scarce at the moment, so it will be a while until it is finished and ready to be shared.
First, I scan flat and adjust in post. Then I find adjusting levels in Elements is easier. In Lightroom, I never seem to know which sliders to use to get the same affect. Maybe you can help me on that? Tks.
Are you definitely set on a dedicated scanner? I bought an Epson V550 and sold it again to commit to DSLR scanning. The results with my Nikon D850 are just so much better it's incredible. In terms of workflow speed, I think they are comparable. A used Nikon D800 with a macro lens will also set you back less than a decent film scanner.
Overall, the setup is comparable in terms of cost with a flatbed scanning workflow, but in my opinion is much more flexible in terms of film formats. Also, I am icnredibly happy with the results, as the colours also come out a lot nicer than on the Epson in my opinion.
I strongly second suggestions to consider DSLR scanning. I have spent a lot of money and time on scanners and scanning processes. I lucked into a V700 for $75 from a dentist on craigslist who used it to scan his X-rays. I then lucked into the holy grail of scanners, the Nikon Coolscan 9000ED for $450, from Adorama in "as-is" condition. Fixing it turned out to be as easy as opening up the case and plugging in the cable for one of the limit sensors which had fallen out. I also have a dslr scanning rig set up using my enlarger stand and a $10 light pad that I owned before these other scanners. I use a D5500 with the Nikon 55 f2.8 on it and neg lab pro for color film. I just purchased a 105 f2.8 to see if I can make my setup even better. Usually I take one shot but sometimes I stitch. So what about the results? Can you tell which scanner I used for each of these pictures?
Do you use the D850's color negative conversion?
What's your workflow like and time to process?
Do you use the built-in color negative mode in the D850 or just capture as is and convert to positive in post?
- Set up Nikon D850 + Tamron 100mm Macro on scanning stand (i use this cheap one: https://www.dold-mechatronik.de/Reprostativ-V5-kit).
I have tried the built in process in the D850 but found it to be pretty terrible. The colours were very tinted and not pleasing at all. In my opinion the feature is completely useless to be honest. The plugin beats it by miles. I got a lot of green or magenta casts with the d850 built in conversion.Do you use the built-in color negative mode in the D850 or just capture as is and convert to positive in post?
Have you compared color conversion from both processes?
I have tried the built in process in the D850 but found it to be pretty terrible. The colours were very tinted and not pleasing at all. In my opinion the feature is completely useless to be honest. The plugin beats it by miles. I got a lot of green or magenta casts with the d850 built in conversion.
Do you use Vuescan or Nikonscan with the 9000?
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