scanning at 16 bit grayscale with 4990

[Jeff Graves]

Hello,

I'm trying to scan at 16 bit depth grayscale with a epson 4990 using silverfast se plus. The 16->8 bit grayscale tab works but I can't select the 16 bit option tab.

After scanning and checking the properties in PS it is a 8bit scan.

It should be as easy as clicking on the tab but I can't select it. It has to be something simple I'm missing?

Thanks,

Jeff

[Jeff Graves]

I am however able to convert it to 16 bit in PS after scanning. Just does not seem right.

[jim kitchen]

Dear Jeff,

How much RAM do you have and how large are the scanned file dimensions?

I had that problem many, many moons ago, because I did not have enough ram, and the resultant file was too big.

Just curious...

jim k

[Heroique]

In addition to checking ram...

If your 4990 came w/ Epson Scan, see if that will scan 16-bit grayscale.

This test might help identify or better isolate the problem.

[Jostie]

There are different versions of Silverfast. The one that comes bundled with certain scanners usually has certain features 'switched off' and the only way to 'switch them on' is with a paid upgrade.

There is nothing to be gained from converting to 16 bit in Photoshop, the full bit depth has to be captured at the scanning stage.

[Struan Gray]

Some epsons have a limited buffer to hold the data for each scan line before sending it to the computer. My 3200 will let me scan at 16-bit depth for small formats or low bit densities, but 4x5 at 16-bit maxes out at 1200 dpi.

Try selecting a small area of the film (cropping) and scanning just that. If you find you can choose 16-bit data in that case you will have to choose whether high bit depth or more pixels is important to you for the whole-frame scan. Alternatively, you can scan the frame in two pieces and stitch them together.

[Ken Lee]

The Epson software which comes with the scanner, allows you to scan in 16-bit grayscale - and the corresponding 48-bit color. I do it all the time.

[Bob McCarthy]

I believe you have a lesser version of Silverfast. Unless you bought the pro version of the Epson, you got the lesser software.

They want you to upgrade (more$$$)

Just use Epson scan or pop for a lifetime license of Vuescan. Great software too.

Bob

[Ken Lee]

Not all OEM scanning software is inferior.

Some people actually prefer the Epson scanning software. I do, and i have a license for both VueScan and Silverfast.

You might find this article to be helpful: Scanning Tips (with an Epson 4990)

[Bob McCarthy]

I agree with Ken, Epson Scan is not inferior.

I used Vuescan because it is one license for all of your scanners and I had both a Nikon 5000 for small film and the Epson for LF.

Wish it supported my Screen!,

Vuescan does offer multi pass and hdr which I used occasionally.

Bob