Digital BW, The Print

Frank,

Since the Multi Pro is the only scanner I have ever worked with, 
you can take this post for what it is worth. 

I too have found the same grain problem. In queries to Minolta 
and a myriad of other experts who should know, I have received 
no real explanation of why this is, and more importantly, no 
workable solution. I just attribute it to, as you say `it is
sharper than the Nikon' so maybe this is why the grain is more 
apparent. If you are able to find the answer, please let me know.

As far as the scanner USM-ing on its own as someone 
suggested, as you know this doesn't happen unless you've set 
it. That being said, I find I have to be extra careful with these 
scans in PhotoShop as normal sharpening will exacerbate the 
problem. As to the vivid colours, I don't put much seasoning into 
my image correction recipe. I find if I turn out a fairly bland scan,
it opens with realistic colours.

But what do I know. The point of this reply is to let you know you 
are not alone.

David 




§--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., "culturalvisions" 
<frank@c...> wrote:
> I just finished reading Alan Zinn's posts on graininess.   It 
> sounds very similar to my issue.  I have the Minolta Pro and 
just 
> tested it beside the Nikon 8000.  
> 
> Scans of 645mm color negative film illustrate that the Nikon is 
> fuzzy in large blow-ups compared to the ultra sharp Minolta.  I 
> have to add gaussian blur to my Minolta scans to get them to 
> look like the Nikon scans.  
> 
> BUT!  The Nikon 8000 seems much better in other important 
> respects.  The Nikon has a much more natural color cast.  The 
> Minolta scans are bright and unsubtle.  In black and white this 
> creates more contrast and blown out highlights with the 
Minolta.
> 
> My big issue is with the excess grain of the Minolta scans.  
Side 
> by side the Nikon 8000 is smooth and almost grainless.  The 
> Minolta Dimage Scan Multi Pro makes 120 film look like poorly 
> processed 35mm Tri X.  I've had clients return prints from 
35mm 
> negs saying that they are too grainy.  This is unacceptable.  
> 
> I've talked to Minolta about it and they say they have no problem 
> with grain.  I am about to send my scanner in to get it looked at.  
> Is anybody out there having these problems?  Transparency 
film 
> is less of a problem.  In fact, I am scanning all my film (b&w 
and 
> color neg) as slide film.  That setting seems to show the least 
> grain.
> 
> PS:  Check out Alan Zinn's LookAround camera if you get a 
> chance.  It is a wonderful machine.
> 
> Frank
> 
> http://www.culturalvisions.com