Hi, I've been given some historical laminated photocopies to scan and restore (original photos have been lost). But no matter what I do, the scanned image is always softer - I seem to have lost the sharpness from the original photocopy and can't seem to get it back. Any suggestions - I'm using Epson Perfection 4990 scanner and Photoshop Elements 5. Attached is the original scan.

Scanning will always make images softer. The slight distance and diffusing quality of the laminate is probably making it worse. But you can adjust the tonality and make whatever other changes you plan (if any) and then apply sharpening filters (I believe Elements comes with a couple). Just remember to sharpen last.

Thanks Doug, I suspected it was the laminate. I have tried adjusting the lighting/levels etc, but once I've sharpened it, the image looks grainier. But I'll have another go and concentrate more on the histograms. Maybe what I've done, is the best that can be achieved given the source. Your comments are much appreciated.