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| FAQs |
| ScanScience |
Fluid Scanning Technology
ScanScience FAQs:
Fluid scanning procedure for Nikon CoolScan and Epson Flatbed scanners
Cover a flat cutting board, preferably made of glass, with absorbent paper towels, this is used to absorb any excess Lumina that
may spill over.
Place the scanning glass, overlay and film side by side on top of the paper towels. Kimwipes may also be placed on top of the paper
towels if you do not want to place the film directly on the paper towels.
Evenly apply Lumina over all 3 surfaces.
Take the Lumina coated film from each end and bend it into an arch (U shape) bringing the center of the film into contact with the
glass letting the film open up slowly as it is laid down on the Lumina coated side of the glass.
Apply Lumina to the dry surface of the film, then bring the wet side of the overlay and place it on top of the film in the same arching
fashion as above.
Clip a corner of the 2nd overlay, this will make it easier to identify. Place the 2nd, 'dry sacrificial' overlay on top of the 1st overlay,
then you are ready for squeegeeing.
Squeegee from the center of the film outwards in both directions, this will get rid of any bubbles that may occur.
After squeegeeing, remove the 'dry sacrificial' 2nd overlay before scanning, this can be reused for another fluid scan assembly.
After the fluid scan assembly is made, the edges are wiped dry with a low lint wiper (Kimwipes).
The assembly is now ready to be placed onto the holder. Make sure the scanning glass side faces the light source to avoid
additional refraction.
After scanning, wipe the film lightly with a Kimwipe and let it dry on its own, either by hanging the film or placing it on a Kimwipe for
15 minutes, it's that easy. The Lumina will totally evaporate after 15 minutes, after that you can put your film away.
How to Fluid Scan: Fluid scanning procedure with auto focus scanners.
“Creo Scanners, Epson 10000, and some Microtek scanners”.
Apply Lumina directly onto the flatbed.
Next apply Lumina onto 1 side of the film and bend the film into an arch and place on top of the fluid soaked flatbed so that the
center of the film makes contact first and then let the film open up slowly as you lay it down on the flatbed.
Next apply Lumina to the dry top surface of the film.
Next apply Lumina to 1 side of the overlay from each end and bend the overlay into an arch (U shape) then bring the wet side of the
overlay into contact with the film so that the center of the overlay makes contact first and then let the overlay open up slowly as it is
laid down on the film.
Apply Lumina to the dry side of the first overlay.
Next place a 2nd, 'dry sacrificial' overlay on top of the 1st overlay, then you are ready for squeegeeing.
Start squeegeeing from the centre of the film outwards.
After the squeegeeing, remove the 'dry sacrificial' 2nd overlay before scanning, which can be reused for another fluid scan.
The overlay can be reused as long as it does not show defects or scratches, 4-5 times as a rule. Clipping a tiny corner of the 'dry
sacrificial' overlay will help identify it.
After scanning, wipe the film lightly with a Kimwipe and let it dry on its own, either by hanging the film or placing it on a Kimwipe for
15 minutes, it's that easy. The Lumina will totally evaporate after 15 minutes, after that you can put your film away.
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Q. Why does my film curl?
A. Film: Naturally Unflat
Left to its own devices film is seldom flat. Even when properly stored in glassine
envelops and between flat objects like books, it is not flat. It assumes a curvature due
to its inherently unbalanced construction.
Plywood Construction
Plywood consists for the most part of several layers, optimally an uneven number of
layers. In consequence, any tendency of one layer to curl in a given way is balanced by another's tendency to do likewise but in
opposite direction. Plywood never consists of only two layers for that reason. It has a tendency to warp because there are not
enough layers to balance the forces that cause to curl.
Film Components
The emulsion which contains the light sensitive substances in a gelatin base.
The backing which is now polyester, is similar to Mylar.
Emulsion Gelatin Base
The gelatin in the emulsion is water sensitive, it traps or releases water according to the surrounding environment. If it is humid, it
traps water and if it is dry, it gives up water. According to the environment it swells if it is humid and shrinks if it is dry.
Film Backing
The backing is NOT water sensitive nor does it change in response to changes in humidity.
Tug of War
Evidently, the backing & the emulsion, do not have identical physical properties and do not respond identically to humidity.
The backing is immune to changes in humidity but the emulsion readily absorbs it. Since the swollen emulsion is bonded to the
unyielding backing, a tug of war ensues:
In high humidity, the emulsion has the tendency to swell or grow in size but it cannot stretch the backing so it takes a detour: It
adopts a position as the outer layer of a curve, in which the backing is the larger of the two. Now the backing is consigned to being
the inner element in the curl.
In low humidity, prevalent during the heating season, the reverse occurs: The emulsion shrinks but the backing does not. Now the
emulsion becomes the inner element in the curve due to its smaller size.
Aged Film
With time the gelatin hardens, -oxidizes and will not respond as readily to changing environmental conditions. Straightening old film
can then be more difficult and the surface tension of the scanning fluid may not be strong enough to keep the film flat. In such cases
it may be necessary to fluid mount in between two glass plates tightly taped at the edges. In an imperfect world, the additional
refraction from the extra glass may be less objectionable that an out of focus scan or Newton Rings.
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Q. I have an opportunity to purchase an Imacon 848, but I don’t want to lose the ability to wet mount my film. Can you
tell me about how wet mounting works with the 848, and whether there are any limitations that go with it? I am
primarily interested in wet mounting formats from 120-4x5. 35mm if possible, but I’ve had curling issues with 35mm.
A. With the Imacon, fluid scanning is done between two overlays which are cut all round 1cm larger than the size of the opening in
the holder. Fluid scanning elevates the Imacon to almost the level of a good drum scanner.
First you prepare the fluid mount in between the Overlays which is made by applying fluid to both sides of the film and one side of
the Overlays. Then the mount is covered by a sacrificial Overlay while squeegeed from the center out. After squeegeeing, you then
place the sacrificial Overlay on a Low Lint Wiper, to be reused later. The mount is then placed on the holder and taped with special
fluid-resistant tape to the holder on the top side.
Q. How does Lumina compare with other scanning fluids? Is it safe with Drum Scanners?
A. An important thing to know is that Lumina is the safest fluid for drum scanners, since it does not stress the drum. With each use
of the drum with a scanning fluid that stresses the drum, the drum is one step closer to crazing which happens without warning. The
Lumina page in the website has a full explanation. You will also find that Lumina low odor and that it is safer for operator, drum and
film. Lumina is an advanced formula in contrast to old fluids.
Q. I am using a Light Box photographing with DSLR camera and I'm still wondering about the glass. The camera shoots
down, but the light will come from underneath, and through the glass. I'm afraid I've got the same issues the scanner
folks do ...only in reverse. If my light came from above with the camera also from above, then the glass would be
merely a carrier and wouldn't matter. But because the light come through the glass, then through the negative to the
camera, I'm less clear.
With this more complete description, are you still certain it doesn't matter? Just wondering. Thanks!
A. Refraction before the light goes through the Film doesn't matter. Refraction after the light goes through the Film does matter.
Since the light is going through the Glass before the light is going through the Film the data that passes through the Film to the
sensor in your camera will not be distorted. So you have nothing to worry about.
Q. I have the Epson V850, do I need the shims and the focusing target?
A. The V850 is a fixed focus scanner, the lens doesn’t move, that is why you need the shims and the focusing target.
The Shims are used in conjunction with the Focusing Target. You prepare your Focusing Target as a wet mount.
Next you place an equal amount of Shims under the holder on both sides, to achieve the optimum sharpness. You elevate the
holder with the shims, you then take your first test scan to determine the sharpness of the Focusing Target. You may have to make
2 or 3 more test scans, placing more shims under the holder before you achieve the right height of the holder for your scanner to
attain the maximum sharpness of the Focusing Target.
Q. I am using an Epson V700 to scan. I avoid shooting 35mm as it is to small to really get a great file on a flatbed.
Is this the only target you use? Do you have any other options for the V700?
A. You will find the 35mm is more effective than a larger MF target because it requires greater magnification and is the only target
we sell.
The more you magnify it, the greater you see the flaws in the focusing.
There is no advantage to having a larger target, on the contrary, it is counter productive.
