As the title implies, we're
almost at the point of beginning the series of scans. But there are
still a few housekeeping issues to sort out.
I mentioned above that there
are two types of correction that can be applied during batch scans. The
first is "manual correction"
the second being "fully automatic". I also mentioned in Step 1 that high-bit
scanning and later correction using SilverFast
HDR was a good option. HDR is the quickest and safest option in
terms of what SilverFast will do during the scan process, since it does
nothing other than capture the "raw" image.
"Manual
correction", as the name implies this form of image correction
allows the user to make a correction to
contrast/tone/colour/brightness/etc. as they see fit. The sting in the
tail is that any correction made on the prescan image becomes the
"default" correction for the whole series of images. You don't
need to be a genius to realise that this isn't really a smart choice,
it's probably best not to make any corrections.
"Fully
automatic correction", means that each and every frame is
individually analysed by SilverFast and adjusted in accordance with the
predefined settings of the "Auto" settings dialog or those chosen by the user in the "Image
Type" pop-up window (see below for options). To be honest I
think sticking with the default "Standard"
setting is the safest choice when the film carrier contains images of
different subject/lighting conditions, etc.
Before "Fully
Automatic Correction" will work it is necessary to turn it
"ON". Click the
"Option" button and
choose the "Auto"
tab, now place a check mark against the selection labelled "Automatic with ADF" (ADF = automatic document feeder).
Choosing
the Image Type for Automatic Correction
Set-up
for Fully Automatic Image Correction
Leaving aside my personal
preference for correcting batch scans using SilverFast HDR I think the
fully automatic option is the best choice for most users wanting an easy
life. The images will be full range and any inherent colourcast such as
sunset/sunrise will be left untouched.
This is it; the scanning
process can begin. I assume that the image is now rotated correctly, the
exposure setting is set for manual or auto and that batch scan mode is
selected. If you chose to scan into Photoshop then just press the
"Scan Batch" button and sit back (go for tea or coffee would
be better) and let things happen. If on the other hand you chose to save
each scan individually then after pressing the "Scan
Batch" button a "Save"
dialog will appear. You can choose your own file name convention and
number sequence. You can also change file format from the default "Tiff"
to Jpeg, etc. but it's probably best to leave it at "Tiff".
"Save"
batch file dialog (Mac platform)
Once the series of slides or
negatives have been scanned you should eject the film holder using the
special "Eject"
button.
Pulling the carrier out by hand has a real nasty habit of making
SilverFast forget that you had it in to begin with, so be warned. You
can now begin reloading the film strip/carrier ready for the next series
of images.
IMPORTANT
If you change ANYTHING
in SilverFast, and I emphasise "anything" for good reason and
personal experience, then you should return to Step 4 and reselect
"Document Feeder",
that is EVEN if it "appears"
that it is already selected. Nine times in ten a change will have not
caused any ill effect, but on that odd occasion it can make SilverFast
forget that it was batch scanning using the "Document
Feeder" even when it still says/thinks that it is.
Hopefully
you will find the above methodology proves as successful for you as it
has for me and the other testers I've used. However, if you come up with
a method that you think is shorter, quicker, easier then
"please" don't tell
me, I don't want to know :-)
A Stitch in Time
Page 3 of 3 
