Hi Karen,

Thanks for the feedback. I should have said the problem is with continuous
tone pencil drawings. I've used an HP 6100 at Kinko's for a couple of
years, and it does a fine job with only minor brightness/contrast
adjustments.  But the Microtek seems to lose information in the highlights
and shadows. Adjustments help slightly but not nearly enough.
Unfortunately, the HP 6100 is no longer available.

Another question: has anyone had experience with buying refurbished
computer equipment from manufacturers? Epson is offering a good deal on one
of their earlier models - one which got good reviews in MacWorld and other
mags - the Expression 636 ("Artist" model). Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Erica


Erica,

I get very respectable results from my old MicroteK IISP scanner.

How are you scanning your b&w artwork? If you are scanning for line...
getting a good scan takes a little work. Scan as a greyscale, then adjust
the contrast and brightness, eliminating light grey tones. Then convert to
a bitmap. I would suggest 600 dpi. If your scanner is not 600 dpi, then
scan 300 dpi at 200%.

I highly recommend the book REAL WORLD SCANNING AND HALFTONES.

Karen Ackoff
Assistant Professor of Fine Arts
Indiana University South Bend
1700 Mishawaka Avenue
South Bend, IN 36634
Ph: 219-237-4124
E-mail: [log in to unmask]