Q. I am looking to buy either the Nikon 5000 or the 9000 for film scanning? What do you recommend?
A. The Nikon Coolscan 9000 was the best film scanner ever made and has a true resolution 4000 ppi.
The Coolscan 8000 was almost as good. If you were to buy a Nikon it would be preferable if it was picked up rather than shipped;
they are delicate.
With the Nikon 5000 you can only scan single cut slides using the slide holder, not the strip holder. The reason is that the lid, which
in the Nikon 9000 can be removed can't be removed in the Nikon 5000 because it is integral to the holder's movement in the
scanner. Removing the lid is needed to allow the insertion of the glass which is part of the wet mount.
Q. I have a Nikon 8000. I scan primarily 35-mm slide films and I also scan negative films. Most slides are mounted and
will need to be unmounted, wet scanned and mounted again. Some slides are square but most are not. How do I
proceed?
A. The workflow with the Scanscience kit is quite simple: You will be using the holders that came with the scanner, which you will
modify -, by removing the lid which is a pressure-fit on two prongs and can be placed back if needed.
Then you prepare the wet mount consisting of scanning glass, film and overlay, all with a micro layer of scanning fluid in between.
The film and glass are coated with fluid and so is the back of the film and the overlay. After coating, the sacrificial overlay is applied
over the film and squeegeed over. -DO NOT USE A ROLLER. The wetmount is then placed in the holder, with the film under the
glass, and the glass on top facing the light, to avoid extra refraction, you do not want to have glass under the film as that degrades
the image, and converts your film-scanner into a flatbed scanner. The Nikon holders are excellent and need no other modification
than removing the lids, to fit the scanning plate which is only 1mm thick, like a microscope slide.
After the mount is prepared it is dried externally with a low lint wiper (Kimwipes) and then it goes into the holder. Some users place a
bit of fluid resistant tape at both ends. You make the mount using a film strip up to 204 mm long or a film with a single frame. You
know about how the software chooses the area to be scanned.
Having a back up glass is handy in as much as you can make another mount when one is scanning.
The overlays are consumables and are reusable; using a sacrificial overlay to squeegee over the scanning overlay you can get
about 4 or 5 uses out of it. The scanning glass is permanent but because they are very thin they must be handled with extra care.
You can follow the work flow you use now and prepare other wetmounts in advance and when is removed the other goes in. When
finished scanning the components are wiped dry with a low lint wiper (Kimwipes) and the film allowed to dry another 15 mins before
archiving. The overlay is treated in a similar manner but can be reused immediately. Once you determine what is to be included in
the order we can send you a PayPal invoice.
Q. I am about to purchase a Braun FS120 scanner to 6x8 and 6x4.5 negatives. Do you support this scanner, and if so
what do you recommend for it? Thank you for your time and information.
A. The kit for the Braun is similar to that for the Nikon 9000. The difference is in the scanning glass size. That for the Braun is
around 137mm long, however you must give me the exact size. To use you remove the cover which is held by magnets and instead
use the scanning glass with the film wet-mounted under the glass and covered by an overlay that is wet mounted to the film.
The kit comes with all the things you need to get started except Lumina scanning fluid which you order according to need.
Q. I have an Imacon Scanner and different Film holders.
6x18 ; 4x5 inch ; 6x6 ; 6x4,5 ; 6x7. Is there a big jump in image quality using the wetscan method on the Imacon?
A. The Imacon is a very good scanner and when used as a fluid scanner it brings it to the level of a drum scanner. You can only get
the full dynamic range and color saturation of the film with fluid scanning. Many well known photographers use our kit with their
Imacon and consider it indispensable, one in fact has told Hasselblad about it. Once you see one fluid-scan you will never do a dry
scan again.
Lumina scanning fluid is new chemistry and has health and safety advantages over other scanning fluids.
Over and above film flatness you will get better color saturation, sharpness and dynamic range, the advantages of fluid scanning
would be significant and effectively upgrade the Imacon.
The Overlays are sized 1 cm longer and wider than the holder you are using and since there are so many holders of different
formats we custom cut to size.
Q. I have the Epson V700, what software do I need to Fluid mount?
A. The V700 is bundled with Silverfast but I believe only the SE version which is equivalent to to Epson Scan. The problem with both
is they are generic for one-optics scanners, and do not take advantage of what is specific to the V750 and V700 only: These
scanners have two sets of optics one for whole frame scanning, that includes 8x10 transparencies and opaque documents, and the
other, the high-pass high-resolution optics which are used to scan film 5x7 and smaller. The Epson and Silverfast SE software only
access the document optics. Only Silverfast Ai, Silverfast Studio and Archive, as well as Vuescan access the high- pass optics.
Q. How does Fluid scanning help with the scratches on my film?
A. Regarding the scratches, Lumina prevents light scattering at the scratch, the scratch is kind of like a groove in the film and the
Lumina fills the groove and you will find a very substantial improvement when you use Lumina, the scratches won't be as intense or
numerous and many of the scratches will disappear.
Q. Can I use mineral oil to wet mount?
A. Mineral Oil does not evaporate and you have to use a Film Cleaner to remove it. Our wet mounting fluid, Lumina, does not have
any of these issues.
You can discover all of the benefits of using Lumina on our website.
http://scanscience.com/Pages/lumina.html
Q. How does the Focusing Target work?
A. The focusing target is used to measure the resolution of the scanner.
The target scales:
The value has to be multiplied by 100 so your scanner can be resolving 4000 ppi. Microtek film scanners specs were not known for
hype so the 4000 ppi they advertised were most likely true.
On the issue of resolution, a Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) would be the way to obtain resolution. The MTF instrument
generates sine waves as it reads the image usually of bars. The sine waves flatten as the lines frequency increases and eventually
at some point the sine wave become a straight line.
Now, you could take the resolution at that point or set a standard higher up the curve. A manufacturer wishing to hype the numbers
will use the number given at which the curve flattens and becomes asymptotic with the horizontal axis. However a more realistic
figure is attained when the curve's response is 50%. The problem with bar charts or wedge charts is that they lend themselves to
abuse, if a manufacturer wants to hype the numbers. The marketer's ethics for some scanner manufacturers are notoriously low and
their specs are a joke. Flatbed manufacturers use stepper motors which can be set to take an image at increasingly small intervals
resulting in very large files; the pixel output of those files is used to define resolution. This is absurd; when you see two numbers for
the resolution is because of the stepper motor works on one direction only. I do not know how they obtain the readings in the
horizontal direction, they certainly do not correspond to the number of sensors, except that since there are 3, one each for RGB,
each may be counted, I don't know. Thus the readings given by some manufacturers are not of optical output but correspond to
mechanical settings.
Q. I have a Film Toaster for DSLR scanning (http://www.filmtoaster.photography/products ). I use Plustek 8200 film
holders for 35mm and Canon 8800 film holders for 120. My problem is getting the 120 film to lie flat. I need either 2
sheets of glass with Anti-Newton Glass on the top and a bottom of sturdier glass, or some other process. Don't know
exactly where to start. Would ask what you might recommend from your product offerings. The maximum width of a
holder that fits is 4-1/4 inches and it can be up to just barely beyond 1/4-inch thick. Wet scanning seems the right idea.
Thanks for your help!
A. The only film that we know to be stubbornly curled is the Iford film...with a slight curl in the film, Lumina can cope with that.
If the film is curled very badly then you would have to sandwich the wet mount between 2 Glass Plates, if in fact the holder could
accept a 2.3ml thick wet mount.
Anti-Newton Glass is not recommended. With fluid scanning there are no Newton Rings. AN Glass is an antiquated approach to the
problem, but additionally, degrades the image. AN Glass is not completely clear glass, it is frosted glass. You would never put that in
front of your camera lens if you like sharp images. Fluid scanning makes AN Glass redundant.
Why is fluid scanning the way to go? because of the optics. Fluid scanning avoids light scattering improves sharpness and dynamic
range. It is the way that scanning is done professionally. You go beyond film flatness and get the maximum brilliance from your
scans.
The Overlays are made from Optical Mylar and are part of the wet mount, the Masks are used for placing over an empty cavity in
the holder or empty space not covered by the film in the holder and prevents light scattering, which degrades the scan.
Q. Will Lumina damage film in any way?
A. No, Lumina will not damage negatives in any way. Other scanning fluids will.
Q. What is the best procedure to clean film after fluid scanning?
A. After scanning, wipe the film lightly with a Kimwipe tissue and let it dry on its own, either by hanging the film or placing it on a
Kimwipe for 15minutes, it's that easy.
