Getting the most accurate color in scans of old documents, photographs, etc.

Allan Brown wrote:

I do understand where you are coming from, however, here is a question I asked while I gave a presentation on copying 78rpm records...

Are you trying to copy the music or copy the record?

Most, if not all, 78 rpm records are nothing like what they were when they were made, therefore, why try to preserve that? What is really wanted is the content - This involves processing.

I have been restoring old photographs and documents for over twenty years both for my self and for others. Nobody has ever asked for me to duplicate the photograph, rather, they want me to improve on it.

Example, a friend gave me a photo of her aunts wedding. On the photo, there was no visible detail on the white dress but, it was there. The scanner picked it up and, with Photoshop, I was able to display it. Nothing lost but something gained.

Old faded hand-written letters can be made readable by careful processing of the scanned image.

So, again, are you trying to copy the music or copy the record?

Allan

Perfect analogy.