Filmwasters

Which Board? => Articles => Topic started by: tkmedia on January 27, 2014, 04:31:57 AM

Title: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on January 27, 2014, 04:31:57 AM
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/3735/12331398183_e382689b92.jpg)

The Pakon F135 Plus is a 35mm film scanner. The original version was available in 2004, the plus version was released in 2006. The plus can scan at a higher 3000 x 2000 while the original version can only scan to 1500 X 2250.

History
Pakon, Inc. was based in Minnetonka, Minnesota in the United States. It was formed in the mid-1980's from the previous company known as Pako, which for more than half a century was known as a supplier of photographic slide mounts and mounting equipment primarily for the photofinishing / minilab market. They formed their Impak branding in 1996 to be used for their scanners. Earlier roll film scanners such as the Impak DIS-100, DFS-100, DFS-200, F6 and F12 were released. In 2001, Eastman Kodak acquired Pakon, but was operated as a independent subsidiary of Kodak. Afterwards models such as the F235, F235C, F235 plus and F335 were released.

The F135 scanners was also distributed and branded by Kodak (for Kodak APEX dry lab), HP (HP RPS lab), Nexlab and Phogenix (a scraped HP and Kodak project for inkjet minilabs). It is often integrated in many turnkey photofinishing systems from various vendors such as chemist, and print shops. It can operate in a stand alone method, so it can be used as a addition to older non digital minilabs. It was primarily marketed for producing scan CD's like Kodak Picture CD.

Currently (2014-)
The mass market consumer shift to digital capture has reduced the need for minilabs and film scanners in every major street corner chemist shops. Many of them have been decommissioned over the past few years. I bought mine originally in Brooklyn, New York for $200 from a company dealing with surplus minilab equipment. A additional unit was bought from AAA Imaging. Since it was mostly designed for stand alone operation it can easily integrate into an existing photographers hybrid photo environment. This is also a great option for traditional photographers to quickly proof their negatives for enlarging. The F135 was designed specifically for 35mm film, and unlike other multi-format minilab scanners it does not require any adapters, loading film onto spools or other misc parts which can be difficult to locate or expensive to find second hand. Many minilab scanner systems require a software reinstall or modification on the controller/processor computer in order to operate without a printer. The included software, though odd is simple and often less complex to use compared to most digital minilabs like Fuji Frontier S, Noritsu EZ controller, and Kodak DLS, etc.

Compatibility support
It is no longer supported by any manufacturer as Pakon was shuttered in 2008. It does not work with current computer operating systems. It is designed for Microsoft's Windows XP. Use of an older computer is strongly recommended, but there is some success using VM (Virtual Machines) software on more current operating systems on both Windows and Mac.

Minimum system requirements are 2000-2008 era PC using a Pentium III 700 MHz MMX or higher CPU, 4GB free hard drive space, 256 MB of RAM, and USB 2. Running Windows XP, .net 1.1, and a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher. Newer faster computers may still work, but some newer systems may not have older drivers compatible with Windows XP.

Description
The scanner is very odd looking, looking somewhat like a dog dish, or electric vegetable chopper. The F135 is very fast. Again, one of the contributing reasons is that it does not use any film holders. Film is fed through a slot on the right side and exits to the left with the scanned film resting in the built-in bin. The front of the bin curves downward, I find this useful for resting the palm of your right hand while feeding film ;), but was mostly designed to easily retrieve the scanned film. The films lighting source now uses a LED based system instead of the 50-watt SoLux halogen type bulb of Pakon's F235 series scanners that need to be replaced periodically. The unit weighs 4kg and dimensions are at 317 x 343 x 406mm.

The included power adapter is similar to the type found on most portable computer laptops or other electronics. It is a multi voltage region brick and accept voltage from 100-240C~1.8A, with 50-60Hz with outputs of 15V at 4.0A. The connector is positive in the center and negative outside. The outlet is a C14 type male plug, so a removable C13 female lead plug is required on the adapter end and your regional household plug on the other end. Since a majority of these units were removed from American labs, they typically include a NEMA 5-15 plug which is two flat parallel blades with a third round earth pin.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5589/15053952707_b5f240e854.jpg)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/IEC_60320_C13.svg/100px-IEC_60320_C13.svg.png)
The top of the unit has status diodes for power, lamp and film. These LED are an important part of the system and can blink, as well as change from green, red, yellow state.