The Lumina will totally evaporate after 15 minutes, after that you can put your film away.
Q. Is there another way to keep the negatives nice and flat without wet mounting?
A. No, wet mounting is the best way possible option.
Q. Should I use lighter fluid to scan my film?
A. Never. It is highly flammable and will destroy the film.
Q. Will Lumina disintegrate the plastic film holder?
A. No.
Q. What thickness should the scanning glass plate be to achieve the best scans.
A. 1mm thickness is the optimum glass size. The thinner the glass the lesser amount of total refraction.
Q. After the "sandwich" is assembled, is it place directly on the scanner bed (or rather on the shims) with the glass
side up (overlay side to the scanner bed), or glass side down toward the scanner bed?
A. The wet mount assembly is placed on the shims, the scanning glass facing up towards the light source.
Q. Does the mask go on the scanner bed (cut out for the appropriate size negative)?
A. The mask goes on the scanner bed, the area of the glass plate is cut out.
Q. Do you use a full sheet of the overlay, or cut it to fit the negative/glass?
A. Cut the overlay 1mm smaller than the glass.
Q. Does the emulsion side of the film face the glass?
A. The emulsion side of the film faces the glass. It will adhere much better.
Q. I'm a bit confused still about if I'm using the scanning glass plate how the squeegee is effective.
A. The squeegee ensures that their are no bubbles in the wet mount assembly.
Squeegee the 2nd sacrificial Overlay which is on top first Overlay which is on top of the film and the glass.
Next remove the 2nd Overlay before scanning.
Next place the wet mount assembly on the scanner glass, Overlay facing down.
Q. Is the scanning glass plate used in lieu of the Ultratrans Overlay or would I be applying the overlay to the scanning
glass plate and then placing that sandwich on top of the scanner glass Ultratrans Overlay down.
A. The function of the Overlay is to complete the assembly between glass plate, film and Overlay which is sandwiched between
layers of fluid.
Also you only use a glass plate if you don’t want to apply Lumina directly on the scanner glass bed.
If you are not using a glass plate, then you can apply Lumina, directly on the scanner glass, place the film on the scanner glass and
place an Overlay on top of the film. Following the directions from your first question.
Q. Also, how large is the medium format overlays and glass plates? I do a lot of negatives that are 70mm and also we
get a lot of really oddball sizes that are larger than standard 120 film but smaller than 4x5.
A. We custom cut our scanning glass to match your films dimensions.
Q. If I’m applying Lumina directly to the scanner glass, it is simply a matter of being careful the fluid doesn't seep into
the scanner.
A. Yes that is correct, avoid applying Lumina near the edge of the scanner glass.
Q. My inclination is to buy only the 8x10 glass plate because most of the negatives I have are cupped and curled at
least 50 years old. Is that correct thinking?
A. If they are 8x10” negatives, yes.
Q. I'm assuming I can put whatever size and multiples, I want under the 8x10 glass plate or does that mean using a lot
more scanning fluid?
A. It’s best to match the format of film and glass, uses less scanning fluid.
Q. Any issues with using multiple plates on the scanner glass?
A. No
Q. If I'm using glass plate only, then is there a need for a squeegee?
A. You always use the squeegee because you can’t squeegee directly on the film, that’s were the Overlay comes in.
Q. It seems the ArtixScan 1800f has a leg up on the Epson in that it doesn't have the glass to contend with while
scanning. Is that true? And what about the Imacon X5?
A. Yes.
For your ArtixScan, the glass plate for the holder won’t be wide enough to include the film numbering.
You can scan directly on your tray using a 65mm x 250mm or 8x10” Overlays. You won’t need an additional glass plate.
As for the V700, the optics are uncoated, you will also need Silverfast Ai Studio 8 if you don’t already have it and the resolution is
not as good as the ArtixScan, so I recommend using the ArtixScan before the V700.
You will need the medium squeegee for MF film.
If you order the masks, they can be cut to size.
Don’t expect the same results with your ArtixScan compared to Imacon X5, that is the best of the 3 scanners.
The light source has nothing to do with the dynamic range. The light source is the cheapest part of the scanner.
Imacon 848
Q. I have an Imacon Scanner and different Film holders.
6x18 ; 4x5 inch ; 6x6 ; 6x4,5 ; 6x7. What does the Imacon Package include and how much does it cost? Is there a big jump in image
quality using the wetscan method on the Imacon?
A. In fluid scanning with the Imacon the film is sandwiched between two sheets of optical mylar with fluid in between, this assures
edge to edge bonding to the Overlays and therefore a flat film plane. Flat meaning equidistant since the film in the Imacon occupies
a curved plane.
Over and above film flatness you will get better color saturation, sharpness and dynamic range so even if you were scanning
uncurled film the advantages of fluid scanning would be significant and effectively upgrade the Imacon.
Imacon users that fluid-scan rave about the improvements. For fluid scanning you need one of the kits, you have to give us the
format, the overlays are cut 1 cm larger in all directions than the window in the scanner holder. This fluid is new chemistry and has
health and safety advantages over another scanning fluid. Because no adapters or glass is involved, fluid scanning with the Imacon
is very economical.
Q. Can my scanner be used as a fluid scanner?
A. To know if a scanner can be used as a fluid scanner you have to find if the lids in the holders are removable as most are; they
are fitted with prongs and these allow for them to be pried out and put back. If they are removable the scanning glass which is part
of the mount can usually be fitted in.
Epson V700
Q. Does the Epson V700 come with Silverfast and is that the best software to use for fluid scanning?
A. The V700 is indeed bundled with Silverfast but I believe only the SE version which is equivalent to to Epson Scan. The problem
with both is they are generic for one-optics scanners, and do not take advantage of what is specific to the V750 and V700 only:
These scanners have two sets of optics one for whole frame scanning, that includes 8x10 transparencies and opaque documents,
and the other, the high-pass high-resolution optics which are used to scan film 5x7 and smaller. The Epson and Silverfast SE
software only access the document optics. Only Silverfast Ai, Silverfast Studio and Archive, as well as Vuescan access the high-
pass optics.
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Q. What are the benefits of fluid scanning?
A. Fluid-scanning inherent advantages are higher sharpness but if the optics are set to a low limit, that improvement is not visible.
True, better colour saturation and dynamic range and dust and scratch elimination are also inherent advantages of the
ScanScience technology but the full package requires the proper software.
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Q. Between the Epson V700 and the V750, which is better?
A. Silverfast Ai costs more money to Epson and I doubt they can afford to include it at the price of the V700. The other advantage
of the V750 according to Epson is that the V750 has coated optics. I have seen long ago a demonstration of the effect of the
coating; predictably, as in your camera lens, a coated scanner lens renders a superior image. That is the difference in the
machines.
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Q. Hello please confirm that your kit makes the Epson V700/750 fluid mount unnecessary and redundant. I'm in the
process of buying one of them and the only real advantage of the V750 here is that the fluid mount is included with the
purchase. I'm using 4x5 film but I might need to scan 6x9. Will the 4x5 kit enable me to scan cut (individual) 6x9
negatives?
A. The fluid mount tray that comes with the V750 is not used by experts for fluid mounting because it degrades the images with the
addition of yet another chunk of glass which refracts the images. Additionally, it places the images at an elevation higher than is
optimum with most units.
The ScanScience system avoids double refraction and allows placing the images at the optimum focus measured for that scanner.
However the V750 real advantage is not the tray, it is the Silverfast software which allows scanning using the high resolution optics.
The software included with the V700 only access the low resolution optics because it is generic software for scanners with 1 set of
optics.
While we would like our customers to spend money with us that they would have saved with the V700 we can't do that because you
would be degrading your scans substantially without the use of the high resolution optics: You need them to scan 6x9 and 4x5. Only
if you were scanning 8x10, then we would suggest buying the V700. Now that Epson has introduced the V850 it is a good time to
purchase a V750 at reduced prices. As the V850 makes it in the market some dealers might want to clear inventory and sell the
V750 at a better price.
From us you need to buy only the turnkey kit for 4x5 and use it for 6x9. For customers that use your formats the standard order for
most users is the 4x5 Kit, the focusing target, the spare glass, and of course Lumina scanning fluid according to your need. You can
see all those items and the accessories on the Buynow page.
