Nikon LS-10 Installation Guide for Macintosh - Manual (Page 43)

Basic Operation Chapter 4
Page 36
Handling the Film
Proper handling and care of the film is critical to ensure high-quality scans, and
protect against damage. The film is easily scratched, smudged with fingerprints, and
collects dust. In some cases, it is possible to remove the imperfections that these sub­
stances will cause during scanning by using image retouching tools found in popular
software packages, such as Photoshop and ColorStudio. However, a great deal of time
and effort will be saved if the film is cleaned
prior
to scanning.
Dust Removal
Dust is the leading cause of image imperfections when scanning. Dust can typi­
cally be removed by blowing air across both sides of the film. The best way to accom­
plish this is by using spray cans of compressed air, available from most photo processing
or camera stores. Follow the cleaning directions accompanying these, making sure to
direct the air stream onto both sides of the film, then checking to see if any dust
remains. Be careful not to move the can while spraying, or liquid freon will be released,
contaminating the film.
Stain and Fingerprint Removal
Often film can be stained by fingerprints, water or other materials. It will be
much more difficult, and in some cases impossible to remove stains if they are located
on the emulsion side of the film. For example, fingerprints on the emulsion side of the
film cannot be removed later than 10 minutes after they occur. They literally become
part of the emulsion film layers. Once again, the best technique for removing stains is
preventing them in the first place. Care for your film. When possible use white cotton
gloves when handling your film, and
always
handle it from the edges.
There are several ways to clean film. The first is to use water to remove water-
based pollutants. Hold the film under a gentle stream of water for about 3 minutes at
about 68° to 70° F. After washing,
verygenûy
rub the film between your thumb and
forefinger with some dish washing liquid. Rinse thoroughly for 3 minutes and hang the
film up to dry. The film sprocket holes can be used to hang the film. A paper clip
works well for this purpose. When hanging, a droplet of water will form on the bottom
of the film. Carefully use tissue paper to remove the water by just touching the droplet
of water with a corner of the tissue paper. The water will be absorbed into the tissue
paper. Never let droplets of water dry on the film. The film is vulnerable dur­
ing the washing procedure, so be very careful not to scratch its surface. Although the
emulsion will change to a brown or blue color while wet, do not be alarmed. This will
disappear as the film dries.
Removal of non-water based pollutants can be accomplished using a film cleaner,
typically Trichloroethene NU. Note that this substance is very volatile and
very flam­
mable.
It evaporates quickly and should be handled
very
carefully. It is very effective at
removing adhesives or glue residue from the film. Apply the film cleaner, following
Nikon Coolscan Installation Guide for Macintosh