I've been playing around with balancing exposure in a copy of an old family photo and finally got, with a little help from my friends, an approach that worked pretty well. http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/photo-restoration/18610-your-opinion-please.html
The intent was to work out the technique, then go back and re-scan the copy photo with my newer and better scanner. Did that. In the process I discovered that I had lied in the first post - the copy was not a contact print but a proper 3x5. Darn aging leaky memory!

The new scan was 16 bit, 600 ppi; the old one was 8 bit, 600 ppi. I'd expected the deeper image to be easier to correct, but had no idea how much easier it would be. Got a good exposure balance and contrast enhancement plus leveled out the fading and flair, all with straightforward curves and layer masks and without resorting to the fancy dual-exposure blending the 8 bit image needed. And it came out better.

Gotta be a lesson there . . .

Carole

Carole I'm interested - what brand is the newer and better scanner? I'm pondering the purchase of a new one for 16 bit capabilities.

MJ

MJ -

Mine is an Epson Perfection 4990 Photo. Not the fanciest in the world, but reasonably priced for the capabilities. Does 16 bit scans and the resolution and dynamic range are good enough for scanning slides (flat bed style).

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I just bought a factory refurbished Epson 4490 Photo scanner and I love it!! It's AMAZING how much difference a good scanner makes.

I don't think I could have done better for the price. It was $98.10 (including shipping and a one year warranty)

I did a lot of reading in the forums and several folks gave it good reviews. If anyone else is interested, here is a link to the page to order from Epson.

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?oid=63060806&ref=r0302DRFYD

I think my only problem will be if that I order a new scanner I'll be tempted to rescan/redo everything I've already done.

What is this "if I order a new scanner" coyness? We all know I'm going to do it. I'm just pretending to give it serious thought :) Thanks for the recommendation!

MJ

MJ, if you'll promise to keep telling me not to rescan stuff that's already done I'll promise to do the same for you. The temptation is horrible . . .

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