What I think is the problem with the
flatbeds, is that they don't focus well. I am currently experimenting
with the heigth adjusters for the tansparent adapter to find the best
setting.
Flatbed focus is much easier to work with than drum focus.
Drum focus is adjusted in microns - flatbeds often have a depth of
field that can be measured in millimetres.
Keeping the originals flat is a problem with flatbed scanners. If you
are careful, and have a scanner with a decent size bed, you can "fluid
mount" originals on the scanner bed.
It's easier than doing the same on a drum because you can mount the
negs using film cleaner instead of scanning oil and save yourself the
pain of the post-scan cleanup. Floating the originals in fluid and
then covering them with scanning foil will keep them perfectly flat,
remove dust, hide scratches and improve the tonal range.
And, if it sounds like a lot of trouble to go to, you could always get
them scanned by a professional :-)
