Coolscan Film Curvature?

[AgentX]

Sorry, another question unrelated to my other thread:

Using the 35mm film strip feeder, do any other Coolscan (LS40 in my case) users have an issue with apparent film curvature in the scanner? I get darkening and blurring on both edges of my scans. At first I thought it was lens vignetting from my older camera lens at wide aperture...but the darkening/blur is consistent across lenses, and is actually a vertical strip on either side, not exclusively in the corners.

I was figuring a flat film holder of some sort would fix this...does such a thing exist? I checked B&H and saw nothing of the kind for my scanner.

Thanks!

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

for your scanner there is no alternative holder. you have to flatten the film under heavy books for a while before scanning. Nikon's medium format scanners have an optional ($300!) glass carrier that eliminates flatness problems, but there's no equivilent for the 35mm only models.

[AgentX]

That is LAME!

Of course, I shoot medium format, too...hmmm. I was looking at the 9000 with the glass carrier online last night. But I sort of hate to hand Nikon more money.

Thanks for the straight scoop.

[Ben B.]

What about the Nikon FH-3 film strip holder? Should fit on the LS40...

I have the same issue on my Coolscan V and I hate it. And I also hate having to buy something that shouldn't be optional... even if it's cheap. The irony is that I can't find one locally so I will have to order one online enventually and shipping will almost double the price!

At least that wouldn't happen with the glass carrier

Ben.

[AgentX]

Wow, I looked on B&H and figured if they didn't have it, it didn't exist...looks like Adorama has it in stock.

I swear something like that came with my scanner way back when, but I can't find it...

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I have the Coolscan 8000ED and rotating glass carrier, which works beautifully for 35mm, flawless scans and incredible sharpness. A pain to use though, but to me it is worth it.

[Simon Larbalestier]

I use the Nikon FH-3 to scan all my frames on the 5000 ED - using the standard motorized version just results in scans with soft edges.

[maddoc]

I use this procedure for my LS4000ED with SA-30 (a tip from somebody here at RFF):

Keep the film rolled opposite to it's natural curl (emulsion side outside) for at least 24h. After that, the film is perfectly flat, no problem to scan.