Focusing with Coolscan
This chapter applies to Coolscan scanners only. Please proceed to the next chapter
if you are using a model LS-3510AF scanner, which features automatic focusing.
Focus Controls
Coolscan has a self-centering mechanism that automatically positions the film
into the center of its focal region, also called its ‘depth of field.’ This applies to film in
the film strip holder and film mounted in slide mounts. This assumes, however, that
the film is mounted in the center of the mount’s thickness. It also assumes that the slide
mount thickness can be accommodated by the scanner.
Even with Coolscan’s automatic focusing operations, it will sometimes be neces-
sary to fine focus the scanner to achieve optimum results. The focus wheel on the front
panel of the scanner allows you to fine focus in two different ways.
The first involves viewing an indicator during a scan. This is called the Metered
Focus method. As Coolscan examines the film, you can adjust the focus wheel on the
front of the scanner. The object is to adjust the focus until the meter shows the maxi-
mum possible level. A solid line indicates the highest meter level for that focus session.
At this point, the scanner is focused. No image is displayed during this focus operation.
The second focusing technique, called Visual Focus, involves positioning the cur-
sor over the preview window, at which point a magnifying glass cursor appears. By posi-
tioning this cursor over the region of interest and clicking the mouse button Coolscan
will perform a constant high-resolution scan in the area you have selected. As you
change the focus control, you can see the results in the preview window. You can easily
determine the proper focus by selecting an area that contains high contrast, such as the
edge of an object in your slide. Clicking the
S
TOP
button ends the focus session.
To realize the maximum optical definition Coolscan is capable of, always insert the
film into the scanner with its emulsion side facing upwards.
Selecting the Focus Method (Macintosh only)
The focus method is specified in the Tools dialog. To access the Tools dialog,
click on the Tools button (the button with the little wrench, screwdriver, and pliers) in
the Main Scan dialog. The state of the
S
CANNING
F
OCUS
selection box in this dialog
determines the currently active focusing method. The default setting is the Metered
Focus method, indicated by the lack of a check mark in the
S
CANNING
F
OCUS
check
box. Conversely, the Visual Focus method is indicated by having a check mark in the
S
CANNING
F
OCUS
check box.
!
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Software Reference for Scanners
Page 127
Chapter 14
Focusing with Coolscan
Summary of Contents for Scanners
Page 1: ...Software Reference for Scanners ...
Page 14: ...Page XIV Software Reference for Scanners Table of Contents ...
Page 36: ...Page 22 Software Reference for Scanners Software Installation IBM PC or Compatible Chapter 3 ...
Page 126: ...Page 112 Software Reference for Scanners Cropping and Sizing Images Chapter 11 ...
Page 132: ...Page 118 Software Reference for Scanners Film Type and Orientation Chapter 12 ...
Page 146: ...Page 132 Software Reference for Scanners Focusing with Coolscan Chapter 14 ...
Page 170: ...Page 156 Software Reference for Scanners The Gamma Curve Editor Dialog Chapter 16 ...
Page 194: ...Page 180 Software Reference for Scanners Troubleshooting Windows ...