Any views on Neat Image for controlling grain/noise in scans?

[philipus]

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I know there are a few ways in Photoshop to adjust the impression of grain and noise in scans. However, I'm curious to know about whether Neat Image offers anything above what Photoshop has or gives better results? I am thinking specifically about C41, particularly when pushed but also in shadow areas.

 

 

Thanks in advance for any info

Philip

[Doc Henry]

Hi Philip,

Why not directly use film like here ?

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/245621-aravis-mountain-range/?do=findComment&comment=2823514

Best regards

Henry

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[philipus]

Hi Philip,

Why not directly use film like here ?

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/245621-aravis-mountain-range/?do=findComment&comment=2823514

Best regards

Henry

 

Sorry, Henry, I don't think I understand what you're suggesting. Can you clarify?

Thanks

Philip

[Doc Henry]

Philip, I know you have digital Leica cameras . I enjoy digital photos obtained immediately when needed.

I use my digital 2 M as back up but I pass to the film because it lacks the grain of film (C41 process)

My post was just a suggestion but I think LF friends will answer your question
Sorry if it bothers you, I can ask to remove my post

Best regards

Henry

Edited May 28, 2015 by Doc Henry

[philipus]

Hello Henry

 

Thank you for your thoughts, and apologies if my post was a bit unclear.

 

I know Neat Image can be used to reduce noise in digital images but it can apparently also be used on film scans. So I'm looking of the forum's members'experiences with respect to film scans.

 

Best

Philip

 

PS. Actually while I do own a digital Leica - a C-Lux 2 which I don't use - I don't own a digital M. I only shoot film. I just don't care for digital (but that's another discussion).

[A miller]

Hi Philip - I don't really find grain an issue even with the portra 400 that I push a stop.  I do find that grain become increasingly predominant to more an image is underexposed, whereas in a darkroom print shadows can be opened much more elegantly.  I think that this just is what it is.  I don't use PS  - just LR - and in LR I find my properly exposed images to be cleanable of noise very easily, even to the point of becoming plastic-looking (which is not my goal but rather a sign that I have over done it).

 

B&W film is a different story.  I just don't think that scan of any affordable kind can replicate a true darkroom print that is properly dodged and burned.  So we settle for less, which is still very good but IMO will never be like the real thing.

[Michael Hiles]

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B&W film is a different story.  I just don't think that scan of any affordable kind can replicate a true darkroom print that is properly dodged and burned.  So we settle for less, which is still very good but IMO will never be like the real thing.

 

My experience also. There is nothing to match a silver print made by a master. And... it is a skill that can be learned.