Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 
Log in or register to remove ads.

Showing results 1 to 25 of 300 Search:
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 1 Day Ago  
KEH Buying Experience
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 13
Views: 636
I've bought many items (film, digital, scanners, accessories) from KEH over the years and every one was at the very least exactly as expected but there were some that were unbelievably good in my favor. Once, I even ordered the same item from them and another and returned the other because of a significant difference in condition and price. Had to return an item once - a viewfinder, for a defect but they paid return shipping and they sent out the higher grade replacement for the same price.

As much as you would think they know their gear better then most they can also make a very poor evaluation of an item to be in your favor. I saw this Olympus OM-3 posted as-is not working at still a relatively high price. Tested it out and everything seemed to work perfectly fine mechanically so I figured the metering may be non-functional. Put a battery in and it too worked perfectly!

I have two qualms about them. First is they usually don't post pictures of the exact item being sold on their website. I think they do so for their ebay listings? The other is when I lived in Atlanta, they didn't have a store front where you can just go in and buy it there - mail order only. Once or twice they did have a sale where you can go and pick it up there. In hindsight that was probably a good thing . . . ;)
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-13-2024, 08:35 PM  
Which bodies worked w/o batteries...
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 20
Views: 808
BTW, you might also look into the Ricoh XR-1 which is a fully mechanical K mount. I don't have this model but there have been others here that have previously extolled it's virtues.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-28-2024, 10:27 AM  
Was Olympus the originator of lens mount adapters?
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 4
Views: 484
Now that's a lens mount I'm completely unaware of. Is there a reference page for this?
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-28-2024, 09:07 AM  
Was Olympus the originator of lens mount adapters?
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 4
Views: 484
I have a Nikon adapter for my Olympus Pen FT . . .

Olympus Pen FT by Les DMess, on Flickr

. . . but there were adapters for practically all the other brands including Canon FD, Exacta, Leica, OM, M42, Minolta and Pentax K -> http://www.f22.org.uk/Galleries/Pen_Collection/slr_pen.html
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-25-2024, 10:08 AM  
dent or wrinkle on LX's shutter curtain
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 9
Views: 574
I have no idea how strong the curtain is but it has to be more durable then cloth/rubberized cloth used in many other slrs and rangefinders since it's titanium. Wonder what could have done that?
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-14-2024, 10:39 AM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
Thanks for looking!

I have participated in many such discussions. It always came down to extreme contrast trying to maximize the shadow areas. Hence the opposing approach to film and digital imaging - shoot for the shadows with film and shoot for the highlights in digi. I have shown my approach to extreme high contrast film images in Scanning techniques - scanner or DSLR . . .. Might be something you can try when DSLR scanning a problematic extreme contrast film exposures.

I see Pentax K-1 Mark II and Nikon D850 rentals to be reasonably priced. Might try one on my autobellows.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-07-2024, 04:43 PM  
Scanning techniques - scanner or DSLR . . .
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 20
Views: 1,236
I agree with you and beautiful images worth posting each and every time!

Although I tried to describe what the normal scan was, I should have also posted it to get a better appreciation for this technique used to get this result - for the sign.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-04-2024, 11:59 AM  
Scanning techniques - scanner or DSLR . . .
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 20
Views: 1,236
At least it's b&w so they can't wreck the color!

I went through many minilabs operating Agfa, Frontier and Noritsu typically charging between $5 - $10 to scan the roll after processing. At best they would give high contrast, overly sharpened results. At worst cropping is poor and colors are off. This is the worst example of poor color from a cheap Noritsu minilab at a drugstore of Kodak Gold 100 compared to my fully automatic Coolscan + Nikonscan scan. It's so bad you may think they're from different frames of film but they are from the same one.

