Here is the first set of negative photos which I have scanned using my DSLR and colour balanced using Adobe Lightroom. The photos below are all the good shots that came from that particular roll of 35mm film – I admit it, there are no award winners in there!
Having written my previous article on scanning slides with a digital camera I have decided apply the theory to copying negatives. Using Adobe Lightroom which is my favourite image processing application, I will show how to obtain perfect negative copies including removal of the negative colour mask. These steps may be equally applied in photoshop using Adobe Camera Raw or for free using The Gimp and UFRAW
I will explain how to obtain true colour digital images from your negatives
Updated 30/08/2010 – I have now written my step by step guide on scanning negative film
I describe how to incorporate film into a digital workflow
Last year I decided to experiment with a film camera and purchased a Nikon FM3a. The camera produces excellent results, but there is the problem of incorporating the film images into my otherwise completely digital workflow.
After googling the issue which many other film photographers have faced I read several web articles about using Digital SLRs to capture developed film, utilising macro lenses. I own a Nikkor 105mm 2.8 Micro lens and a Nikon D300, so I set about photographing my 35mm films so that I could store them with the remainder of my digital workflow.
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The Folder Structure I Use
Managing image files can be a tricky affair. Where do I store my current working copies? Where do I store my photos from two years ago? Do I store my JPG and RAW files separately or together? Do I allow my image management software decide where to store my images?
Image file management is platform independent. Windows or Mac users can follow the same basic principles to keep their files in good order and retraceable. I will give you my take on image file management:
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Lightroom 3 represents the most significant update to Adobe’s photo management and processing tool. Although the list of updates appears to be a set of incremental improvements, Lightroom 3 is much improved offering than it’s predecessors.
The updates includes the new and improved features:
I have recently discovered a free alternative to Adobe Lightroom or Apple’s Aperture, Zoner Free.
I don’t know about you, but one of the biggest headaches created by taking hundreds of photos over a weekend is sorting out the good from the bad during the following week! Zoner Free; from Zoner; provides all the organisational functionality that Adobe and Apple’s offerings provide at no charge.
Zoner Free allows one to automatically perform the usual photo touch-ups such as red eye and colour balance correction, as well as containing more advanced features such as GPS tagging of photos taken with non-GPS enabled cameras and producing 3D images.
When you are happy with your photos you can either leave it at that as I normally do! Or create a web gallery, upload to Flickr or Facebook.
If you’re needs are fairly simple, Zoner Free is a very affordable (free!) way into professional style bulk photo management. For those with more complex needs, Zoner Free may better serve as a testing package prior to ordering one of Zoner’s more feature rich non-free products, such as the home and professional editions; which still represent excellent value and more complete functionality when compared against the Lightroom and Aperture.
Click the image below to go to Zoner’s site.
DPReview has posted an excellent ‘Quick Review’ of the Olympus E-P2 Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless camera. The review highlights the differences between the E-P2 and the original E-P1. Click the link to be taken to the review…..
Digital Camera Review has a high quality article on the Olympus E-P2 including sample images studying the technical image quality. Click on the link to go to the review…..
Ken has written an excellent and detailed review of the Nikon 24mm F1.4 prime lens. With loads of technical information and usage recommendations, check out this review by clicking on the link.
Joshua Archer’s blog provides one of the few other reviews of the 24mm F1.4 lens. This review contains comparison photos of the Nikkor competing against Sigma’s lenses.
There are several reviews of the Canon EOS 1D MkIV on the internet. Please find some of the better reviews at the links below:
The photo.net review is a single page reference review. No comparison photographs, but all the useage and technical information you could need to make an informed decision.
Click the logo to read the Reveiw.
The DPReview report is a complete review (33 pages!) of the camera on it’s own merit and also compares the 1D MkIV to it’s competition. The review contains many sample images taken by and of the camera itself.
Click the logo to read on…..
Rob Galbraith has written a detailed review of the Canon EOS 1D MkIV with excellent sample images. The review also includes a comparison against the Nikon D3s, the Canon’s main source of competition.
Click on the logo for Rob’s analysis…..
Please find below a compilation of my favourite reviews of the all in one 18-200mm EF-S IS wide angle to telephoto lens for APS-C cameras.
Lots of people seem to be looking for information on Canon Lenses – and I’m only too pleased to help!
Ken has written an informative and fun review of the Canon super do-it-all x1.6 camera lens.
Click the link to the left for more…….
DP Review has written a very thorough review of the Canon EF-S 18-200mm Lens. This review includes technically asssessed sample images.
Click the link to the left for the full report….
