Wet Mount Scanning Epson V750 - Fluid Recommendation?

Has anyone tried this with the Epson V750 or other scanner for that matter? I have the hardware (wet scanning fixture for the Epson V750) but don't know what fluid to select. Environmentally friendly and human safe is desirable. Easily cleanable is also on the list. I am a chemist, so many of the options I see do NOT fall into those categories. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Eva.

The only fluid I know of is Kami but as I'm sure you know that most certainly doesn’t meet any of your criteria. I’d suggest contacting Aztek (http://www.aztek.com/) or the Yahoo ScanHiEnd group (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/ScanHi-End/) for ideas. Maybe there is some kind of anti-newton liquid out there which may be of use also? I’ve never wet mounted with a v750 but you should get a slight improvement. Small marks/scratches get filled in and with your negative being completely flat I would hope you’d get slightly improved sharpness across the frame if you can get the height spot on.

Tristan

Thanks Tristan. I'll check out your links. I did a little more research on the internet today and found this Canadian company which sells Lumina. http://scanscience.com/ . Still looking into this since they claim less toxic (trying to get an MSDS - material safety data sheet) with no clean up (just let it evaporate) and good material compatibility with older films, drums, Epson V750 wet mount hardware etc. I am always suspicious of marketing hype. Have you heard of this company?

I did just purchase a new MF holder from betterscanning.com with more height adjustments than the standard Epson V750 holder and still working through the focus adjustments experiments.

BTW - I really appreciate your input. Thanks Tristan.

Another vote for Kami. There may be other fluids that will work but Kami's real advantage is that it's very easy to clean.

Guy

Thanks Guy. I will take a look at Kami and probably just try it. All scanning fluids available seem to be petroleum based so no way around the flammability and toxicity. With dry scans I find real issues with my Kodachrome slides (35mm) as well as MF B&W negatives so I want to try and improve that. My old medium format Ektachrome transparencies seem to be a little more robust with dry scanning compared to other film types. Appreciate your input.

I use rosinol for my fluid mounting on a 4990 with the glass betterscanning holder. I wouldn't use it on an acrylic drum for crazing concerns, but on glass I have no concerns. It may not be quite as pure in some aspects as Kami, but is nearly identical down to the thousands with the primary ingredients (naptha and mineral oil) and their ratios. Kami has a slightly higher flashpoint, but both would be easy to ignite. The behavior on the film is identical to Kami. Both can harm some films, but do not cause any issues on modern films (Velvia, E100G, etc...). Generally leaves no residue and on the occasion where it does (usually on a corner) you can clean it either with a clean pec pad with a drop of fluid, or with some PEC 12. Kami also leaves some residue occasionally, this is just the nature of the stuff. Plus its cheaper and can be bought at the local hardware store without any hazmat shipping headaches.

Thanks Mel. I just checked back and sorry for the delay in my response. Appreciate your input. I am a little concerned about materials compatibility with my older negative films but not with the scanner holder etc. Do you know anything about Lumina. http://scanscience.com/?