Kodak Gold 100-7_30-36 Coolscan-Noritsu by Les DMess, on Flickr

I tried processing the Noritsu scan to match but it was beyond my skill!
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-03-2024, 08:49 PM  
Scanning techniques - scanner or DSLR . . .
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 20
Views: 1,236
Silverfast must have a different multiexposure option because I am not aware of that in Nikonscan unless you mean multisampling?
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-03-2024, 08:04 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
I guess I have been preparing for DSLR scanning for awhile now as I bought autobellows back when awaiting the arrival of a fullframe . . .

Autobellows - Pentax, Nikon, Canon, Minolta & Olympus by Les DMess, on Flickr


The FF cameras have arrived but now if only AI can do the color negative conversion as competently as the Nikonscan as well as remove dust and scratches!

I only have the film adapter for the Nikon and Pentax.
A couple of these even have some limited movements!
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-03-2024, 07:22 PM  
Scanning techniques - scanner or DSLR . . .
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 20
Views: 1,236
I am not sure I understand because of course the original scan is unaffected as you would use a copy of the file.
As far as a goal is concerned, for me this particular image was just an exercise of using multiexposure scanning and using HDR back when it was new. Was a curiosity to me then.

---------- Post added 01-03-24 at 09:25 PM ----------



No doubt there are many ways to an end and I can't say I've considered the method you proposed. Sounds like an interesting exercise.

---------- Post added 01-03-24 at 09:42 PM ----------



My initial example was just an exercise more or less to tame a contrasty film. However, this next one was a very challenging exposure that were at the limits of the scan and my post work.

Kodak Ektar 100_20-01B by Les DMess, on Flickr

Unfortunately, I don't have access to the original scans that I used to composite this result. If I remember, 1 scan was 2 or 3 under, another 2 or 3 over and a neutral one. I can understand that it is not readily obvious without the separate scans but clearly it is a very contrasty scene - deep black background and a front lit sign. In fact, in the neutral scan, the word NEVADA was practically washed out and most certainly the YESCO log underneath. The green on the palm tree could not be seen and certainly the wires above and many other details were practically black. It was funny but I had to wait there a bit (about 3 or 4 am) as other tourists trying to take a similar image with their phones could not capture the scene.

---------- Post added 01-03-24 at 09:50 PM ----------

But another technique I used later that morning on the same roll is one I have been using for quite awhile now - stitching. This of course requires you to shoot in a particular way - some overlap, to help the software combine the images. This is 4 frames of Kodak Ektar 100, automatic neutral scan and put together automatically using Microsoft ICE (Image Composite Editor).

Kodak Ektar 100_20-18-21_stitch by Les DMess, on Flickr

I've done a lot of stitching although I haven't done one for awhile. Do you?
Are there new stitching software that do a good job?
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-03-2024, 05:43 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
Keep an eye out for a used Nikon Coolscan V. I would highly recommend it if you can find one in good condition and at a good price. Last year I found one from local craigslist for $125 and its in perfect condition. It is the cheapest of the last generation of Coolscans - 9000, 5000 and V. It provides exactly the same results as the 5000 except that it takes about 3 - 4 minutes per frame with ICE enabled and doesn't accept the accessories of the 5000. I prefer using Nikonscan on a Windows PC running Vista but there are ways you can run Nikonscan on newer Windows versions or use Vuescan. It connects via USB2 cable. I've scanned tens of thousands of frames of all brands of film to date and the workflow and automatic results will not disappoint.

I even found a free Epson 4990 complete in a box for free. So if you can find any of these Coolscans you cannot beat their performance specially if you are scanning most color negatives. If majority of your use are color slides then the scanner/DSLR is a matter of speed and dust & scratch removal. If mostly true b&w film then speed is a major factor.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-03-2024, 08:02 AM  
Scanning techniques - scanner or DSLR . . .
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 20
Views: 1,236
That is no coincidence as I've been contemplating this topic for awhile and your post prompted me to use this technic as the first to show.

HDR does have its look while the shadows/highlights more of a traditional style. They both tame the contrast of this film but with very contrasting style. I can appreciate both.

