Keeping file sizes under control

[noah_addis]

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I've been saving 4000dpi 16-bit color tiffs from all of my selects. Sure, they're big (since I'm mostly talking about 6x7cm negs!). But they do serve as a backup for my negs. Hard drive space is pretty cheap these days.

 

Of course with film the negs are the true backup and original, but, should I lose negs to fire/water damage/etc., it's nice to have the largest possible digital file. Alas, I doubt much R&D is going into new scanning technologies these days, so chances are my LS9000 scans will be as good as it gets for quite some time. I suppose ideally I'd get drum scans made of my most important images, but so far I've been happy with my LS9000.

 

Also, my exhibition prints are starting to get into the 40x50in. range, so the large scans aren't really overkill.

 

Who knows what the future will bring in terms of file format compatibility, but TIFF files have been around since I first scanned negs in the early 90's, so it seems like as good of a choice as any.

 

I would base the size of your archive scans on the largest size you print. But of course that can change over time!

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[plasticman]

This is my feeling about scanning, too. I really can't imagine it's gonna get better than the LS 9000 for a while (ever?), and unless I find a ten-thousand dollar note on the street then it's gonna be a while until I think it's worth upgrading to an Imacon.

 

As for workflow changes, I've tried to circumvent that issue by simply scanning a full-resolution, linear 16-bit negative TIFF. Nothing that I do after that stage can make any difference to the optimal first capture, so I'm pretty sure I'll never need to re-do these scans.

 

The idea is I then backup to hard disk and burn each roll to DVD with a thumbnail reminder. Then keep at least one copy off-site, in case the place burns down (fingers crossed).

 

Naturally my images wouldn't be worth all this trouble other than they are mostly my daughter these days, and therefore priceless.