LED
Power LEDMiddle LEDRight Film LED
GreenOnGreenScanner readyGreenScanning
OffOffBlinking Green ScanningBlinking GreenInsert film
Blinking YellowUnable to scanBlinking YellowRemove film
Blinking RedScanner Error

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\ multiviews of scanner /

Software
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PSI
* Scanning: Feeding, Index number
* Views and controls: Toolbars, Interface
* Framing
* Export save, Archives

Part 2 (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg86800#msg86800)
* IQueueIII, IQueue setup
* Products, contact sheets
* Package automation
* TLXClient Demo overview

Part 3 (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg131949#msg131949)
* Scanning Panoramic

Setup
* Install details (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg86895#msg86895) - on a old Windows XP computer.
* Install details (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg86962#msg86962) - on VMware (Windows 7)
* Remote connection (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg88000#msg88000) - Connectivity to the old Windows XP computer from a modern computer.
* Troubleshooting and tips (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg87294#msg87294)

PSI
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The scanning software is called PSI IQ (Pakon Scanning Interface). There are two interfaces, EasyOrder and Classic view. Switch between them by clicking the change view toggle button. It may ask for a password which by default is blank. This guide mostly focuses on the Classic view interface as it is indeed better for scanning your own work, while the Easy Order (when setup properly) is often better for scanning customer orders. The Easy interface also has larger buttons perfect for touchscreen monitors.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/3891/15236024721_a42fa04884.jpg)
\ EasyOrder view /

Since it was designed for photo finishers, it may have printing options and features some end users might not have a need to use. The accepted films types are C-41 and B&W films. Early versions (before build 3.26) of the software can not work properly with black and white films. It is not natively compatible with E6 slide film at all. The files produced are 16-bit, RGB with a maximum resolution of 3000 x 2000 (automatically cropped to 2941 x 1960) at 300 DPI. Digital ICE can be used during scanning of C-41 colour films, enabling this does not increase the scan time very much compared to most scanners. It is able to scan 19 rolls an hour (24exp, at highest quality setting) or 15 rolls an hour with Digital ICE. Scanning strips increase time as you have to remove and reload each strip.

The scanner digitizes the entire roll/strips, the software recognizes the frames of each exposure. It does not capture each exposure like most scanners. Quality setting can be changed from 4, 8, 16 base (1500x1000, 2250x1500, 3000x2000). The software can also read the frame codes via OCR from the film; so multiple film strips on a roll can be scanned out of order and the software will reorganize it.

Scanning
Scans start by creating a new order session and pressing the film strip icon (add roll from the scanner) button for each roll of film. The scans can be done with a full uncut strip, or in multiple strips of 4, 5, 6 exposure cut strips. A 3 exposure strip does indeed work but without DX code reading. Scanning multiple cut strips require more attention in the film strip orientation as well as to the LED's on the top of the scanner. When creating a new order select the number of frames on each strip, type of emulsion, resolution, and enter a Roll ID. I'd suggest using dust and scratch removal for C41 colour film; while disabling it for B&W. Wait for the scanner to warm up.

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\ Adding a roll /
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\ scan settings /

Feeding the film
Position the DX code on top and lowest frame number first. Insert the film slowly to the slot on the right with the emulsion side facing you. Insert until the motorized rollers catch the film. Upon exit of the film ensure that the path is clear and that the film is rolled up into the front bin properly. This is essential for curlier non-flat films as they can sometimes jam up and cause an error in the feeding. Wait a few minutes for the scan to complete.

For film strips, insert the first strip to the slot on the right with the emulsion side facing you. When the first strip is finished, the right film LED will blink which means to remove the finished strip from the film exit path. Upon removal, the film LED's will change to green, but will continue blinking with the lamp's green LED ready for a new strip. Insert additional strips and repeat until the cut roll is complete and press the stop button in the software.

Index number
As the system uses index frame numbers. Mixing strips from different rolls on the same order will often confuse the software with the exposure frames displaying out of order. Exposed film leaders can also sometimes confuse the software as they are often marked with frames in the 40-60 range, or XXX, XX, X and similar. When this happens after the scan session PSI complains via a pop-up warning dialog of index issues and can automatically rename all the frames with issues by pressing index all. The duplicate frame numbers tend to be renamed xA. Example a duplicate frame 7 will be rename 7A, or if the frame is 7A, it is often rename to 7B or something similar. High number 50-60 frames tend to be shuffled to the end of the order, while the X's are usually in the front but again often out of original shooting order. If absolute frame index numbers are essential to your workflow, they can be manually changed by selecting the exposure frame and inputting the desired frame index. Pre-wind exposure cameras and upside down shooting cameras reverses the shooting order and or requires the orientation to be changed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5577/15033423448_4de34d4906_m.jpg)
\ Index number /

Views and controls
Toolbars
The EasyOrder interface only has the status control toolbar while the Classic view has both bars. Most functions of the "classic" bar is within the EasyOrder interface, so no operations are missing.
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\ Classic toolbar /
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\ status control bar /

The interface can be configured so that strips can be displayed by the number of images horizontally. This makes it easier to organize as you can view them by common strip sizes of 4, 5 or 6 frames across, or a view all option.
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\ Classic View | Print Qty | Horizontal adjustment /

The main view is the Print Quantities view. This is used to select the number and size of photos to be printed. It has three red coloured blocks below the frame for 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10. By pressing the More Quantities button this changes the print sizes to 3.5 x 5, 4 x 7 and 5 x 9.

