All of my photos are scanned using the Nikon 5000ED.
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there are no real tricks, just figure out how the scanner does exposure, and how some of the settings affect it.
for instance, with Veuscan, you could "scan the basefilm colour" which would then impact the white balance of the scan, i have experimented with this greatly, and i'm still not satisfied.
Nikon Scan 4 has these "GEM, REM and some other settings", they also have a weird impact on overall exposure, particulary highlights.
I stopped using nikon scan for now because at times it would start to blow out highlights for no apperant reason.
also nikon scan seems to be really bad for black and white photos (blows ou the highlights)
TECHNICALLY, the whole process should be plug and play, but thats only after you figure out how your software works.
i cant offer more advice because i'm still learning.. sorry,