stainlessb
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 24, 2019 3:39:50 GMT
I'm using VueScan, a Cannon LiDE 300 scanner
no matter what settings I use. lilac looks good in VueScan but the saved .jpg is gray tone.... any ideas? all other colors stamps scan close to what my eye sees, but lilac..... no such luck.
I have a dissecting scope (from my marine biology days) that has a port for a T mount- thinking about getting a digital camera for it, although I'm not sure if the field would be large enough to capture a complete/whole stamp
anybody using this approach?
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Apr 24, 2019 13:03:10 GMT
You must have a setting for saving in grey scale set somehow. Check those pref's and see.
Also, have you tried the Canon software for comparison?
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stainlessb
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 24, 2019 13:53:32 GMT
peter no gray settings checked- oddly with a white background it's closer to what my eyes see (and my settings are now out of whack for most everything else) and Londonbus1 "16mm on the anchor's aweigh captain!" 
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angore
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Post by angore on Apr 24, 2019 15:49:25 GMT
Have you tried scanning on a black background. If you are using auto mode, it may help scanner to determine black level to adjust overall color.
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stainlessb
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 24, 2019 16:02:34 GMT
angore the black background causes more gray tone issues with the lilacs. I looked at several other lilacs and I now see I switched to white background... the black background must overide the lilac to the scanners "eye" I am going to try and get to a local art store and see if I can get a primary color wheel to use to calibrate aginst/to
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renden
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Post by renden on Apr 24, 2019 17:09:37 GMT
angore the black background causes more gray tone issues with the lilacs. I looked at several other lilacs and I now see I switched to white background... the black background must overide the lilac to the scanners "eye" I am going to try and get to a local art store and see if I can get a primary color wheel to use to calibrate aginst/to Stan stainlessb , you could use SG Stamp Colour Key - I have one - the only problem is I cannot use it with my FRANCE stamps as colours (colors) in english do not always match the ones in French.......terminology of colors - I also have color charts (Morris) just for the Canada Small Queens (SQs). |
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on Apr 24, 2019 19:23:43 GMT
You can try different coloured paper as a backing to the stamp to see if that helps.
And on looking at the above scan, is your scanner lid light in weight? I know mine is, so I put a book or stamp album on it to keep the stamp flat against the glass.
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stainlessb
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 24, 2019 21:04:38 GMT
renden a rose is a rose is a rose... peter yes, I noticed that the edges showed some shawdowing..so I probably need a big "paperweight" |
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renden
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Post by renden on Apr 24, 2019 21:22:43 GMT
renden a rose is a rose is a rose... peter yes, I noticed that the edges showed some shawdowing..so I probably need a big "paperweight" Stan - you would be surprised at how many shades of "rose" exist......lol René |
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angore
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Post by angore on Apr 25, 2019 0:44:34 GMT
Ijust wonder how any catalog maker comes up with these colors. For every since SG was listing, has it used a consistent standards or does it depend if it was before or after a visit to a pub.
I asked about some color varieties and they only said the colors were assigned by a previous cataloger. That is, a later one would not create extra varieties due to color.
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stainlessb
Member
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 25, 2019 0:56:20 GMT
This weekend I will make a trip to the local hardware/paint store and get a number of color sample "chips" (hopefully primary colors, the 3 secondaryt, black , white and a couple of grays to scan, one set in the scanner, one in hand to see if I can get the scanned image on my monitor to moa=tch... i know this is a somewhat flawed approach as resolution will vary between monitors, but I'm not sure how else to approach this Either that or I need to make some "masks" for various size stamps with eight a matte black or white background... but that seems like more effort than just getting the settings done with and leaving them alone... but firrst I have delve into the piles and put together an assortment of wonder and variety to occupy renden time for a while (which also means getting some dups and countries I simply do not collect) it's reciprocal!  |
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Post by jimwentzell on Apr 25, 2019 1:16:29 GMT
Stainless,
I USED to own (actually I keep it in my basement office closet!) a Canon LIDE 300 scanner. Bought it a few years ago as it had great reviews--another stamp website had a multitude of users RAVING about how good it was, and simple to use.
Well, although I am fairly tech-savvy I had so many issues with the darn thing I brought it home in my stamp den, relegated it to the closet after continuing tech issues....