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\ Quantities view /

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A Edit view is also available with basic modifications including contrast, brightness and colour adjustments. Individual, multiple or all of the photos can be selected for modification. An additional more edit options are available for converting photos to B/W (Normal/cool modes) and Sepia. Double click the frames to increase the size of that particular photo.

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\ Edit view: colour correction, effects /

On the right of each frame are grey (brightness), white (contrast), red, green, and blue boxes (colour adjustments) with a number. These represent modifications done to the photos. 0 (zero) is no modification. In more "more edit effect mode", grey (saturation) and white (sharpness).
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3926/15229607855_174c2d23ee.jpg)
In this close-up view the top right has a square tool that can be used for cropping. When the crop tool is selected, a eight pointed bounding box surrounds the photo. Modify these to adjust to the desired crop.
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\ closeup view: crop /

Framing
Since one long strip is scanned instead of each exposure, every once in a while a frame or two may be out of alignment. Mend this by using the framing tool to shift the image within the frame. Single or multiple photos can be selected for frame adjustment in edit view. Pressing the adjustment buttons will move the framing, not the photo. Example; pressing any of the right adjustment buttons will move the frame to the right revealing more of the photo's right side. This has the same effect as moving the photo within the frame to the left. It can also be adjusted in single closeup photo view. Sometimes the framing is very wrong on almost every photo, this is usually caused by the film leader or partially exposed frames. This can often be remedy by re cutting the negative leader.
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\ framing is incorrect on right side of the photos 1 and 2 /

   (https://live.staticflickr.com/3843/15269386205_ce0341dd31.jpg)
\Select photos and use framing tool <-> to shift frames left/

Export save
All photos in the scan order are exported by pressing the export (floppy disc) icon. Photos can also be rejected and not included in the orders export. Rejected photos have a X. Rejected photos can be included in the export by pressing the Accept button. Saving the export will convert the scan order into multiple files. Another method is to select the photos you want exported and in the Export dialog check Selected Pictures only.

The default directory for the saved files is in the Pakon program files. You can choose your preferred location as in any other program, but this will reset to the default once again after each launch session of PSI. Pressing Create subdirectory with each Roll ID; will make a folder directory based on the roll ID with the exported files within. You can add a prefix to the file names during export, so instead of a file name of "AA001" (for photo index number 1) you can add any prefix such as "NIKF3-" and the file will be named "NIKF3-AA001". There is a Save as Raw option, but when used will not retain any modified settings like contrast, brightness, colour settings that were generated by the PSI software.

In the Image Settings tab you can select the output file format in TIFF, JPG, and BMP. If a JPEG setting is chosen, the quality of the compression can also be adjusted and the estimated file size is also displayed. A EXIF JPG format can also be selected, this adds Camera maker "Pakon, Inc" and Camera model "F135_PLUS" to the file information. The dimensions can also be adjusted. The default is Use scanned resolution, which is the resolution set during the beginning of the scan order. If this is unchecked you can scale or downsample the dimensions. When the Don't scan up option is checked the photos can only be decreased.
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\ Export control /
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\ Save options /

Archives
Archives of queued orders are located in the drive: IQueue\Archive directory. This makes it handy to retrieve older order sessions without having to rescan. This can be used if you forget to create products, or if you want to export additional photos after a partial roll export. It can be accessed in PSI by going to the Order menu and selecting Add Roll From Archive... This brings up a search window to find the order. Searches of inquires such as Roll ID, date and time can be accomplished. Select from the results and open the archive for import into PSI.

Note:If scanning many orders, sometimes this archive grows very large and consumes a lot of hard drive space. Horizontal frame adjustment cannot be done with archives as they are separate files.

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\ Archives search /

END OF PART 1
continued,,, below
Title: Re: Unfinished Review: Pakon F-135 Plus scanner
Post by: mcduff on January 27, 2014, 04:43:42 AM
This is all interesting,Tony. I would like to hear how it rates compared to the modern flatbeds (like the v700). I know they can fake a higher resolution, but an almost 6MP file is nothing to sneeze at.


