I have tried a variety of methods to make tonal corrections to my film scans. Typically, the scans are fine at the shadow and highlight ends without any clippings, but are too dark in the mid tones. The histograms would look like inverted bell curves or "U" shapes. The methods I have tried include:

- curves or levels adjustments
- tweaking only the L channel in LAB
- blending with screen
- using the Photoshop CS Shadow and Highlight tool
etc.

While I can boost the mid tones with these, they also create one or more problems, such as:

- losing contrasts
- distorting the colors

Is this a case of "you can't have it both ways", or is there a better method?

Thanks.

post an image and let's have a look.

have you tried a histogram adjustment?

craig

Posting a single image will not help, since I found different images require different methods for the best results. Perhaps I should have rephrase my question to "is there a best exposure correction practice for all images?"

See my post on a single image here:

http://retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13980&page=1&pp=15

Thanks.