Issue with Ektar

[molested_cow]

I started using Ektar 100 recently and I have issue getting the right color to show up when taking photo of the sky, deep blue type of sky.

eg. ( power cables with sky as background)



As you can see, the sky turns gray while the colors on the cable remains. This has happened several times, almost every time I expect it to happen, it happens irregardless of lens, aperture and shutter speed setting. I even tried using polarized filter just for the heck of it. It's not as bad as w/o the filter, but it still causes the sky color to be much less saturated than what it should be. I also tried auto color in photoshop, and the result was not good. It over corrects the color making it over saturated and became very grainy.

The camera body I am using is Nikon F501, with Epson v700 to scan the negatives.

So what can cause this or how can I correct the problem?

[TPF Sponsor]

[bhop]

I'm guessing the scanner software is getting confused by the limited color palette and is adjusting the colors to look like this. I've had that issue with epson scan before.

[molested_cow]

Any idea how I can solve the problem?

[Sjixxxy]

Stop using auto anything.

Grab a demo version of Vuescan and follow this guide. Manully adjust your colors of the resulting scan with curves. If it is still grey, then worry about looking atthe camera/filter/film/exposure combo.

[Derrel]

I would have to second the suggestion to get a copy of Vuescan to run your scanner. It's a good application.

"Auto" adjustments when scanning can lead to the types of drastic errors you've shown with your sky and cables example....automatic adjustments are quite often a recipe for disaster.

[bhop]

You can also just use epsonscan, but adjust the colors manually using the sliders during the preview scan.

[compur]

What color is the sky on the negs when viewed by eye?

[Dwig]

Stop using auto anything.

...

Seconded...

Try things in this order:

1. Continue using EpsonScan but use the "Professional" mode and disable any auto adjustment. Adjust colors and exposure manually. EpsonScan, when used in the full control "Professional" mode is a rather good scanning app.

2. Try the SilverFast SE scanning software that should have come bundled with your v700. This is rather high power scanning software that allows a lot of control.

3. Possibly try another scanning app like Vuescan.

You probably will find that you need go no further than #1 to achieve good results. I also have a v700 with both EpsonScan and SilverFast-SE installed. I've had the occasional image "fool" EpsonScan's auto adjust function. Simply disabling it and making manual adjustments is all I've ever needed to do. Images with a massive percentage of one color will often lead auto systems astray.

[molested_cow]

Alright, I rescanned it with both Epson scan and Vuescan and the color is correct this time. I guess this is what's so analog about this whole thing!

For me, all I do with Epson scan is to get the images. The only check box I use is the ICE option which helps to get rid of dusts and scratches for convenience sake. I do everything else in photoshop instead.

Thanks to you guys for your help! Now I got to get myself more negative sleeves....

[dinodan]

I'm really liking Ektar 100...