Scanning Finished Tintype

[Ari]

For those who do scan their tintypes, do you scan with the lid open? Is this the correct procedure?

Is there any risk of platen damage if scanning a tintype on a Creo, or should I budget for a cheap scanner for wet plate scanning?

Thanks

[Corran]

Great question! I have scanned a few plates. At first I was a bit worried it would stick to the platen, but that wasn't an issue, nor did I have any issues with scanning. Obviously they were very dry, and varnished plates. I am interested to hear what others experience is.

[Tin Can]

What is your usage, meaning how will you use the copy?

I find my iPhone can copy many things very well and I need to reduce most files to 72 ppi and 1000 pixels long side for email as few want a big file delivered

So many use a phone to look at any pic, that is high enough rez

I usually use a giant tripod with a iPhone mount to get the thing square in the screen

ymmv

[Ari]

Well, eventually I hope to make some decent tintypes.
Then I'd scan them and print on an Epson.

If I only needed to display for web, I'd use the MePhone in that instance.

[Tin Can]

iSee

[Mark Sawyer]

I scan with the lid open, largely because I prefer a black background around the edge. It's also customary to scan before varnishing to avoid dust/flaws in the varnish, a soft varnish sticking to the glass,(dry unvarnished plates won't), and, if you're using Sandarac or other harsh varnish, potential partial or total loss of the image.

[Ari]

Excellent, thanks Mark! Next time I'll ask about Sandarac, since that's part of the B&S kit.

Should I be worried about an unvarnished plate scratching the scanner glass?

[cuypers1807]

I scan with lid closed before varnishing. Occasionally, I get light wrapping around the edges of a plate if it isn’t completely flat with the lid open. I agree with Mark. It is best to scan before varnishing. The varnish can add a lot of junk to spot out later on a scan. I have been scanning with a V700 for 8 years with no obvious scratching.

[goamules]

Scan before varnishing. Use a higher DPI than you would think, then adjust contrast and color saturation down to what the plate really looks like. I use the lid down.

[Two23]

I've done it two ways, both work. Mostly I place them face down on my Epson v700 and scan. Lid closed. Have not had a problem. I scan before varnishing. I've also taped them to a wall with a piece of white paper in the background, in full sun, and photo'd them using my Nikon D850 + Nikon 150mm macro on a tripod.


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