Nikon LS-3500 - LS-3510 - Manual (Page 35)

Using The Macintosh Scanner Plugin 5-3
Software Reference for Scanners
This pop-up menu also specifies color and density processing for negative or
positive film types. Since color negative film is not simply the inverse of color
positive film (because of the orange mask used in negative film types), accurate
color and density balance can only be achieved by using analog processing of
gamma and exposure. Accurate, higher quality color is maintained by using this
control to modify the balancing parameters in the analog section of the scanner
rather than in the image processing application where loss of bits and tone range
will result.
To register and calibrate to a new color negative film type, insert a processed
unexposed strip of film into the scanner, and close the cover. Choose Register
from the Film Type pop-up menu and the following dialog will appear.
Fig. 23 Registering Film Type
Type the name you wish to use to indicate this film; no more than 13
characters. The register button will be enabled, and pressing it will start the
calibration cycle in the scanner. This is a custom calibration specific to the film
and processing that you are using. You can store up to 24 custom film types in the
scanner. You can delete any of these film types by using the
Delete... menu item
if you need to make space for a new film type.
The calibration provides a neutral black point from the orange clear base of
color negative films. Another way to calibrate is to photograph three aim points.
Place a black card, preferably velvet, an 18% reflectance gray card and a matte
white card in the frame. After processing, place this frame in the scanner in
vertical orientation and go through the same registration procedure.
For more accurate calibration, you can use a five step grayscale for even
closer correction values. Make sure that it is photographed at 5500
°
K. In
addition, color transparency film can be calibrated the same way. When not using
a grayscale, make sure that an unexposed piece of negative processed film is used.
Insert the processed film so that the gray wedge is vertically oriented in the
scanner.