Using LS-8000 120 Film Holder

[rafe.bustin@xxxxxxxxxxx]

On 27 Apr 2002 at 2:16, Dave King wrote:

> I fixed that problem by always performing an auto focus on a high contrast
> area *of my choice* near the film center *just* before the actual scan.
> Leave the default "auto focus on preview" switched on if you like, it makes
> no difference.  This scanner has limited depth of focus, and the default
> auto focus area is simply the center of the frame, whether there happens to
> be enough contrast at that particular spot or not.  I also suspect if you
> wait long enough between preview and scan focus drift and/or film shift may
> occur.


To which I would add...


1. Practice, practice using the 120 film holder.  There 
are two clamps.  One is fixed, the other one slides. 
On the one that slides, there's a 3rd clamp (clip) 
that releases it or locks it in place.

2. Start by solidly clamping the edge of the film that's 
under the fixed (non-moving) clamp.  You should hear 
a solid "click" at both ends of the film strip.

3. Now, release the clip that lets the "moving" clamp slide.
Align it with the other film edge so that it grips as much 
film edge as it can.  Carefully close the clamp, making 
sure to snap it shut at both ends.  (You should hear 
two "clicks.")

4. Then... carefully push the "moving" clamp back outward,
using the thumbs of both hands.  This is what makes the 
film lie flat.  If you use too much force at this step, the film 
will pull out of one or the other clamp, and you have to 
start all over.  It takes some practice to understand 
how much force you can get away with here.  It can 
be frustrating.  Be patient.

5. When you have the sliding film-edge clamp pushed 
outward as far as you dare, push in the clip that locks 
it in place.  Again, you have to be very careful here. 
If it "skews" or rotates, the film will not lie as flat as 
it can.


The film itself should be reasonably flat.  If you're 
dealing with a strip that's at either end of the roll, 
trim off any blank (non-image) film.

If you don't have "moral qualms" about doing so, 
consider using shorter strips.  Eg., a strip of 2 
frames will lie flatter than a strip of four.  Once you're 
down to strips of 1 or 2 frames, there should be no 
problem at all with fim flatness.  If you do use 
short strips, place them at the center of the 
film holder.

Take the time to learn and really "develop a feel" 
for the film holder.  If it takes 5 minutes to load one 
strip, so be it.  It's time well spent, IMHO.

Make sure that the rubberized surface of both 
clamps (that's four surfaces) is quite clean.  I 
imagine dust or dirt would really reduce its 
effectiveness.


rafe b.

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