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Q. Epson V700 or Imacon 848? (hope to purchase an Imacon 848 - which I hear is the best Imacon scanner with you
fluid as the later models have a different light source.) Question, most of my material was shot on slow speed film
(pinups from the 1960's and 1970's), is the Imacon overkill as most people want photos no larger than 12x12? How
does the Imacon 848 compare to an Epson V700?
I have strips of 4 60x60mm or 2.25er's in many cases (both color and (B&W). Can we scan all 4 at once? Can 2 holders
your 250mm kit fit on a scanner bed so 8 can be done at one time? We also have 35mm film and some 4x5 film. I use
Vuescan. How different is the scan quality of the 2 light sources of the epson v700? Thank you. Happy Holidays.
A. It is the ccd, -the sensor what mostly determines image quality. The sensor determines resolution and dynamic range much as in
a digital camera. The scanner is essentially a digital camera upside down. In this regard the V700 is not in the same league as the
Imacon. This scanner has a real resolution of around 6500 ppi while the V700 has a real resolution of of only around 2800 ppi,
never mind the V700's hyped resolution. The light source if concentrated can result in sharper contrasty image and consume more
power if fluorescent as against LED. LED sources are usually diffused by diffusers. Resolution isn't the only concern; higher res will
allow bigger prints but the higher dynamic range of the better ccd can't be imitated by the lower quality sensor. If you value your
images and intend to either sell them or display them you should get the Imacon. Fluid scanning is possible with the Imacon by wet
mounting the film between two of our Ultrans Overlays cut slightly larger than the window of the holder. Wait till you get the Imacon,
and will recommend what you need.
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Q. I have a V700, a Coolscan 9000 and a BetterScanning film holder kit.
I have never fluid scanned before, I have only been dry scanning. Now I am ready to try fluid scanning. I am using just
about all image sizes, up to 8x10.
For my order, I am thinking the following - please let me know what you think:
• 8x10 kit. This is my main reason for my order - to avoid Newton rings with 8x10 scans.
• 4 bottles of Lumina Fluid
• MF Scanning plate - I am quite happy with the Coolscan performance but thought I might as will give it a try.
Please confirm that this is the correct plate.
• matching overlays
• 4x5 overlays that I am planning to use with the Better Scanning holder.
• Tape
• The 35mm film target
• Low Lint Wipers
• Squeegee upgrade (is it necessary for me to purchase the 8x10 squeegee as well??)
A. The items in your list are quite in line with what you need, but first, allow me to clarify certain things about the ScanScience
system of fluid-scanning. Our system is designed for no-compromise maximum image quality so we avoid degradation of the image
by additional glass refraction. In the Nikon 9000, there is no refractive glass put in the image path, since the film is placed below the
glass and the light emerging from the film goes directly to the sensor. True, the image-light it has to go through the overlay but the
index of refraction of the overlay is the same as that of the film and there is no additional refraction. With other systems the
negative is placed on top of the scanning glass as for example in the holder you use for the V750 and the glass is a refractive
element which because its thickness degrades the image.
The next thing has to do with the optical advantages of fluid scanning. These are explained in the website; in addition to the
elimination of Newton Rings, the other advantages are alone reason why any serious photographer, as you evidently are, should
only fluid scan. One British customer who had just finished doing about 1000 scans with the Nikon 9000, lamented that he had
discovered ScanScience fluid scanning afterwards, and would have to repeat most of the scans again because of the superiority of
the fluid scans. You probably have spent a small fortune on lenses, but the benefits of fluid-scanning will outweigh the quality
differences between expensive lenses and ordinary ones at a fraction of the cost of one lens alone.
With that out of the way, the items you need;
8x10. Most customers also order the back up glass, for two reasons: the glass is very delicate 1mm thick, same thickness as a
microscope slide. Additionally it enables making another fluid mount while one is scanning. If you order the Pro Squeegee upgrade
you will not need any other squeegee. The kit comes with the accessories that you need for smaller format scanning.
MF: the items in your list are OK and all you need for scanning with the Nikon 9000, you might also order the back up scanning
glass plate, I doubt you will do much dry scanning after you try fluid scanning. The 3 minutes that it takes to do the wet mount, will
pay back handsomely.
4x5: You might add the 4x5 overlays with your present holder. If that holder is a glass holder, the film will be placed on top of the
glass incurring the extra refraction. You may add the ScanScience 4x5 supplemental kit which is only $99.00 and comes with the
glass and the overlays and masks and calibrated shims so that using the focusing target the film elevation is adjustable to the
sharpest optimum.
Accessories: All the items in your list are fine and all you need.
Lumina Scanning Fluid: A 1 Litre bottle will do about 57 - 8x10s
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Q. Which scanner do you recommend to get from Epson?
A. I would encourage you not to get the Epson V700/V800 versions as those are mostly intended for document scanning. The
software included with those scanners doesn't access the high-resolution optics and the hardware sports an uncoated lens. To
access the high-resolution optics you would have to buy the software separately at greater added-up cost than buying the V850
from the start.
One wouldn't think of having a camera lens uncoated and the idea of an uncoated optic in the scanner might be OK for document
scanning but not for photography, especially for an 8x10 user. The scanner is no less important than a camera lens, more in fact
considering that the scanner will filter all your work and do the work of all your lenses.
Technically you would be using the scanner at low resolution and the high resolution optics may not matter for 8x10. However, if the
lower price of the V800 is a must you might be able to find a V750 at a reduced price now that the V800 series is being introduced.
The differences as far as photography will be almost nil anyway, and the energy savings with the V800 series will be slight unless
you intend using the scanner 8 hours/day. To stay in the lead a manufacture must replace the product line, but that is the
manufacturer's concern not the users' unless the new product is functionally superior, which doesn't seem to be the case here.
Most customers that order the kit for 8x10 include the following: A back up scanning glass, the Pro Squeegee, the focusing target
and the eBook Total Scanning. The overlays included in the kit are reusable and will be good for at least 4-5 scans each. A 1 Litre
bottle of Lumina scanning fluid does about 57-8x10 frames, and there is price break on 4 and 8 bottles. You can see all the prices
on the Buynow page. Once you have an idea of what you will need please write us an email and we will send you a PayPal Invoice,
which the user activates to complete the purchase.
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Q. Can the Epson V700 access the high pass optics?
A. The V700 doesn't have the software to access the high pass optics, with the software that is sold with the scanner, you can only
scan documents and film at lower resolution. So for scanning film, using the high pass optics, you need any version of Silverfast Ai
or VueScan.
Nikon CoolScan 9000
Q. With the scanning glass plate, how does it insert into the machine? Does it work alongside the plastic piece I
already have, or alone?
A. Place the scanning glass plate on to the holder, the glass faces the light source as to avoid additional refraction, the film faces
the sensor.
Q. Please explain how the FH-869S Nikon film holder is modified. Am I supposed to remove the 2 swinging film
clamps?
A. Yes remove the 2 film clamps. The prongs are spring loaded and are bent out of the socket very slightly to release the clamp.
Q. I see two Philips head screws on the adjustable hinge side. That one appears easy to remove. How about the other
side? I would not want to break this $200 holder.
A. The Philips screws adjust the width to match the film width, you don’t have to touch those.
Q. Can it be re-assembled?
A. Yes, but do it carefully, only exert enough pressure on the prongs to insert the socket.
Q. Do parts need to be cut?
A. There is nothing to cut.
Q. I have the Nikon 9000, is the tape always needed?
A. The tape is used as a precaution to prevent any Fluid from entering the scanner.
Some people do not use it, it is a personal preference.
Q. How is it used?
A. You tape both ends of the holder.
Q. What tissue or cloth is used for the optical glass cleaner?
A. Use Kimwipes, low lint wipers.
Q. How many glass plates come in the package for $35.00?
A. One glass scanning plate.
Q. Are they already cut to fit the entire opening in the FH-869S?
A. Yes.
Q. Can they be cleaned and re-used indefinitely?
A. Yes, the glass plate can be used indefinitely as long as there are no scratches on the glass plate.
Q. What has to be done to modify my existing film holder?
A. Remove the hinges, insert the wet mount and place the Mask in the area not covered by the film.
Q. Do I have to worry about breaking it in the modification... they are expensive...?
A. Placing the wet mount in the holder should be done carefully and methodically.
Q. Can it be re-assembled?
A. After the scan the holder can be re-assembled.
Fluid scanning procedure for Nikon CoolScan and Epson Flatbed scanners
Cover a flat cutting board, preferably made of glass, with absorbent paper towels, this is used to absorb any excess Lumina that
may spill over.