The colors registered seemingly well with the Cannon LIDE 300 which I currently use for about 2% of my scanning needs, as it sits at home. But I rather quickly bought an HP combination printer/scanner/fax/copier. I'm not sure of the H-P model number, as I keep that one at work where I use it more often. Since I'm rarely "stamping" at home it works out as I own my own business and spend most of my time here, thus the inability to get the model number. I could post the H-P model number tomorrow if anyone wants it. If anybody wants my Canon LIDE 300 I'll gladly send it to the first TSF member who wants it, but you would pay for shipping. And be forewarned, it has tech issues (may be a lemon or a freaky, unique issue with mine alone. I never had the patience to call or look online for tech support! Having said that, I will chip in 50% of the shipping cost as I'd feel horrible if the taker had buyer's taker's remorse!
I have used Hewlitt-Packard (H-P) for many years, and although their ink cartridges are sold at near-extortionist prices, I feel it's worth that sacrifice. I also have yet another, non-H-P printer I use often, for printing larger quantities, mostly for business purposes. It prints on average less than one-half what the H-P ends up costing me. As a side note, I never believed H-P's claims of "average numbers of pages printed per cartridge", and I use it mostly for business forms etc., not for more ink-intensive stamp pictures!
However the only SLIGHT drawback is, there about multiple steps (keystrokes) to scan stamps and such. The Canon had a one-touch scan option--truthfully a big part of the reason I chose Canon in the first place.
I just didn't see the usefulness--or rather, ease of use--of the Cannon LIDE 300. In summary. I've had far less scanning issues with the H-P scanner-combo unit; the multiple-steps-to-scan issue being a minor one, at least for me.
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stainlessb
Member
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What I collect: currently focused on most of western Europe, much of which is spent on France, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain Queen Victoria
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 25, 2019 1:29:13 GMT
jimwentzell My Canon works "relatively" well and some of the scans are stellar, whereas other colors create havoc. I think it's a matter of learning a bit more how to 'compensate" settings for ceratin colors, especially if there is black/dark cancellation. I wish I had purchased the LiDE 400 as it does 4800 dpi which might be more helpfiul trying to ID plate numbers (my current obsession.... and about to get worse based on the number of penny reds 1864 I've just acquired at auction) shhh, don't tell my wife!
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Post by jimwentzell on Apr 25, 2019 2:49:50 GMT
stainless,
Have you considered trying different backgrounds?
For instance, most of us collectors use black Hagner/Vario pages, or dealer-type cards with a black background. Probably to highlight the stamp's perfs, I think! Just a thought; the background color could influence our impression or perception of true colors; it could even appear slightly "off color" for those of us who have the genetic disposition for color blindness. There are degrees of this, I was told, by a philatelist friend, who just happened to be a very successful optician (eye doctor).
As most philatelists know, stamp collectors are primarily male!
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Post by jimwentzell on Apr 25, 2019 2:58:07 GMT
funny....I didn't see all the subsequent posts, some of which mentioned background color; my apologies for any duplicating info!!!
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stainlessb
Member
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What I collect: currently focused on most of western Europe, much of which is spent on France, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain Queen Victoria
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 26, 2019 1:04:46 GMT
after trying several things suggested by others (thanks stevew ) I;ve spent almost an hour manually adjusting- I got to this- which is really close to my actual/my eyes/monitors "reality" (iMac Retina 5K) although the one penny red stamp could be just a tad bit deeper in the more solid fields (scanned at 2400 dpi 5 passes)  efforts for lillac... smae greif with a black background- along with my paint chip experiments this weekend I'm going to try a yellow background (opposte color to lilac) tosee if that works better than a white background stay tuned (I'm beginning to lean towards Eb ...) |
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stainlessb
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 26, 2019 1:26:04 GMT
and here's a "blue " scan 2 Penny Blue Sc # 28 Plate 8 - settings unchanged from scan above- I got this at auction for $1.99. It was listed as a "Penny red-brown" it was quite black, but I could see it was a 2 penny blue so i bought it. Upon arrival, very blackened, which looked more like just dirt/grime than that bad of a cancellation, so ... since my investment was low, I soaked it overnight in water with a drop of dishsoap, and then layed between paper towels (my answer to blotters) and pressed for a couple of days- I wish I had scanned before, as it turned out be a nice blue (still not a great stamp, but compared to what it looked like when received, i honestly expected to ruin it completely... but overall a good stamp for tewsting "blue"  |