Title: Re: Unfinished Review: Pakon F-135 Plus scanner
Post by: Francois on January 27, 2014, 03:01:23 PM
I think the main thing with this scanner is speed.
I would do pretty much anything simply not to have to go through another lengthy scan on my flatbed.
Title: Re: Unfinished Review: Pakon F-135 Plus scanner
Post by: mcduff on January 27, 2014, 10:53:33 PM
I am generally impatient but the slowness of the v700 I use does not bother me too much as I usually put a set of negs on "to cook" on it and try to forget about it. It is probably the post scanning stuff (cleaning up the dust etc ) that drives me nuts. Now I used to use an awesome dedicated scanner (one of the Polaroid SCSI units). I believe it may have been better quality than the v700 (I can't find any old scans to do a proper comparison) but its speed (and relatively small number of negs it could auto scan) did drive me nuts.
So I can live with the speed of the v700 - I would just like a scanner that was no less inconvenient and delivered a higher quality final product. Number if pixels is not too much of an issue - the 6mp of this unit could be fine if the quality and DR was there.


Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on January 30, 2014, 05:51:35 AM
PART 2
---
Products
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After all the scans are in the order. The photos can be sent to a printer. Index prints can be output to printer or saved to a file. This requires the IQueue III application. Launch the separate IQueue III setup (requires quitting IQueue III), click on 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 3.5x5, 4x7 and 5x9 for prints or index. The CD button is also for changing the various settings to your preferred specifications. Relaunch IQueue III.

In PSI, go the the Order menu, then down to Create Products, click on the check boxes of the product options you desire. PSI will send the information to IQueue III, and the products will be created based on the settings of IQueue Setup.
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\ PSI: Create Products /
(https://live.staticflickr.com/3872/15250773346_d3596135fe.jpg)
\ IQueue III: Completed Orders: Thumbnail view /

Index Sheets / Contact Sheet
Index sheet can be quite a useful product. They can be created by using the create products feature. Since it is a product; it is based on settings in IQueue III setup. The sheet can be generated in various sizes. It can be sent directly to a printer or a file can be generated. If a file is desired; the save location, file name and image quality can also be specified. Notes can be added to the index sheet title head when starting a new scan order in PSI or afterwards by going to the order menu then down to notes and label.
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\ Index sheet with notes and label/

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\ Setting up index sheet in IQueue III setup/

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\ PSI: Adding notes to index sheet /

Package
Packages automate the scan session's output. Example, if you always save to the same location, the same file format, you can always setup a simple "save as packages".

To setup, just use PSI, setup menu, select a "Package", check save as, click setup, change save location, change image settings. So after the scan session, just press the "package 1" button previously setup. It will do everything you define in the package setup. The location of save and image settings are retained. You can also automate the output of creating products. When configured properly, a single button press can create multiple actions such as created a index sheet, export the photos, burn a Pakon CD, print a CD cover on a laser printer and print the photos on a thermal printer.
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\ setup package /

TLXClientDemo
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The TLXClientDemo application can also be used for scanning as well. This is useful for scanning photos that are in a not in the standard 24 x 36 mm frame size. Examples include panoramic cameras such as the Fujifilm TX / Hasselblad XPAN series (http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Fujifilm_TX-1), Globuscope (http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Globuscope), Horizont, Noblex (http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Noblex), Panon / Widelux (http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Panon), Lomography Spinner 360 (http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Spinner_360%C2%B0) and Sprocket Rocket (http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Lomographic_Sprocket_Rocket). Also good for scanning film loaded for cameras not designed for the format. example loading 35mm film into medium and large format cameras and holders.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7554/15162417754_7346ce24a2.jpg)
\ TLXClientDemo composite /

Originally sourced from facebook Pakon group posting from Kalma Juan  (https://www.facebook.com/notes/kodak-pakon-f135-scanner/how-i-scanned-xpan-negatives-with-tlxclientdemo/834489239903448) | Screen grab of posting (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg96897#msg96897) but have rewritten and expanded many parts.


xTRA PART 3: Panoramic (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg131949#msg131949)


Concluded
Pros

Problems issues

END
The major advantage of the unit is speed with good quality scans with little effort.

Examples
There are plenty of example on the flickr group Pakon/Kodak F-135 Film Scanner (http://www.flickr.com/groups/2426828@N22/).