Place the scanning glass, overlay and film side by side on top of the paper towels. Kimwipes may also be placed on top of the paper
towels if you do not want to place the film directly on the paper towels.
Evenly apply Lumina over all 3 surfaces.
Take the Lumina coated film from each end and bend it into an arch (U shape) bringing the center of the film into contact with the
glass letting the film open up slowly as it is laid down on the Lumina coated side of the glass.
Apply Lumina to the dry surface of the film, then bring the wet side of the overlay and place it on top of the film in the same arching
fashion as above.
Clip a corner of the 2nd overlay, this will make it easier to identify. Place the 2nd, 'dry sacrificial' overlay on top of the 1st overlay,
then you are ready for squeegeeing.
Squeegee from the center of the film outwards in both directions, this will get rid of any bubbles that may occur.
After squeegeeing, remove the 'dry sacrificial' 2nd overlay before scanning, this can be reused for another fluid scan assembly.
After the fluid scan assembly is made, the edges are wiped dry with a low lint wiper (Kimwipes).
The assembly is now ready to be placed onto the holder. Make sure the scanning glass side faces the light source to avoid
additional refraction.
After scanning, wipe the film lightly with a Kimwipe and let it dry on its own, either by hanging the film or placing it on a Kimwipe for
15 minutes, it's that easy. The Lumina will totally evaporate after 15 minutes, after that you can put your film away.
How to Fluid Scan: Fluid scanning procedure with auto focus scanners.
“Creo Scanners, Epson 10000, and some Microtek scanners”.
Apply Lumina directly onto the flatbed.
Next apply Lumina onto 1 side of the film and bend the film into an arch and place on top of the fluid soaked flatbed so that the
center of the film makes contact first and then let the film open up slowly as you lay it down on the flatbed.
Next apply Lumina to the dry top surface of the film.
Next apply Lumina to 1 side of the overlay from each end and bend the overlay into an arch (U shape) then bring the wet side of the
overlay into contact with the film so that the center of the overlay makes contact first and then let the overlay open up slowly as it is
laid down on the film.
Apply Lumina to the dry side of the first overlay.
Next place a 2nd, 'dry sacrificial' overlay on top of the 1st overlay, then you are ready for squeegeeing.
Start squeegeeing from the centre of the film outwards.
After the squeegeeing, remove the 'dry sacrificial' 2nd overlay before scanning, which can be reused for another fluid scan.
The overlay can be reused as long as it does not show defects or scratches, 4-5 times as a rule. Clipping a tiny corner of the 'dry
sacrificial' overlay will help identify it.
After scanning, wipe the film lightly with a Kimwipe and let it dry on its own, either by hanging the film or placing it on a Kimwipe for
15 minutes, it's that easy. The Lumina will totally evaporate after 15 minutes, after that you can put your film away.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Q. Why does my film curl?
A. Film: Naturally Unflat
Left to its own devices film is seldom flat. Even when properly stored in glassine
envelops and between flat objects like books, it is not flat. It assumes a curvature due
to its inherently unbalanced construction.
Plywood Construction
Plywood consists for the most part of several layers, optimally an uneven number of
layers. In consequence, any tendency of one layer to curl in a given way is balanced by another's tendency to do likewise but in
opposite direction. Plywood never consists of only two layers for that reason. It has a tendency to warp because there are not
enough layers to balance the forces that cause to curl.
Film Components
The emulsion which contains the light sensitive substances in a gelatin base.
The backing which is now polyester, is similar to Mylar.
Emulsion Gelatin Base
The gelatin in the emulsion is water sensitive, it traps or releases water according to the surrounding environment. If it is humid, it
traps water and if it is dry, it gives up water. According to the environment it swells if it is humid and shrinks if it is dry.
Film Backing
The backing is NOT water sensitive nor does it change in response to changes in humidity.
Tug of War
Evidently, the backing & the emulsion, do not have identical physical properties and do not respond identically to humidity.
The backing is immune to changes in humidity but the emulsion readily absorbs it. Since the swollen emulsion is bonded to the
unyielding backing, a tug of war ensues:
In high humidity, the emulsion has the tendency to swell or grow in size but it cannot stretch the backing so it takes a detour: It
adopts a position as the outer layer of a curve, in which the backing is the larger of the two. Now the backing is consigned to being
the inner element in the curl.
In low humidity, prevalent during the heating season, the reverse occurs: The emulsion shrinks but the backing does not. Now the
emulsion becomes the inner element in the curve due to its smaller size.
Aged Film
With time the gelatin hardens, -oxidizes and will not respond as readily to changing environmental conditions. Straightening old film
can then be more difficult and the surface tension of the scanning fluid may not be strong enough to keep the film flat. In such cases
it may be necessary to fluid mount in between two glass plates tightly taped at the edges. In an imperfect world, the additional
refraction from the extra glass may be less objectionable that an out of focus scan or Newton Rings.
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Q. I have an opportunity to purchase an Imacon 848, but I don’t want to lose the ability to wet mount my film. Can you
tell me about how wet mounting works with the 848, and whether there are any limitations that go with it? I am
primarily interested in wet mounting formats from 120-4x5. 35mm if possible, but I’ve had curling issues with 35mm.
A. With the Imacon, fluid scanning is done between two overlays which are cut all round 1cm larger than the size of the opening in
the holder. Fluid scanning elevates the Imacon to almost the level of a good drum scanner.
First you prepare the fluid mount in between the Overlays which is made by applying fluid to both sides of the film and one side of
the Overlays. Then the mount is covered by a sacrificial Overlay while squeegeed from the center out. After squeegeeing, you then
place the sacrificial Overlay on a Low Lint Wiper, to be reused later. The mount is then placed on the holder and taped with special
fluid-resistant tape to the holder on the top side.
Q. How does Lumina compare with other scanning fluids? Is it safe with Drum Scanners?
A. An important thing to know is that Lumina is the safest fluid for drum scanners, since it does not stress the drum. With each use
of the drum with a scanning fluid that stresses the drum, the drum is one step closer to crazing which happens without warning. The
Lumina page in the website has a full explanation. You will also find that Lumina low odor and that it is safer for operator, drum and
film. Lumina is an advanced formula in contrast to old fluids.
Q. I am using a Light Box photographing with DSLR camera and I'm still wondering about the glass. The camera shoots
down, but the light will come from underneath, and through the glass. I'm afraid I've got the same issues the scanner
folks do ...only in reverse. If my light came from above with the camera also from above, then the glass would be
merely a carrier and wouldn't matter. But because the light come through the glass, then through the negative to the
camera, I'm less clear.
With this more complete description, are you still certain it doesn't matter? Just wondering. Thanks!
A. Refraction before the light goes through the Film doesn't matter. Refraction after the light goes through the Film does matter.
Since the light is going through the Glass before the light is going through the Film the data that passes through the Film to the
sensor in your camera will not be distorted. So you have nothing to worry about.
Q. I have the Epson V850, do I need the shims and the focusing target?
A. The V850 is a fixed focus scanner, the lens doesn’t move, that is why you need the shims and the focusing target.
The Shims are used in conjunction with the Focusing Target. You prepare your Focusing Target as a wet mount.
Next you place an equal amount of Shims under the holder on both sides, to achieve the optimum sharpness. You elevate the
holder with the shims, you then take your first test scan to determine the sharpness of the Focusing Target. You may have to make
2 or 3 more test scans, placing more shims under the holder before you achieve the right height of the holder for your scanner to
attain the maximum sharpness of the Focusing Target.
Q. I am using an Epson V700 to scan. I avoid shooting 35mm as it is to small to really get a great file on a flatbed.
Is this the only target you use? Do you have any other options for the V700?
A. You will find the 35mm is more effective than a larger MF target because it requires greater magnification and is the only target
we sell.
The more you magnify it, the greater you see the flaws in the focusing.
There is no advantage to having a larger target, on the contrary, it is counter productive.
Q. I am looking to buy either the Nikon 5000 or the 9000 for film scanning? What do you recommend?
A. The Nikon Coolscan 9000 was the best film scanner ever made and has a true resolution 4000 ppi.
The Coolscan 8000 was almost as good. If you were to buy a Nikon it would be preferable if it was picked up rather than shipped;
they are delicate.
