Black-and-White Negatives

Notes

• Placement of a negative's emulsion side varies from one scanner to another. To ensure that the emulsion is against the proper face of the optical reader, follow individual scanner guidelines.
• Do test scans whenever possible. Depending on the quality of the negative, it is sometimes preferable to digitize as a positive, and then invert the image using image-processing software (e.g., Photoshop®).
• Concentric ring patterns (dark and bright bands) may appear while scanning negatives. These patterns are called "Newton's Rings", and are caused by the interaction of light waves reflecting on two glossy surfaces - one convex and one flat - and the air pockets between them.
• Possible ways to avoid them:
  1. Use a mount to raise the negative, thus avoiding contact with the scanner glass.
  2. Insert an anti-Newton's ring sheet between the negative and the scanner glass.

Remarks

• Keep a border around the document to allow reframing of the document as well as later modifications.
• The technician must verify the final image by comparing the original negative with the digitized version.

Recommendations

1. 300 ppi, with a minimum of 3,000 pixels for the longest dimension (8 x 10, or 1:1 for formats larger than 8 x 10).
2. Refer to the general guidelines to calculate the number of ppi required for a given dimension.
   Note that it is the original document which measures 8 x 10, not the final digital file.
3. Digitize in transparency mode.
4. As a point of reference, digitize a transparent greyscale (on film) before each digitization session, to calibrate the equipment.
5. Digitize as a positive, and then invert the image with image-processing software (e.g., Photoshop®).
6. If the negative allows, reframe the image in a way which preserves the border and any notations found there.
   

   

   

7. Balance the levels of white in the brightest zone (D-Max), then balance the black in the darkest zone (D-Min).
8. Convert in greyscale profile "Gray Gamma" 2.2, 8 bits.
9. Save the image as an uncompressed TIFF, named to standards established by the Corporation's Photo Archives.
10. Produce a JPEG version as described in the general guidelines.