Links
*  Silver Light Alchemy: New Scanner - Kodak/Pakon F135 Plus (http://silverlightalchemy.blogspot.com/2014/07/new-scanner-kodakpakon-f135-plus.html) by D. Matthew Dair
* Pakon F135: First Impressions (http://trevor365photo.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/pakon-f135-first-impressions/) by Trevor Saylor
* Medium: The Best Scanner: How to get the most out of your film photography (https://medium.com/@davidcharlec/the-best-scanner-497b691a59cd) by David Charlec
* If Time Stood Still: THE PAKON F135 review (http://iftimestoodstill.net/2014/10/13/the-pakon-f135/) by Mark Ewanchuk
* Queimando Filme: Kodak Pakon F135 Plus: o salvador de workflows (http://www.queimandofilme.com/2014/08/04/kodak-pakon-f135-plus-o-salvador-de-workflow/) by Pedro Costa Neves
* Scanner Comparison: Pakon F135+ vs Epson V600 Photo Scanner (http://lorenzgohlke.com/blog/pakonvsv600) by Lorenz Gohlke[/list][/list]
Title: Re: Unfinished Review: Pakon F135 Plus scanner - updated 14/01/28
Post by: mcduff on January 30, 2014, 07:59:32 PM
Perhaps I am dense and it is staring me right in the face, but can I assume the first image is the pakon and the second is the espon?
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on January 30, 2014, 10:04:56 PM
not overlooking anything, had not written the part on the compare... was too darn lazy... making dumplings, and cake during chinese new years eve.

iirc the Polaroid SprintScan was the series of scanners.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on February 01, 2014, 10:05:40 PM
did a test and looks like I figured out how to do index prints!  ;D I used a different system and installed a scsi card. now to attach a scsi cdr drive so i maybe can make cds?
---
Installing the Software
---Basic---
There are two main installers for software. Pakon F-X35 and Pakon PSI F-X35. Pakon F-X35 setup the F-X35 Com Server, PTS (Pakon Trouble Shooter), Firmware Loader and TLX Client Demo. Pakon PSI F-X35 installs PSI and IQueue.
 
Installing on Windows XP requires the screen resolution of 1024x768. You can change it back to your preferred resolution after the install. If a Pakon install disc is included in your setup, and autorun is enabled in Windows XP, it will automatically launch a installer upon disc insertion. Disregard the installer and follow the steps below.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/3890/15212974072_bb6efe416d.jpg)
\1. Go to F-X35 install directory /                                     \ 2. Install F-X35
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5551/15026884258_406a257324.jpg)
\3. F-X35 install .net 1.1/
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5572/15026830667_5b64711b0f_n.jpg)
\ 4. install PSI F-X35 /
Drivers
Attach the USB cable to the computer and power on the scanner. Make sure that the LED's are a solid green colour. The computer will find new hardware. It will sometimes prompt to install a unsigned driver, if it does you should continue to install. After a restart, sometimes it will install drivers again. If this happens; from what I've seen, the first time it usually installs driver "Pakon F135 USB 1.0 Scanner - F135 Motherboard". The second time a different "Pakon F135 USB 2.0 Scanner - Version 2", is usually installed.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/3886/15217154761_d4e0fb27dc_n.jpg)
\ Found Hardware /

(https://live.staticflickr.com/5565/15027011817_f0bd16aea1_n.jpg)
\ Device manager /

---Other installs---
Install ASPI manager
Note: Many virtual machine environments are incompatible with these software drivers, so you might not be able to use the IQueue functions.

If you want index prints, cd writing, cd label/cover creation; it may require additional steps. If an ASPI Manager is not already installed; one must be present for the IQueue III program to function fully. ASPI is software for optical drives. It was used by software developers in order to write programs for ASPI which can then control the drives. Check to see what drive model you have by going to device manager. Check to see if your CD writer is supported by IQueue III, by going to drive:\Program Files\Pakon\IQ\DEVIST.txt. If it's supported it should work properly. Launch IQueue Setup in programs and it should list the drive.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7302/27418170970_0dff33231a.jpg)

When the software from the previous steps are installed there is already a Nexitech ASPI Manager software in drive:\Program Files\Pakon\IQ\ASPI. Install this, I tried without complete success for my setup, but your results may be different. If it does not work try another APSI manager.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7348/27418167760_227d95c23a_n.jpg)
Nexitech ASPI Manager
Alternative ASPI managers
Adaptec ASPI
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7509/27696883115_7659912f8f.jpg)

FrogASPI
If not try another ASPI manager, google searched for frogaspi, renamed frogaspi.dll to wnaspi32.dll and dropped it in system32 folder of the windows directory.

--
Test system
System 1
IBM SurePOS 780 Model 4800 W81, Intel Pentium 4, 2.4 GHz, 2 GB DDR 333-Mhz ram, 80 GB Hard Drive, Windows XP Pro SP3, IBM SurePoint 4820 15" touch screen (yes a cash register!)

System 2
Shuttle XPC SB61G2, Intel Pentium 4, 2.8GHz, 2 GB ram, 160 GB SATA Hard Drive, Pioneer DVR108 PATA DVD-RW drive, Adaptec AHA-2940AU Ultra SCSI interface card, Windows XP Pro SP3.