With the Nikon 5000 you can only scan single cut slides using the slide holder, not the strip holder. The reason is that the lid, which
in the Nikon 9000 can be removed can't be removed in the Nikon 5000 because it is integral to the holder's movement in the
scanner. Removing the lid is needed to allow the insertion of the glass which is part of the wet mount.
Q. I have a Nikon 8000. I scan primarily 35-mm slide films and I also scan negative films. Most slides are mounted and
will need to be unmounted, wet scanned and mounted again. Some slides are square but most are not. How do I
proceed?
A. The workflow with the Scanscience kit is quite simple: You will be using the holders that came with the scanner, which you will
modify -, by removing the lid which is a pressure-fit on two prongs and can be placed back if needed.
Then you prepare the wet mount consisting of scanning glass, film and overlay, all with a micro layer of scanning fluid in between.
The film and glass are coated with fluid and so is the back of the film and the overlay. After coating, the sacrificial overlay is applied
over the film and squeegeed over. -DO NOT USE A ROLLER. The wetmount is then placed in the holder, with the film under the
glass, and the glass on top facing the light, to avoid extra refraction, you do not want to have glass under the film as that degrades
the image, and converts your film-scanner into a flatbed scanner. The Nikon holders are excellent and need no other modification
than removing the lids, to fit the scanning plate which is only 1mm thick, like a microscope slide.
After the mount is prepared it is dried externally with a low lint wiper (Kimwipes) and then it goes into the holder. Some users place a
bit of fluid resistant tape at both ends. You make the mount using a film strip up to 204 mm long or a film with a single frame. You
know about how the software chooses the area to be scanned.
Having a back up glass is handy in as much as you can make another mount when one is scanning.
The overlays are consumables and are reusable; using a sacrificial overlay to squeegee over the scanning overlay you can get
about 4 or 5 uses out of it. The scanning glass is permanent but because they are very thin they must be handled with extra care.
You can follow the work flow you use now and prepare other wetmounts in advance and when is removed the other goes in. When
finished scanning the components are wiped dry with a low lint wiper (Kimwipes) and the film allowed to dry another 15 mins before
archiving. The overlay is treated in a similar manner but can be reused immediately. Once you determine what is to be included in
the order we can send you a PayPal invoice.
Q. I am about to purchase a Braun FS120 scanner to 6x8 and 6x4.5 negatives. Do you support this scanner, and if so
what do you recommend for it? Thank you for your time and information.
A. The kit for the Braun is similar to that for the Nikon 9000. The difference is in the scanning glass size. That for the Braun is
around 137mm long, however you must give me the exact size. To use you remove the cover which is held by magnets and instead
use the scanning glass with the film wet-mounted under the glass and covered by an overlay that is wet mounted to the film.
The kit comes with all the things you need to get started except Lumina scanning fluid which you order according to need.
Q. I have an Imacon Scanner and different Film holders.
6x18 ; 4x5 inch ; 6x6 ; 6x4,5 ; 6x7. Is there a big jump in image quality using the wetscan method on the Imacon?
A. The Imacon is a very good scanner and when used as a fluid scanner it brings it to the level of a drum scanner. You can only get
the full dynamic range and color saturation of the film with fluid scanning. Many well known photographers use our kit with their
Imacon and consider it indispensable, one in fact has told Hasselblad about it. Once you see one fluid-scan you will never do a dry
scan again.
Lumina scanning fluid is new chemistry and has health and safety advantages over other scanning fluids.
Over and above film flatness you will get better color saturation, sharpness and dynamic range, the advantages of fluid scanning
would be significant and effectively upgrade the Imacon.
The Overlays are sized 1 cm longer and wider than the holder you are using and since there are so many holders of different
formats we custom cut to size.
Q. I have the Epson V700, what software do I need to Fluid mount?
A. The V700 is bundled with Silverfast but I believe only the SE version which is equivalent to to Epson Scan. The problem with both
is they are generic for one-optics scanners, and do not take advantage of what is specific to the V750 and V700 only: These
scanners have two sets of optics one for whole frame scanning, that includes 8x10 transparencies and opaque documents, and the
other, the high-pass high-resolution optics which are used to scan film 5x7 and smaller. The Epson and Silverfast SE software only
access the document optics. Only Silverfast Ai, Silverfast Studio and Archive, as well as Vuescan access the high- pass optics.
Q. How does Fluid scanning help with the scratches on my film?
A. Regarding the scratches, Lumina prevents light scattering at the scratch, the scratch is kind of like a groove in the film and the
Lumina fills the groove and you will find a very substantial improvement when you use Lumina, the scratches won't be as intense or
numerous and many of the scratches will disappear.
Q. Can I use mineral oil to wet mount?
A. Mineral Oil does not evaporate and you have to use a Film Cleaner to remove it. Our wet mounting fluid, Lumina, does not have
any of these issues.
You can discover all of the benefits of using Lumina on our website.
http://scanscience.com/Pages/lumina.html
Q. How does the Focusing Target work?
A. The focusing target is used to measure the resolution of the scanner.
The target scales:
The value has to be multiplied by 100 so your scanner can be resolving 4000 ppi. Microtek film scanners specs were not known for
hype so the 4000 ppi they advertised were most likely true.
On the issue of resolution, a Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) would be the way to obtain resolution. The MTF instrument
generates sine waves as it reads the image usually of bars. The sine waves flatten as the lines frequency increases and eventually
at some point the sine wave become a straight line.
Now, you could take the resolution at that point or set a standard higher up the curve. A manufacturer wishing to hype the numbers
will use the number given at which the curve flattens and becomes asymptotic with the horizontal axis. However a more realistic
figure is attained when the curve's response is 50%. The problem with bar charts or wedge charts is that they lend themselves to
abuse, if a manufacturer wants to hype the numbers. The marketer's ethics for some scanner manufacturers are notoriously low and
their specs are a joke. Flatbed manufacturers use stepper motors which can be set to take an image at increasingly small intervals
resulting in very large files; the pixel output of those files is used to define resolution. This is absurd; when you see two numbers for
the resolution is because of the stepper motor works on one direction only. I do not know how they obtain the readings in the
horizontal direction, they certainly do not correspond to the number of sensors, except that since there are 3, one each for RGB,
each may be counted, I don't know. Thus the readings given by some manufacturers are not of optical output but correspond to
mechanical settings.
Q. I have a Film Toaster for DSLR scanning (http://www.filmtoaster.photography/products ). I use Plustek 8200 film
holders for 35mm and Canon 8800 film holders for 120. My problem is getting the 120 film to lie flat. I need either 2
sheets of glass with Anti-Newton Glass on the top and a bottom of sturdier glass, or some other process. Don't know
exactly where to start. Would ask what you might recommend from your product offerings. The maximum width of a
holder that fits is 4-1/4 inches and it can be up to just barely beyond 1/4-inch thick. Wet scanning seems the right idea.
Thanks for your help!
A. The only film that we know to be stubbornly curled is the Iford film...with a slight curl in the film, Lumina can cope with that.
If the film is curled very badly then you would have to sandwich the wet mount between 2 Glass Plates, if in fact the holder could
accept a 2.3ml thick wet mount.
Anti-Newton Glass is not recommended. With fluid scanning there are no Newton Rings. AN Glass is an antiquated approach to the
problem, but additionally, degrades the image. AN Glass is not completely clear glass, it is frosted glass. You would never put that in
front of your camera lens if you like sharp images. Fluid scanning makes AN Glass redundant.
Why is fluid scanning the way to go? because of the optics. Fluid scanning avoids light scattering improves sharpness and dynamic
range. It is the way that scanning is done professionally. You go beyond film flatness and get the maximum brilliance from your
scans.
The Overlays are made from Optical Mylar and are part of the wet mount, the Masks are used for placing over an empty cavity in
the holder or empty space not covered by the film in the holder and prevents light scattering, which degrades the scan.
Q. Will Lumina damage film in any way?
A. No, Lumina will not damage negatives in any way. Other scanning fluids will.
Q. What is the best procedure to clean film after fluid scanning?
A. After scanning, wipe the film lightly with a Kimwipe tissue and let it dry on its own, either by hanging the film or placing it on a
Kimwipe for 15minutes, it's that easy.