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Post by feebletodix on Apr 26, 2019 7:06:12 GMT
Those reds and blues were mostly rag rather than the paper we have now and can take a fair bit of abuse. Some years ago I won a lot at auction that was damp and mouldy, the fact that its smell was so bad made everyone else turn their nose up. I spent three days with a mild washing up liquid, very dilute, and a soft toothbrush cleaning them. Very worthwhile because the lot contained a four letter plate 225.  There was a colour chart of reds that a fine fellow over at stumpboards created which I will try and find for you. I am sure I took a copy but where I stashed it is the thing. Could be on the dead laptop. Edit:- I could not find the chart on my computer however it was taken from a topic discussing Australian KGV 1d reds :- www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=766The entire conversation may help with your approach to getting lilac to look right. |
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stainlessb
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 27, 2019 0:59:46 GMT
stopped at the paint store to get paint sample chips- spent the last almost hour scanning Red Breen Blue (black background and cut black background out) and dialed in what the san looks like compared to the samples. For straters colors are slightly brighetr, and I suspect I need to get a good 6500K light over my desk instead of the soft white. Yellow with RGB is very dominant and basically nothing beyond drastic changes to the settings has much eggect on how the scanner sees yellow Suprising- I tried the yellow as a background for my problematic lilacs.... not bad...the back ground is a bit bright= so I may grab some softer yellows tomorrow (and hope the clerks don't think I'm up to somethig with all their paint chips!) a small bit of bleed over into the margins (which may be due to the bright yellow bg), but really not too bad- so for now I'm leaving the settings right where they are  feebletodix the link this morning was quite helpful- I grabbed a screen shot of the red color chart... and printed at work- I may get creative with sissors and cut out to place on a black background instead of white, but for now things are lookling much better to my tired eyes! Cheers |
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Post by feebletodix on Apr 27, 2019 7:25:02 GMT
Glad it all helps, that yellow makes a big difference. |
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angore
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Post by angore on Apr 27, 2019 10:44:46 GMT
The scanner has some interesting logic. It seems clear it is a color balance issue.
My Epson V600 scanner auto setting logic seems to prefer nice constrasty often slightly darker more saturated images. The images in full auto are usually more appealing but not necessarily accurate. It does well with old faded photos.
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stainlessb
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What I collect: currently focused on most of western Europe, much of which is spent on France, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain Queen Victoria
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 27, 2019 14:54:11 GMT
I wish there was a way to turn down the intensity of the light/scan as it's much more intensely bright than what I imagine even the most illiminated work area has. And my scanner on auto gets some interesting results, but not even remotely accurate! I'll get several different shades of yellow to see if the saturation in the borders diminshes.
I may well end up with a full set of different backgrounds for different color tones of stamps
Too bad the scanner mechanism isn't above- then it would be muc easier to position the stamps (PMGS StampFix to the rescue!)
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tomiseksj
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Post by tomiseksj on Apr 27, 2019 16:13:21 GMT
... I'll get several different shades of yellow to see if the saturation in the borders diminshes. I may well end up with a full set of different backgrounds for different color tones of stamps... I recommend that you pick up a package of construction paper (mixed colors) from your local office/school supply store for a variety of low-cost backgrounds |
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stainlessb
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 27, 2019 16:37:08 GMT
I thought of that, but more limited on colors and texture is rougher- a smooth texture seems to have advantages (personal opinion and more a 'hunch than anything I can definitively prove). The paint chips I have are roughly 3" x 3.25" which is ample for most single stamps. There are some "art paks which a wider assortment of colors... but I don't know if 500 pks are ideal...
Canson offers 20 shades on 92 lb and 184 lb stock ($1.55/$2.47 each).
Color-aid papers has packets of 220, 315 and 19 graduated grey (the 220/314 packets in 3" x 4=1/2" (314 pack only)4-1/2" x 6" and 6" x 9", Grey 9" x 12"
both available from dickblick.com
I just picked up 5 more shades of yellow (I think the store clerks are starting to get suspicious!)
the hobby is taking me in down unexpected paths!