System 3
MSI board with NVIDIA chipset, Intel Celeron 420 1.6GHz (Conroe-L LGA775), 4 GB DDR2 ram, 160 Gig hard drive, Windows 7 Pro 64bit, SP1.

Software
PSI 3.0 build 3.26
IQueue III 3.0.0.3
IQueue III Setup 3.0.3.26

Frog ASPI Manager 0.29.4.10
Adaptec ASPI v4.71.2
Nexitech ASPI driver 1.18

EPSON Scan 3.242

Operating system environments
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3
Microsoft Windows 7 using VMware Player 6.0.3 build-1895310, installed with Microsoft Windows XP Pro SP2, set for 1 GB ram, 40GB hard drive

Scanners
Kodak (Pakon) F-135 Plus, Epson GTX-770 (V500)[/list]
Title: Re: Unfinished Review: Pakon F135 Plus scanner - updated 14/01/28
Post by: jojonas~ on February 02, 2014, 03:09:11 PM
yay for index prints! I'd like that as a flip book to check through my negs
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/02/03
Post by: Francois on February 04, 2014, 09:40:23 PM
I actually do them with Picasa. It's very easy to do.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on February 04, 2014, 11:57:02 PM
Installing onto Virtual Machines

VMware Player for Windows (tested on system 3)
* Go to  VMware website (http://www.vmware.com/) to download VMware Player. It is free for non-commercial use. If your using it for commercial use, there is a paid version for that.
* Install VMware Player. It will ask for a operating system install, you can install from CD or an image file.
* When creating a virtual hard drive, it is recommended to create a "non-expanding" . Variable image size tend to cause more issues with compatibility.
* After VMware installs Windows XP, just follow the basic steps above. Install details (http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=6842.msg86895#msg86895).
* Please make sure that Windows XP and PSI can find the scanner. If it's not connected, the scanner will not have a check mark and it will state Connect (Disconnect from host). This is essential for installing drivers, as sometimes it requires XP and the VM to restart. Afterwards the VM often disconnects from the Pakon. In VMware Player go to Play menu, Removable devices, and make sure the scanner is connected. If no drivers are installed it will display as USB Device something.
* Launch PSI
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on February 13, 2014, 03:17:02 AM
Troubleshooting and tips

PSI
Failed to detect scanner
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5589/15043452088_97fca3c48e.jpg)
Some setups are a bit picky and require the exact same USB port connector to be used. If this is the case, and if your setup requires unplugging the scanner every once in a while, plug it back into the same port as the one used when installing the drivers.

Some are unable to use certain USB chipsets, some computers have multiple. Changing usb ports that use a different drivers for the chips may work, or another USB add on card may work. Computer board BIOS setting may also affect this. YMMV.

In a virtual machine, ensure that the USB device is passed through to the virtual environment and not the native host computer.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5577/15056034438_a1b4156c78_n.jpg)
\ VirtualBox: USB device /

Grey Photos
The grid view looks fine, but close-up view and exports yeild odd looking or grey photos. This is because traditional black and white film was scanned with ICE turned on. ICE does not work with traditional black and white films, but does work with C-41 colour process black and white films. Rescan with ICE turned off to remedy.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/3839/15083648080_c38f9a0bce_n.jpg)
\ B&W with digital ICE /
(https://live.staticflickr.com/3871/15267574191_1305afd8c5_n.jpg)
\ B&W without digital ICE /

Automatic Roll ID
If you just use numbers for the Roll ID, it can be set to automatically increase. To do so go to in the Setup menu and down to General and then to the Roll ID tab. Check Numeric only and Automatically Increment.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/3872/15270200632_5a8b0bef8e_n.jpg)

Automatic export/products/rotation after scanning
If you dont plan to use any of PSI adjustment features you can enable PSI to automatically run a package after the scan session is finished. To do so go to Setup menu, down to scanner, then down to scan mode. In the auto run section just choose a package you previously defined.

If your camera is the type that captures onto the film upside down you might want to set the software to automatically rotate the photos 180 degrees. To do so; enable portrait mode and choose the rotation method.
(http://hhttps://live.staticflickr.com/5563/15084202380_efbcc0cc19_n.jpg)

IQueue
No output device
The IQueue program may complain about not having any output devices. If you do not plan on printing like most, you can always set a device in IQueue setup to print a file instead of sending to a printer.

Cannot quit IQueue
Make sure IQueue is installed properly with a ASPI layer. If you don't plan on using IQueue, or if your set-up does not function properly with it, you can always disable IQueue from automatically starting with PSI. To do so launch PSI, go to the drop down menu Setup, then down to IQueue and uncheck Auto-Start IQueue.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/5570/15083925628_17cf53e947_n.jpg)

Cannot create additional products.
Check to make sure that the queue is receiving incoming traffic and that the job order are not paused. Make sure in IQueue Setup that everything is configured properly and sent to the right printer and or file directory.

