Flextight X5 / BW scan

[carioca]

I use a rental place to scan my negs on a Flextight X5 scanner.
As my negs are developed in pyro, I prefer a RGB scan of it.
Instead of scanning all three colors, I would like to know, if it is possible to scan only one color channel (I usually get best results with the red channel),
thus eliminating 2/3 of the file size and saving time.
(a 6x7 scan @ 3200 ppi results in almost 400MB file size using all 3 channels).

Basically it is like the 'Vuescan' software option to make BW from one channel.

The guys at the rental shop did not know, so maybe someone who knows the Flextight software well could help.

Kind regards,
Sidney

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I don't know the Flextight software, but I've heard that it would be preferable to scan via the green channel. YMMV. I haven't tried it myself, as I only proof on the scanner, and don't use it for anything beyond that.
- Thomas

 

[Daniel Balfour]

Not sure either - drooling & wishing is probably as close as I've ever gotten to the revered Imacon. As for Vuescan - My guess is that it creates a composite. I say this because I've experimented by creating a b/w scan from all three layers individually and none seemed to match Vuescan's auto channel setting.

As for taking your image from the green channel alone, I'd have to disagree. In my work (essentially portraiture), the green layer has shown itself to be excessively hard on skin tones. Red is as close to "better" as I've gotten, save for Vuescan's auto setting, which brings me to my original conclusion about a composite scan.

 

[Figital Revolution]

I did extensive Pyro scans on my Imacon and found that for BW scans I prefer the full 16bit RGB scan- the Green is usually the sharpest channel but I prefer to choose the mix in PS under channels as to find that perfect look/ feeling...the extra scan time is worth it...more options.

One extra note: set the sharpening to -120 (which is zero and only optical sharpening will be applied). I also do a fluid mount in my Imacon (esp for bw negs) but unless you own it I doubt it will be an option.

Cheers and good luck-
Stephen

 

[carioca]

Selecting color channel in PS

Thanks Stephen for your information!

Ok, so I'll stick to RGB scanning. I'm not a big expert on PS, is it possible to mix two channels, ex. taking parts of green (sharpness+contrast) and red (for shadow/highlight detail)?

BTW, why would you fluid mount? You mount onto an acetate?, what is the benefit?

Sidney

PS: the rental place works with -70, what would that refer to, regarding sharpening?