GIMP Version: 2.6.11
Operating System: Linux
OS Version: XP - SP3
GIMP Experience: Basic Level

List any relevant plug-ins or scripts:
Gimp with Xsane plugin

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Using Epson 4990 scanner. Gimp with Xsane plugin. Scanning a 1940s 5x7 negative. Settings- transparancy unit, gray scale, full color range, 75 dpi (same effect with any dpi), either auto adjust or default settings (same effect). The image shown is an example of how my scans come out. What is my problem? This is simply a b&w negative showing a well dressed couple.

Seems like your scanner could be at fault. Did you try scanning with any other scan utility? Such as the default OS Scan utility to scan the image than import that into Gimp?

Well, the first thing I was going to say is to up your dpi to about 600, but you said it's the same so the next thing is to use color instead of B&W. I have to do that with my Cannon to get a decent B&W image for some reason.

I second Drac suggestion , use color not greyscale, (you may always switch later in greyscale mode but never attempt to work in gimp in greyscale mode )

about dpi even if apparently doesn't change much raise the value may only improve and never harm

I second Drac suggestion , use color not greyscale, (you may always switch later in greyscale mode but never attempt to work in gimp in greyscale mode )

about dpi even if apparently doesn't change much raise the value may only improve and never harm

PS



gayscale combined with full color range doesn't make much sense, RGB and full color range is better, once done you may convert to greyscale or , maybe better just desaturate

Just to clarify, when I mentioned setting it to color, I was referring to the scanner. I always scan as if it were a color photo and I always get crisp results. PC's comments regarding the Gimp settings are definitely spot on as well.

This is what I was going topost last night before I fell asleep...

You are correct that my image was inverted. I have included a proper neg scan. I did find a post .. http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Other-P...80/td-p/174691 .. which seems to indicate that the black lines are from dirt on the scanner light which makes a little sense to me. Another good article is at .. http://www.scantips.com/faq1.html#lines
Also... http://www.martyndavis.com/?p=78
Tomorrow I will see if I can locate a dirt problem.

Today I report that the problem is fixed. I had been scanning with the image at the top of the scanner glass, thus, covering the calibration area. The variations in the image colors were being used to calibrate the scanner. I have had the problem periodically for some time and could not figure it out.

Anyway, thats that

Good to hear.