Orange line on scans - possible to identify cause?

[Mute-on]

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No this is not another "my new Leica Mx scratches film". However it could be "my old Leica MP or M4 scratches film". 

Just received some scans from a new lab I'm trying out. Of 6 rolls, all kinds of issues so far - excessively grainy scans, possible damage on negs (white flecks, small circles all over frames on two rolls), one good roll (no damage, OK scan). 

In any event, on one roll there is a line across the frame near the long side on all frames. It mostly appears as an orange streak. Unfortunately I am yet to receive the negatives to inspect for a physical scratch.

In the absence of the physical negative, do any of you have experience to determine whether the colour/nature of the orange streak is an indicator of a processing issue as opposed to a film damage issue by itself?

Here is an example of the issue .... see streak close to bottom edge.

 

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Edited April 5, 2024 by Mute-on

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[Mute-on]

Crop showing line - also identifies deviation at right side of crop area.

 

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[frame-it]

i use this page for reference, might help:

 

https://richardphotolab.com/blogs/post/common-film-scan-issues-and-what-you-can-do-about-them

[Mute-on]

55 minutes ago, frame-it said:

i use this page for reference, might help:

 

https://richardphotolab.com/blogs/post/common-film-scan-issues-and-what-you-can-do-about-them

Thank you for this link. In particular, there is a comment on film scan lines: “Recognizing scan lines is characterized by the presence of thin, straight lines across the scanned image. These lines can be differentiated from pressure plate scratches by the visible digital noise around the line.”

I don’t have a pressure plate scratch for comparison, but the line does exhibit visible noise and colour change throughout and on the edges, which seem to bleed. I have also run a sacrificial roll through the M4 and no scratches at all are visible.  I’ve used the MP extensively, and never had any scratches visible. Currently awaiting a response from the lab. 

Edited April 5, 2024 by Mute-on

[Mute-on]

Update … consistent with the link posted by @frame-it, above, the lab has stated the line is caused by dust in the scanner, and will re-scan the roll.

Now there is some precedent to help distinguish scanning scratches (with colour changes and bleeding edges) from film base scratches (fine line only). At least that’s how this example appears so far …. 

[Mute-on]

Conclusion - Rescanned roll is scratch free. MP and M4 also defect free (at least as far as scratching film).

At least I’ve learned what a scanning defect looks like (apparently required Noritsu scanner to be recalibrated, not just cleaned).

 

Edited April 5, 2024 by Mute-on