Nikon LS-10 Installation Guide for Macintosh - Manual (Page 44)

Chapter 4 Basir Operation
instructions included with the film cleaner, using a cotton swab. Film cleaner is avail­
able at many photo retailers.
Motion picture film cleaner uses lubricants to condition the film. In general, this
type of film cleaner is not used on film used to shoot stills.
Hiding Scratches
Scratches can be made less visible on the base of the film. Film often has scratches
on its base caused either by the photo processor or by a defective camera pressure plate.
These scratches will produce annoying thin black lines on the resultant scan. The most
common way to hide these scratches is to use a light lubricant, such as skin oil.
Commonly, this can be accomplished by rubbing the forefinger across the side of the
nose. Enough oil will rub off on the finger such that the finger can be wiped across the
base side of the film. This will typically hide the scratches by filling them in with the
oil. Notice that very little oil is needed. If you prefer, you can also use proprietary solu­
tions sold in photo stores. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and carefully wipe it
across the base side of the film.
Never
use these techniques on the emulsion of the film.
A scratch in the emulsion of the film is unfortunately permanent.
Finding the Emulsion Side of the Film
In order to maximize the performance of Coolscan, it is necessary to learn how to
identify the emulsion side of the film. One important reason has to do with sharpness.
There will be lower losses in detail if the image layers in the emulsion face the scanner's
lens directly. In the other orientation, the image-forming rays of light pass through the
celluloid base, lowering definition.
In order to find the emulsion side of mounted film it is necessary to either remove
the film from the mount or perform a simple experiment. In Figure 4.5a, the film is
held at an angle with respect to a light source such that the reflected light from the sur­
face of the film strikes the eye. The emulsion side of the film will produce a duller
reflection than will the base side. The difference is subtle, but definitely noticeable.
However, if this does not provide a clear indication of the emulsion side, it may be nec­
essary to remove the film from the holder and follow the instructions below for
unmounted film.
Nikon
Coolscan Installation Guide for Macintosh Page 37