How to Use Focus Control in SilverFast 9 for Sharper Scans

SilverFast 9's Focus Control feature is a powerful tool that allows you to achieve sharper scans from your negatives and slides. This article will guide you through using this feature effectively to enhance the quality of your scanned images.

The Overlooked Culprit of Unsharp Scans

Many users blame their scanner when faced with unsharp or blurry scans. However, in many cases, the issue isn't with the scanner itself, but rather with improper focus. Uneven surfaces, slight warping in film or slides, or even the thickness of slide mounts can all contribute to focus issues. This is where SilverFast 9's Focus Control becomes invaluable, allowing you to overcome these challenges and achieve crisp, sharp scans.

Watch the video and read the text below to learn how to get the sharpest scans from your negatives and slides.

What is Focus Control?

Focus Control is a feature in SilverFast 9 that allows you to adjust the scanner's optical focus to achieve sharper scans. This is especially helpful for originals that don't lie perfectly flat, such as framed slides, or for emphasizing specific areas of an image.

Where is the Focus Control Feature Located?

You can find the Focus Control functionality by scrolling down to the bottom of the vertical toolbar in SilverFast 9 [1].

What Focus Control Options are Available?

SilverFast 9 offers several Focus Control options to suit different scanning needs:

1. Neutral Focus: Sets the focus to a neutral value, letting the scanner operate without focus adjustments.
2. Autofocus on Center Point: Automatically focuses on the center of the scan.
3. Autofocus on Optimal Point: Analyzes the scan and determines the best focus point automatically.
4. Autofocus on a User-Defined Point: Lets you manually select the focus point.
5. Manual Focus: Allows you to fine-tune the focus point and adjust the focal length.

Using Autofocus on Optimal Point

This setting is particularly useful when dealing with materials that may not lie perfectly flat. SilverFast analyzes the entire scan frame and determines the optimal focus point automatically before the final scan. [2].

How do I use Manual Focus?

1. Click on the area of the image you want in focus. Choose an area with good contrast, like a sharp edge.

2. A preview window will appear, showing your selected focus point.

3. Fine-tune the focus using the slider or the "Auto" button.

4. Click "Update" to see the adjusted preview.

What should I avoid when selecting a focus point in Manual Focus?

Try to avoid selecting areas with:

1. Low image detail
2. Low contrast
3. Dark shadows
4. Blown-out highlights

Is Focus Control Available for All Scanners?

No. Focus Control is only available if your scanner hardware supports the ability to adjust the optics focus.

Is Focus Control the Same as Unsharp Masking?

No. Focus Control physically adjusts the scanner's lens during the scanning process, ensuring that your scanned images are as sharp and clear as possible right from the start. Unsharp masking is a separate image processing tool applied after scanning to enhance the perception of sharpness.

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