Keyboard shortcuts
Ctrl+S = Add Roll from scanner
Ctrl+O = Add Roll from file
Insert = Accept
Delete = Reject
 
A = Select Brightness Tool
E = Select Red
R = Select Green
T = Select Blue
S = Decrease Value
D = Reset to Zero
F = Increase Value
C = Copy settings
V = Paste settings
 
Ctrl+R = Rotate right
Ctrl+L = Rotate left
Ctrl+C = Color Adjust
Ctrl+F6 = Convert to B&W normal
Ctrl+F7 = Convert to B&W cool
Ctrl+F8 = Convert to Sepia
 
Image display count
2 = 2 wide
4 = 4 wide
0 = fit all
 
Select
Crl+A = All
Home = beginning of row
End = end of row
 
Ctrl+P = Create Products
Ctrl+1 = Setup Package 1
Ctrl+2 = Setup Package 2
Ctrl+3 = Setup Package 3
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on March 03, 2014, 06:16:45 AM
Remote access
Many people dont want to deal with a extra Windows XP computer setup cluttering up their workspace for scanning. You can use the existing Windows XP Remote Desktop (Windows XP Pro) as a server and connect from your existing more modern computer operating systems such as, Windows 7, 8,  Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Lion, etc, a linux setup or just about anything.  All that is required is a suitable client application that can understand RDP. This way you can login to the scanning computer from your newer system and use a screen sharing feature. The advantage of this is better compatibility as virtual environments tend to have more odd issues that are not present in real hardware. Depending on your setup, it may also remove the need for an extra set of computer peripherals mouse, keyboard, screen, etc.

Pakon scanner computer
from How to Configure a Remote Desktop (Windows XP Pro) - at microsoft.com (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315328)
Step 1: Configure the Remote Computer
On the remote Windows XP Professional-based computer, follow these steps:

The Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings are important for many clients. This information can be easily obtained by going to Start, Control panel, system and clicking on the Computer name.

----
Windows 7
Connect to Windows XP Pro scanning computer from Windows 7

Windows 8
---
Mac OS X
There is no built-in mac client for this. There are a number of solutions including a client from microsoft.
Here are a few
.
---

Teamviewer
TeamViewer is also a good option as it is free for non-commercial use. http://www.teamviewer.com/ (http://www.teamviewer.com/). Teamviewer supports Windows, Macintosh, Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, RedHat, CentOS, Fedora, SUSE), iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8.

I recommend maybe using Teamviewer 6 on the Windows XP end and a more current version on your modern operating system.

Overview of the setup is fairly straight forward.

If a computer without a monitor or input devices is required. You can create a shortcut to the teamviewer program and put it in the start up directory.
--
Alternately you can also use a VPN product with VPN compatible software on both computers.
--
Some computers also complain about not having a keyboard attached and wont work properly. Many (but not all) have setting in the computer bios to halt on errors. Disable this and it should run smoothly.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7555/16226067826_6b908ee197_n.jpg)
\ BIOS: Keyboardless /
(https://live.staticflickr.com/7540/15629570584_a890c0de2d_n.jpg)
\ BIOS: Halt On /
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: Francois on March 04, 2014, 10:14:17 PM
There's also another way to do this and just bypass microsoft's software altogether!
There's a program called TeamViewer that is available as both a Windows portable (http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/teamviewer_portable (http://portableapps.com/apps/utilities/teamviewer_portable)), a full version or a Mac version!

For the mac, you go here http://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/mac.aspx (http://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/mac.aspx) and get Teamviewer Host.
For PC, you can go here http://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/windows.aspx (http://www.teamviewer.com/en/download/windows.aspx)

The Windows and Mac versions are free for non commercial use.

The way it works, you install the software on both machines. When you start the Windows XP machine in server mode, it gives you an access number and password. You then paste it the same numbers on either the Mac or Windows Vista/7/8/8.1 machine and you're connected.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on March 05, 2014, 12:43:13 PM
Thanks, not sure why I forget about team viewer! Should have at least mentioned it along with VPN. As I use it as well.

I have more details on remote desktop as its already installed and somewhat setup on xp systems.

On another...is there any options for controlling 16/8 bit computer platforms? Atari, apple ii, commodore, MSX, windows 31?
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: Francois on March 05, 2014, 03:07:02 PM
Well, since Commodore doesn't have network support, the best you can do is use an emulator. CCS64 is pretty much the best out there.
For Atari 2600, I kind of like the Stella emulator.
For Apple ][ (I wonder who the heck remembers that they used the square brackets to make the II), there Apple IIe
I remember I have an MSX emulator but can't remember which one.
Windows 3.1 could probably run something... though I'd rather run it under XP using Dosbox Portable (and yes, it works!)