---------- Post added 01-03-24 at 10:09 AM ----------



If by basic lab scans you mean the cheap fully automatic variety usually done at the time of film processing then I understand their shortcomings. That is what led me to try several scanning options back in early 2000 before I settled on the Coolscans - 9000, 5000 & V, running Nikonscan. Very early in exploring DSLR scanning but hindered by using the Coolscans.

What did you decide on and have you tried this technique and have results to share?
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-03-2024, 06:04 AM  
Scanning techniques - scanner or DSLR . . .
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 20
Views: 1,236
One technique that I've tried is scanning one frame -1, 0 and +1 and then combining using HDR. Below I used this technique on Fuji RVP100 using the Coolscan + Nikonscan. In Nikonscan I scanned the same frame three times with Analog Gain set to -1, 0 and +1. I also show using post tools of Shadow and Highlights on the scan at Analog Gain of 0 to compare to the HDR method.

Fuji RVP100_04-06HDR by Les DMess, on Flickr

Ever try this method? Have results to share?

Care to share other techniques you've tried?
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-02-2024, 05:02 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
Regarding scanning and film grain - as applies to the Coolscan+Nikonscan, there has always been statements made that the results from the 5000 appear grainier then with the 9000. It does but it is only obvious pixel peeping on-screen and I doubt you will even notice it on really huge prints as the paper texture will absorb it.

Here are scans from the 5000 and 9000 of the same frame of Kodak TMAX 400. Full res available by clicking on the image.

Coolscan 5000
Kodak TMAX 400-CS5000 by Les DMess, on Flickr

Coolscan 9000
Kodak TMAX 400-CS9000 by Les DMess, on Flickr

The diff in grain appearance doesn't seem too obvious in these examples.

However, a particular film that I've found quite grainy is Rollei ScanFilm CN400 Pro. It is a maskless color negative. I don't even know if there are any other maskless color negative films available?

Rollei ScanFilm CN400 Pro_01 by Les DMess, on Flickr

Here the appearance of grain is really apparent between the 9000 and 5000 but ICE is enabled and this could be providing the 9000 with more grain smoothing. It has been uncommon to see a color diff between the two. I also included the Epson V700 as I had it at that time..
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-01-2024, 03:02 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
If you have it, I would be interested in seeing the ghosting on the Coolscan scan compared to the DSLC scan.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 01-01-2024, 01:20 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
For long term storage I would be hesitant to use DNG format over TIF specially if the only advantage is filesize. Is it a significant difference? A 4000dpi 16bit scan of 35mm in TIF is about 110MB while 6X7 MF about 500MB. What is it in a DNG format?

What does the Vuescan workflow look like now?
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 12-31-2023, 04:29 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
It's not easy to get a perfect bad example. After all, it had to be professionally made . . . :p

However, the 20" X 30" optical prints they made for me were all well done. It's a great reference to have.

I have had a few Imacon scans made in the past but they were disappointing. I chalk it up to bad operator.

---------- Post added 12-31-23 at 07:09 PM ----------



BTW, if you are scanning mostly 35mm as you initially stated, you should look for the Pentax Autobellows with the slide attachment. With a fullframe K-1 mounted, focused with lighting setup, DSLR scanning the film (slide or strips) will require little to no intervention. Alignment and focus is done with the first frame and it's easy and you won't have to worry about movement.

MX Bellows K Slide Copier K by Les DMess, on Flickr

These were made for this purpose.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 12-31-2023, 02:25 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
Unfortunately, the color results using fully automatic settings was vastly different. Below are results using every setting from early 2000 Vuescan compared to a color neutral setting with Nikonscan.

Coolscan 5000 Nikonscan and Vuescan Kodak 160VC by Les DMess, on Flickr

Again, this is from early 2000 - the beginning of my scanning efforts, and I didn't exercise any of the other features of Vuescan as I was only considering fully automatic settings. Things may be much different now.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 12-31-2023, 02:05 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
I have done a lot of comparisons and I find that enabling ICE does "smooth" out some of the grain but it is very subtle. More with fine than normal.