The Lumina will totally evaporate after 15 minutes, after that you can put your film away.
Q. Is there another way to keep the negatives nice and flat without wet mounting?
A. No, wet mounting is the best way possible option.
Q. Should I use lighter fluid to scan my film?
A. Never. It is highly flammable and will destroy the film.
Q. Will Lumina disintegrate the plastic film holder?
A. No.
Q. What thickness should the scanning glass plate be to achieve the best scans.
A. 1mm thickness is the optimum glass size. The thinner the glass the lesser amount of total refraction.
Q. After the "sandwich" is assembled, is it place directly on the scanner bed (or rather on the shims) with the glass
side up (overlay side to the scanner bed), or glass side down toward the scanner bed?
A. The wet mount assembly is placed on the shims, the scanning glass facing up towards the light source.
Q. Does the mask go on the scanner bed (cut out for the appropriate size negative)?
A. The mask goes on the scanner bed, the area of the glass plate is cut out.
Q. Do you use a full sheet of the overlay, or cut it to fit the negative/glass?
A. Cut the overlay 1mm smaller than the glass.
Q. Does the emulsion side of the film face the glass?
A. The emulsion side of the film faces the glass. It will adhere much better.
Q. I'm a bit confused still about if I'm using the scanning glass plate how the squeegee is effective.
A. The squeegee ensures that their are no bubbles in the wet mount assembly.
Squeegee the 2nd sacrificial Overlay which is on top first Overlay which is on top of the film and the glass.
Next remove the 2nd Overlay before scanning.
Next place the wet mount assembly on the scanner glass, Overlay facing down.
Q. Is the scanning glass plate used in lieu of the Ultratrans Overlay or would I be applying the overlay to the scanning
glass plate and then placing that sandwich on top of the scanner glass Ultratrans Overlay down.
A. The function of the Overlay is to complete the assembly between glass plate, film and Overlay which is sandwiched between
layers of fluid.
Also you only use a glass plate if you don’t want to apply Lumina directly on the scanner glass bed.
If you are not using a glass plate, then you can apply Lumina, directly on the scanner glass, place the film on the scanner glass and
place an Overlay on top of the film. Following the directions from your first question.
Q. Also, how large is the medium format overlays and glass plates? I do a lot of negatives that are 70mm and also we
get a lot of really oddball sizes that are larger than standard 120 film but smaller than 4x5.
A. We custom cut our scanning glass to match your films dimensions.
Q. If I’m applying Lumina directly to the scanner glass, it is simply a matter of being careful the fluid doesn't seep into
the scanner.
A. Yes that is correct, avoid applying Lumina near the edge of the scanner glass.
Q. My inclination is to buy only the 8x10 glass plate because most of the negatives I have are cupped and curled at
least 50 years old. Is that correct thinking?
A. If they are 8x10” negatives, yes.
Q. I'm assuming I can put whatever size and multiples, I want under the 8x10 glass plate or does that mean using a lot
more scanning fluid?
A. It’s best to match the format of film and glass, uses less scanning fluid.
Q. Any issues with using multiple plates on the scanner glass?
A. No
Q. If I'm using glass plate only, then is there a need for a squeegee?
A. You always use the squeegee because you can’t squeegee directly on the film, that’s were the Overlay comes in.
Q. It seems the ArtixScan 1800f has a leg up on the Epson in that it doesn't have the glass to contend with while
scanning. Is that true? And what about the Imacon X5?
A. Yes.
For your ArtixScan, the glass plate for the holder won’t be wide enough to include the film numbering.
You can scan directly on your tray using a 65mm x 250mm or 8x10” Overlays. You won’t need an additional glass plate.
As for the V700, the optics are uncoated, you will also need Silverfast Ai Studio 8 if you don’t already have it and the resolution is
not as good as the ArtixScan, so I recommend using the ArtixScan before the V700.
You will need the medium squeegee for MF film.
If you order the masks, they can be cut to size.
Don’t expect the same results with your ArtixScan compared to Imacon X5, that is the best of the 3 scanners.
The light source has nothing to do with the dynamic range. The light source is the cheapest part of the scanner.
Imacon 848
Q. I have an Imacon Scanner and different Film holders.
6x18 ; 4x5 inch ; 6x6 ; 6x4,5 ; 6x7. What does the Imacon Package include and how much does it cost? Is there a big jump in image
quality using the wetscan method on the Imacon?
A. In fluid scanning with the Imacon the film is sandwiched between two sheets of optical mylar with fluid in between, this assures
edge to edge bonding to the Overlays and therefore a flat film plane. Flat meaning equidistant since the film in the Imacon occupies
a curved plane.
Over and above film flatness you will get better color saturation, sharpness and dynamic range so even if you were scanning
uncurled film the advantages of fluid scanning would be significant and effectively upgrade the Imacon.
Imacon users that fluid-scan rave about the improvements. For fluid scanning you need one of the kits, you have to give us the
format, the overlays are cut 1 cm larger in all directions than the window in the scanner holder. This fluid is new chemistry and has
health and safety advantages over another scanning fluid. Because no adapters or glass is involved, fluid scanning with the Imacon
is very economical.
Q. Can my scanner be used as a fluid scanner?
A. To know if a scanner can be used as a fluid scanner you have to find if the lids in the holders are removable as most are; they
are fitted with prongs and these allow for them to be pried out and put back. If they are removable the scanning glass which is part
of the mount can usually be fitted in.
Epson V700
Q. Does the Epson V700 come with Silverfast and is that the best software to use for fluid scanning?
A. The V700 is indeed bundled with Silverfast but I believe only the SE version which is equivalent to to Epson Scan. The problem
with both is they are generic for one-optics scanners, and do not take advantage of what is specific to the V750 and V700 only:
These scanners have two sets of optics one for whole frame scanning, that includes 8x10 transparencies and opaque documents,
and the other, the high-pass high-resolution optics which are used to scan film 5x7 and smaller. The Epson and Silverfast SE
software only access the document optics. Only Silverfast Ai, Silverfast Studio and Archive, as well as Vuescan access the high-
pass optics.
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Q. What are the benefits of fluid scanning?
A. Fluid-scanning inherent advantages are higher sharpness but if the optics are set to a low limit, that improvement is not visible.
True, better colour saturation and dynamic range and dust and scratch elimination are also inherent advantages of the
ScanScience technology but the full package requires the proper software.
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Q. Between the Epson V700 and the V750, which is better?
A. Silverfast Ai costs more money to Epson and I doubt they can afford to include it at the price of the V700. The other advantage
of the V750 according to Epson is that the V750 has coated optics. I have seen long ago a demonstration of the effect of the
coating; predictably, as in your camera lens, a coated scanner lens renders a superior image. That is the difference in the
machines.
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Q. Hello please confirm that your kit makes the Epson V700/750 fluid mount unnecessary and redundant. I'm in the
process of buying one of them and the only real advantage of the V750 here is that the fluid mount is included with the
purchase. I'm using 4x5 film but I might need to scan 6x9. Will the 4x5 kit enable me to scan cut (individual) 6x9
negatives?
A. The fluid mount tray that comes with the V750 is not used by experts for fluid mounting because it degrades the images with the
addition of yet another chunk of glass which refracts the images. Additionally, it places the images at an elevation higher than is
optimum with most units.
The ScanScience system avoids double refraction and allows placing the images at the optimum focus measured for that scanner.
However the V750 real advantage is not the tray, it is the Silverfast software which allows scanning using the high resolution optics.
The software included with the V700 only access the low resolution optics because it is generic software for scanners with 1 set of
optics.
While we would like our customers to spend money with us that they would have saved with the V700 we can't do that because you
would be degrading your scans substantially without the use of the high resolution optics: You need them to scan 6x9 and 4x5. Only
if you were scanning 8x10, then we would suggest buying the V700. Now that Epson has introduced the V850 it is a good time to
purchase a V750 at reduced prices. As the V850 makes it in the market some dealers might want to clear inventory and sell the
V750 at a better price.
From us you need to buy only the turnkey kit for 4x5 and use it for 6x9. For customers that use your formats the standard order for
most users is the 4x5 Kit, the focusing target, the spare glass, and of course Lumina scanning fluid according to your need. You can
see all those items and the accessories on the Buynow page.