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stainlessb
Member
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What I collect: currently focused on most of western Europe, much of which is spent on France, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain Queen Victoria
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Post by stainlessb on Apr 27, 2019 18:01:56 GMT
For those who have been following and commenting- i thank you and I promise after this post (long) I'll stop for a bit while I contemplate how to proceed as well as await the arrival of some "stuff" So, this all started with the 6d Lilac Inland Revenue stamp that was giving me fits I decided to use paint chip samples to scan and adjust until how the scan looked on the monitor also looked like what i was physically holding in hand and looking at. Why paint chips? Easy to get, cheap, and I couldget two or more of each- atleats one for the scanner and one for me So- here's my starting point and all scans after this have exactly the same settings*- If anyone is interested in the settings PM me, hoever I strongly suspect that even with the same scanner and VueScan software, unless you have the same monitor set at the same resolution, your results may vary (not to mention the fact that most of us do not see colors exactly the same These are Valspar color samples, chosen primarily because they were the largest format of a single color. The colors are: Planet Fever (red) Turkish Tile (blue) Billiard Table (green) Jumping Jamie (yellow) 
Trying each as a background fore th elusive lilac stamp was tried, the Yellow worked best, but still not quite, so i also added one penny revenue stamp of a slightly different shade for comparison to see if the visual difference remained with the scan (this may or may not have helped or hindered...). The Jumping Jamie seemed to work well, except the borders seemed to have "lilac bleed"  Because of the bleed, I thought (perhaps a lighter shade of yellow might staunch the bleeding- so back to the paint store Bonjour (yellow)  Nope- so then "East of the Sun  hmm- this is not going as I suspected- , but just in case- a lighter shade of yellow still, "Swallowtail"  not going well at all...maybe with the calibration a black background would now work (and using a paint chip "Tempest Teapot) to keep the same finish  curses... maybe a gray(?)- so here's Laura Gray  nope, not much help here either.. OK, what about white- so using the scanner background  once again, not what I expected....maybe the darker one penny was causing the background to skew toward bluish.. so removing it...  Remember I said all scans at the same setting*? ajusting the brightness from 1.48 to 3.1 (4 is max) and 4 washes out the lilac  best results yet, but I have to remember to change brightness (leaving brightness at 3.1 makes it almost blinding to look at the yellow (Jumpin Jamie and Bonjour indeed!) It seems to me at this point that: Some colors will take more time and color adjustments, or I can just settle for somethings being much more accurate representatives than others- Or the Canon LiDE 300 is not up to the task but does the expense of a higher cost (and hopefully quality) scanner justify my perhaps insane quest for the Holy Grail of color correction? None of these is completely satisfactory, so while I await some "stuff" I will chill out and return to my "normal" stamping mode and give everyone else a break! Cheers (for now  |
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renden
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Post by renden on Apr 30, 2019 20:05:26 GMT
The name of this thread should be changed to (by the thread bearer) to Tweeting your Scans. !! Just bought an Epson with CCD - now that does not help me "skew" my scanned stamps or "autotrim" them - My software of 2013 is outdated and I requested an upgrade since it works so well but used to be limited on the dpi etc....now it recognizes Epson but that is all - it will not skew or autotrim my stamps, over 600 dpi - "bummer" as stainlessb would say I have the free version of VueScan64 but will buy only what our expert members recommend..........I need your help - Thanks  René |
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stainlessb
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Post by stainlessb on May 1, 2019 0:33:41 GMT
ahem... "bummer, dude..."
I have VueScan Pro and did not use the free version prior, so I don't know what the differences might be, but with Pro you get unlimited upgrades/updates, which since I purchased mine back in Jan there have 4 maybe 5 already this year
And I do not "tweet"! My daughter had me signup for an account but I never use it and finally turned off notifications... so if anyone finds me there, it's a lost cause tryting to get my attention...
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on May 1, 2019 1:27:02 GMT
I also bought the Pro version of VueScan. I've had 6 or 7 years of updates, all for one low price. Can't complain about that!
It is well worth it.
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renden
Member
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What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
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Post by renden on May 3, 2019 0:07:13 GMT
I also bought the Pro version of VueScan. I've had 6 or 7 years of updates, all for one low price. Can't complain about that! It is well worth it. Pete brightonpete - does it edge deskew, seperate, auto trim your scanned stamps ?? I have the free version and it does not do what my EzImage does ? René |
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brightonpete
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Post by brightonpete on May 3, 2019 1:05:02 GMT
Nope, one at a time, and how you place the stamp is up to you. Put it in crooked & make more work. Place it straight & select exactly what you want scanned & there you go.
Canon scans individual stamps, but not VS.
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