I would be curious what it can do to this scan.

Veneta Stevenson Super Ansochrome slide 2 by Les DMess, on Flickr

You can download the fullsize file (3810 X 5559) from my flickr. This Super Ansochrome slide of Veneta Stevenson is mildly out of focus as it was a duplicate from original that was included in the Sep 1957 Popular Photography magazine. Or maybe it was intentionally shot mildly out of focus?

I will be interested to see how the software enhances that. Thanks!
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 12-31-2023, 01:39 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
There is a loss of detail for sure. Here's what that looks like using my res test samples.

This one on Kodak Ektar 100 . . .

Kodak Ektar 100_12-05 CS5000 by Les DMess, on Flickr


This one on Fuji Velvia . . .

Fuji RVP50-03_18 Coolscan 5000 by Les DMess, on Flickr

I feel the loss is not significant but the time saving in post is. On the Coolscan 5000, enabling ICE adds about 10 - 15 seconds overhead. With this it saves me at least 2 minutes inspecting and cleaning in post per frame. In the two extreme examples I posted, not only would it have taken me a significant amount of time to clean but I doubt I could have done it as good as the Coolscan + Nikonscan.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 12-31-2023, 12:57 PM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
I did some scanning of someone's old Kodachromes and came across a frame that looked dusty but it seemed embedded as it resisted removal or even movement. Fortunately, Coolscan 9000 + Nikonscan did the job perfectly . . . :)

Kodachrome D800-Coolscan by Les DMess, on Flickr

I DSLR scanned it using the D800 and Nikon autobellows that has it's own diffuser.

Unfortunately the rest of the client's slides were all slightly out of focus and he was of the opinion it was the scanner. So I had to break out a 40X microscope in order to show him it was the slides that were out of focus. I wonder if the Google phones focus correction can address this? Supposedly it can and wonder if anyone has tried it yet?
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 12-31-2023, 11:56 AM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
As I understand it, light source diffusion and distance has a great influence to this.

Too bad you don't have a perfect dust and scratch example as I have to show your results. That was courtesy of Fuji Professional enlargement services when I sent that frame for optical printing to 20" X 30" back in the day so that I can compare my scanning results in terms of detail and color. What was a perfectly good frame of film came back perfectly gouged!
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 12-31-2023, 11:38 AM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
I did when I first got my 5000 in early 2000 and this is how it compares.

Coolscan 5000 ICE Nikonscan vs Vuescan by Les DMess, on Flickr

They seem to have similar results. I seem to recall Ed stating he cannot use Nikonscan Digital ICE due to copyright.
Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom 12-31-2023, 11:10 AM  
Negative scanning
Posted By LesDMess
Replies: 120
Views: 4,773
I only know of the Nikon D850 as having negative digitizer feature - the ability to shoot a color negative and convert to a color positive built-in. If most of your film are color negatives, this will be the most challenging portion. Fortunately there are many who have provided detailed instructions on how this is done.

The other challenge is dust and scratch removal which of course is not available with DSLR scanning. I am hoping that one day AI can step in but today is not that day. Below I had a colleague run my perfect example of a badly scratched image through the Photoshop AI as compared to the Coolscans + Nikonscan.

Kodak 160VC-036 Adobe AI vs Coolscan ICE by Les DMess, on Flickr

As you can see, it determined that facial jewelry had to go while still not removing the scratches. It is not as good as the Coolscan 5000 + Nikonscan's ICE. Coolscan 9000+Nikonscan's ICE is still the best today. Hopefully one day soon AI can do this as well - if not better, then the Coolscan + Nikonscan combination.
Search took 0.02 seconds | Showing results 1 to 25 of 300

 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:04 PM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top