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Q. Epson V700 or Imacon 848? (hope to purchase an Imacon 848 - which I hear is the best Imacon scanner with you
fluid as the later models have a different light source.) Question, most of my material was shot on slow speed film
(pinups from the 1960's and 1970's), is the Imacon overkill as most people want photos no larger than 12x12? How
does the Imacon 848 compare to an Epson V700?
I have strips of 4 60x60mm or 2.25er's in many cases (both color and (B&W). Can we scan all 4 at once? Can 2 holders
your 250mm kit fit on a scanner bed so 8 can be done at one time? We also have 35mm film and some 4x5 film. I use
Vuescan. How different is the scan quality of the 2 light sources of the epson v700? Thank you. Happy Holidays.
A. It is the ccd, -the sensor what mostly determines image quality. The sensor determines resolution and dynamic range much as in
a digital camera. The scanner is essentially a digital camera upside down. In this regard the V700 is not in the same league as the
Imacon. This scanner has a real resolution of around 6500 ppi while the V700 has a real resolution of of only around 2800 ppi,
never mind the V700's hyped resolution. The light source if concentrated can result in sharper contrasty image and consume more
power if fluorescent as against LED. LED sources are usually diffused by diffusers. Resolution isn't the only concern; higher res will
allow bigger prints but the higher dynamic range of the better ccd can't be imitated by the lower quality sensor. If you value your
images and intend to either sell them or display them you should get the Imacon. Fluid scanning is possible with the Imacon by wet
mounting the film between two of our Ultrans Overlays cut slightly larger than the window of the holder. Wait till you get the Imacon,
and will recommend what you need.
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Q. I have a V700, a Coolscan 9000 and a BetterScanning film holder kit.
I have never fluid scanned before, I have only been dry scanning. Now I am ready to try fluid scanning. I am using just
about all image sizes, up to 8x10.
For my order, I am thinking the following - please let me know what you think:
• 8x10 kit. This is my main reason for my order - to avoid Newton rings with 8x10 scans.
• 4 bottles of Lumina Fluid
• MF Scanning plate - I am quite happy with the Coolscan performance but thought I might as will give it a try.
Please confirm that this is the correct plate.
• matching overlays
• 4x5 overlays that I am planning to use with the Better Scanning holder.
• Tape
• The 35mm film target
• Low Lint Wipers
• Squeegee upgrade (is it necessary for me to purchase the 8x10 squeegee as well??)
A. The items in your list are quite in line with what you need, but first, allow me to clarify certain things about the ScanScience
system of fluid-scanning. Our system is designed for no-compromise maximum image quality so we avoid degradation of the image
by additional glass refraction. In the Nikon 9000, there is no refractive glass put in the image path, since the film is placed below the
glass and the light emerging from the film goes directly to the sensor. True, the image-light it has to go through the overlay but the
index of refraction of the overlay is the same as that of the film and there is no additional refraction. With other systems the
negative is placed on top of the scanning glass as for example in the holder you use for the V750 and the glass is a refractive
element which because its thickness degrades the image.
The next thing has to do with the optical advantages of fluid scanning. These are explained in the website; in addition to the
elimination of Newton Rings, the other advantages are alone reason why any serious photographer, as you evidently are, should
only fluid scan. One British customer who had just finished doing about 1000 scans with the Nikon 9000, lamented that he had
discovered ScanScience fluid scanning afterwards, and would have to repeat most of the scans again because of the superiority of
the fluid scans. You probably have spent a small fortune on lenses, but the benefits of fluid-scanning will outweigh the quality
differences between expensive lenses and ordinary ones at a fraction of the cost of one lens alone.
With that out of the way, the items you need;
8x10. Most customers also order the back up glass, for two reasons: the glass is very delicate 1mm thick, same thickness as a
microscope slide. Additionally it enables making another fluid mount while one is scanning. If you order the Pro Squeegee upgrade
you will not need any other squeegee. The kit comes with the accessories that you need for smaller format scanning.
MF: the items in your list are OK and all you need for scanning with the Nikon 9000, you might also order the back up scanning
glass plate, I doubt you will do much dry scanning after you try fluid scanning. The 3 minutes that it takes to do the wet mount, will
pay back handsomely.
4x5: You might add the 4x5 overlays with your present holder. If that holder is a glass holder, the film will be placed on top of the
glass incurring the extra refraction. You may add the ScanScience 4x5 supplemental kit which is only $99.00 and comes with the
glass and the overlays and masks and calibrated shims so that using the focusing target the film elevation is adjustable to the
sharpest optimum.
Accessories: All the items in your list are fine and all you need.
Lumina Scanning Fluid: A 1 Litre bottle will do about 57 - 8x10s
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Q. Which scanner do you recommend to get from Epson?
A. I would encourage you not to get the Epson V700/V800 versions as those are mostly intended for document scanning. The
software included with those scanners doesn't access the high-resolution optics and the hardware sports an uncoated lens. To
access the high-resolution optics you would have to buy the software separately at greater added-up cost than buying the V850
from the start.
One wouldn't think of having a camera lens uncoated and the idea of an uncoated optic in the scanner might be OK for document
scanning but not for photography, especially for an 8x10 user. The scanner is no less important than a camera lens, more in fact
considering that the scanner will filter all your work and do the work of all your lenses.
Technically you would be using the scanner at low resolution and the high resolution optics may not matter for 8x10. However, if the
lower price of the V800 is a must you might be able to find a V750 at a reduced price now that the V800 series is being introduced.
The differences as far as photography will be almost nil anyway, and the energy savings with the V800 series will be slight unless
you intend using the scanner 8 hours/day. To stay in the lead a manufacture must replace the product line, but that is the
manufacturer's concern not the users' unless the new product is functionally superior, which doesn't seem to be the case here.
Most customers that order the kit for 8x10 include the following: A back up scanning glass, the Pro Squeegee, the focusing target
and the eBook Total Scanning. The overlays included in the kit are reusable and will be good for at least 4-5 scans each. A 1 Litre
bottle of Lumina scanning fluid does about 57-8x10 frames, and there is price break on 4 and 8 bottles. You can see all the prices
on the Buynow page. Once you have an idea of what you will need please write us an email and we will send you a PayPal Invoice,
which the user activates to complete the purchase.
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Q. Can the Epson V700 access the high pass optics?
A. The V700 doesn't have the software to access the high pass optics, with the software that is sold with the scanner, you can only
scan documents and film at lower resolution. So for scanning film, using the high pass optics, you need any version of Silverfast Ai
or VueScan.
Nikon CoolScan 9000
Q. With the scanning glass plate, how does it insert into the machine? Does it work alongside the plastic piece I
already have, or alone?
A. Place the scanning glass plate on to the holder, the glass faces the light source as to avoid additional refraction, the film faces
the sensor.
Q. Please explain how the FH-869S Nikon film holder is modified. Am I supposed to remove the 2 swinging film
clamps?
A. Yes remove the 2 film clamps. The prongs are spring loaded and are bent out of the socket very slightly to release the clamp.
Q. I see two Philips head screws on the adjustable hinge side. That one appears easy to remove. How about the other
side? I would not want to break this $200 holder.
A. The Philips screws adjust the width to match the film width, you don’t have to touch those.
Q. Can it be re-assembled?
A. Yes, but do it carefully, only exert enough pressure on the prongs to insert the socket.
Q. Do parts need to be cut?
A. There is nothing to cut.
Q. I have the Nikon 9000, is the tape always needed?
A. The tape is used as a precaution to prevent any Fluid from entering the scanner.
Some people do not use it, it is a personal preference.
Q. How is it used?
A. You tape both ends of the holder.
Q. What tissue or cloth is used for the optical glass cleaner?
A. Use Kimwipes, low lint wipers.
Q. How many glass plates come in the package for $35.00?
A. One glass scanning plate.
Q. Are they already cut to fit the entire opening in the FH-869S?
A. Yes.
Q. Can they be cleaned and re-used indefinitely?
A. Yes, the glass plate can be used indefinitely as long as there are no scratches on the glass plate.
Q. What has to be done to modify my existing film holder?
A. Remove the hinges, insert the wet mount and place the Mask in the area not covered by the film.
Q. Do I have to worry about breaking it in the modification... they are expensive...?
A. Placing the wet mount in the holder should be done carefully and methodically.
Q. Can it be re-assembled?
A. After the scan the holder can be re-assembled.
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