Silverfast

[more photography]

Hi

I have Silverfast AI that came with my Epson V750 scanner in addition the Epson Scan, would like to understand those who use this scanner which software you use, and are you stisfied, and would or have you upgraded to Silverfast AI studio for the multi-exposure facility.

Is their calim valid, does improve shadow details and your comments please.

[Bill L.]

The difference isn't huge, but it is noticable. I primarily scan provia transparencies, occasionally acros negatives. I typically will scan once in single pass mode (if nothing else, to warm up the scanner) and once in multi-exposure. I've not had a problem with registration from multi-pass scanning when I've done this, and almost always the ME scan gives me meaningfully extra details in the shadow areas. It was well worth the upgrade IMHO.

Cheers!
Bill

[Scott Knowles]

I updated to AI Studio IT8 with some film targets for. I use it exclusively now because it's signficantly faster and has a different workflow. Silverfast scans the full size preview, but unlike the Epson software, you can then apply and see all the adjustsments before you scan the final file. I also added it for the Nikon Coolscan 5000ED scanner.

[Keith S. Walklet]

I was just running tests on the multipass last night (see attached detail from Leigh's Collaborative Scanning transparency).

What I have observed so far is that there is a reduction in noise, better shadow detail, but there also appears to be a softening to the look of the image as well. That may be just because there is less noise, which might require additional sharpening to compensate. But, my initial impressions are that it does what it is supposed to.

I also noted some registration issues in the 16x test I did, which may have been expansion of the transparency or environmental vibrations. I plan to retest that setting again today.

There are a number of other advantages to the software over the EpsonScan, including a much broader selection of color spaces one can scan into, and the 48-bit HDR captures data at the extremes that is otherwise clipped with EpsonScan.

[Paul Greeves]

Hi,

I use the Epson V750 too. I have upgraded to AI studio, attracted by the multiple exposure facility. I agree that there is a great reduction in noise and film grain. The only draw back is the registration. This makes the scan usable, in my opinion. It is such a shame.

I have to admit that I now scan using the Epson software. I have found Silver Fast a bit of a performance to set up. I would use Silver Fast for scanning all colour transparencies and negatives and everything else the Epson software does a great job too.

[dazedgonebye]

I have to admit, I still havent figured out Silverfast. I can't get anything even approaching a usable scan.
I'm not beng picky here. It's obvious I'm doing something very wrong because even the previews look horrible.

I should detail what I'm doing/seeing and ask for help some time.

[Brian Ellis]

I have to admit, I still havent figured out Silverfast. I can't get anything even approaching a usable scan.
I'm not beng picky here. It's obvious I'm doing something very wrong because even the previews look horrible.

I should detail what I'm doing/seeing and ask for help some time.

As a last resort, you could always read the manual. : - )

More seriously - Silverfast is pretty complicated but the manual does help and the tutorials are also very useful if you can stay awake while the guy with the heavy German accent drones on. But the biggest help to me was a book by a guy whose last name is Tally I believe and the title is something like "Silverfast - The Complete Manual." If you search "Silverfast" on Amazon I'm sure it will pop up if it's still in print.

[Keith S. Walklet]

But the biggest help to me was a book by a guy whose last name is Tally I believe and the title is something like "Silverfast - The Complete Manual."

That would be Taz Tally. He does a tutorial on lynda.com that is also very good.

[SharpLiz]

But the biggest help to me was a book by a guy whose last name is Tally I believe and the title is something like "Silverfast - The Complete Manual." If you search "Silverfast" on Amazon I'm sure it will pop up if it's still in print.

The book is called "SilverFast: The Official Guide" by Taz Tally. It's also available through silverfast's online shop.
Here's a link to the silverfast manual / tutorial section: http://www.silverfast.com/knowledge/en.html

[dazedgonebye]

Just the same sort of advice I always get here...read the manual...run film tests...practice....geeeze!
I guess there aren't any "spray and pray" types in large format. :-)

[venchka]

Just the same sort of advice I always get here...read the manual...run film tests...practice....geeeze!
I guess there aren't any "spray and pray" types in large format. :-)

Epson Scan. It works for Ken Lee. Who am I to argue?

[EdWorkman]

I use an older version of ai to copy old prints and have scanned some negatives
I use an Epson 2450, and much prefer the silverfast.
I have had a couple of episodes with 6x17 color negs, which I can only attribute to the epson logic that identifies what it sees, apparently by position on the glass, expectations of black where the holder ought to be, density, or just plain voodoo.
Overall I prefer the adjustments to anything else, which only includes epson's and PSE