A Visual Guide

Understanding the Challenges of Negative Conversion

Unlike positives, negatives have an orange mask and inverted tones, making direct conversion complex. Each film type has unique color characteristics and a compressed dynamic range. Factors such as film age, storage conditions, and exposure can introduce variables that pre-made profiles may not fully account for. Therefore, creating a custom profile can help achieve more accurate and pleasing results.

Getting Started

1. Open SilverFast and select a negative that needs conversion.
2. Switch the scan mode from positive to negative, which opens the NegaFix widget.
3. Click the zoom icon in the vertical toolbar to have the selected negative fill the preview area.
4. Enter expert mode by clicking on the expert button in the NegaFix dialog.
5. Click the pencil icon to open the curve editor. This is where you'll make your adjustments.
   

Working with the Curve Editor

• The curve editor displays four curves: one each for red (1), green (2), and blue (3), and one combined curve (4) that affects all three color channels simultaneously.
  
• Individual color curves allow you to adjust each color channel independently.
• The combined curve is used to modify the overall contrast and brightness of the image without affecting color balance. It's often the best starting point for adjustments as it maintains color relationships while allowing you to fine-tune the overall tonal range.
• Zoom in and out of the curve editor using the plus icon next to the cursor or by clicking into the curve editor. Hold down the ALT key to zoom out.
  

Creating a Neutral Base

• Start with a neutral base before fine-tuning individual color curves. This ensures that any adjustments are built on an accurate foundation.
• Find areas in your image that should be neutral gray.
• With the curve editor active, click on the neutral area. A color field will appear below the curve editor.
• Drag the point in the color field downwards to neutralize the color.
• Repeat this process for different points to ensure accuracy.

Fine-Tuning Individual Colors

• After establishing a neutral base, you can fine-tune the individual color curves to enhance the look and feel of a specific film type.
• For example, if working with Kodak Portra:
  • Boost the red channel in the mid-tones to enhance golden tones.
  • Adjust the green curve subtly to maintain or enhance the vibrancy of foliage.
  • Lift the shadow point of the blue curve slightly to add a subtle cool undertone.
• Remember, the goal is to enhance the film's characteristics, not dramatically alter them.

Curve Adjustment and Smoothing

• Adjust the whole curve or a selected channel using the "Select" buttons above the curve.
• You can move single points by pressing the Command-key (Mac) or the CTRL-key (Win) while moving the points.
• Use the curve smoothing tool (next to the pencil icon) to ensure even color gradients after making adjustments. This is advised during editing.

By following these steps, you can create custom negative conversion profiles that accurately capture and enhance the unique characteristics of different film stocks.