I also recently discovered that the venerable Win98 can be installed to a USB drive and has a special Kernel patcher available for it so that it runs most WinXP programs... this thing must be blazing fast on my old 2ghz machine!
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on March 05, 2014, 08:33:05 PM
Quote from: Francois on March 05, 2014, 03:07:02 PM
Windows 3.1 could probably run something... though I'd rather run it under XP using Dosbox Portable (and yes, it works!)

I wish I could, the program app only runs in win3x. It's an old controller at a manufacturing plant. oops, I didnt mean commodore i meant Amiga. I know a friend at a small TV bulletin board station that still uses it for character generation. Most but not all emulators are out as these systems interact with external hardware.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: Francois on March 05, 2014, 11:14:27 PM
I must admit that if he uses a videotoaster, he's stuck with the old hardware from start to finish.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: tkmedia on March 18, 2014, 09:12:50 AM
Toaster? Nothing that complex. It is a MagicBox Alphagen character generator based on a classic Amiga. The Windows 31 setup is a controller for a CNC machine it do not even have a 3,5 floppy, but 5 1/4!

Looks like Windows XP may cause some issues in the future, but I'm not too worried. I still see plenty of POS machines that uses OS/2!
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: Francois on March 18, 2014, 01:19:29 PM
Funny thing is I've been looking at what's going on for XP and discovered that the guys at RyanVM are working on a service pack 4 for XP.
Also, there's a pretty active win98 scene that even produced a recent service pack with new files and all the stuff (it was introduced this year!)
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: tkmedia on March 18, 2014, 06:36:39 PM
After the final updates next month, Microsoft will continue to support various Embedded: Standard 2009 (1.8.2019), POS (4.12.2016), POSReady 2009 (4.9.2019) XP flavors the next few years, my guess is some of those can also be integrated into XP.

For the CNC machine I ended up just improving the existing setup by adding a 3,5 inch floppy, CD -R drive with a version of goldenhawk cd burning app for dos, adaptec cd creator for win31, DOS cd driver, DOS mouse driver.

Recently I'm building a silly but handy removable drive rack out of a old dual 7 bay CD server, which can read various Iomega Zip/ JAZ, Syquest 44/88/200/'EZ', SuperDisk, various 3 and 5 inch MO, and CD/DVD/DVD-RAM. When I sort through some of my junk, I'll throw in a few older DAT/DDS, DLT, LTO, AIT, VXA, and Travan tapes drives as well! ;D
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: Francois on March 18, 2014, 08:32:19 PM
Isn't it funny how computer guys always end up collecting so much "junk"?
I actually spent the afternoon doing some weird electronics stuff...
Thing is I have an old Compaq desktop (compaq EVO pancake) that I use as a fileserver (I have 2.5tb attached through a USB2 card). But I grew tired of having to crawl under a desk to start it. So I devised a plan to just split the wire that goes to the power switch and attach some sort of remote control to it. Simple enough until I discovered that this board was custom made by Compaq (uh uh!) and through some Mickey Mouse engineering, they soldered the switch directly to the board. So I ended up removing the board, soldering some wires to the little stems of the switch and fit the board back in. Only problem, the board uses some weird snapping pins to hold it in place. So I had to dremel the heck out of them in order for the board to reinstall... Now all I have to do is figure out how to get 12V out of the box without the connector shorting on the case... I have begun making a nice remote with an LED indicator and a big green power button :)
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: tkmedia on March 19, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
I don't have half the junk I used to, as it seems every 4-5 years or so I move a few hundred to thousands to miles away.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: Francois on March 19, 2014, 09:26:37 PM
That's one good way of looking at it.
My dad's cousin has been working in IT for over 20 years and has a garden shed full of stuff he doesn't know how to properly dispose of.
Anyone wants an 8088 with a hercules display card and green well burned-in CRT?  ;D
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide - updated 14/03/02
Post by: Byteside on August 06, 2014, 10:36:05 PM
tkmedia, thank you for the great post on this amazing machine. Your post is one of the reasons I bought the pakon. I have already scanned over 2000 old negatives and I'm very content with the results! Some old shots were done with disposable cameras (or something), those are very noisy and ugly. But the ones (probably) correctly shot with a Fujica STX-1n are amazing.

However, I do have one question. Do you perhaps know more about the turned off option "Custom Framing"? It's under Setup>Scanner>Custom Framing. I'm hoping this option can be turned on and it will allow me to scan 126 film better. I know that not the whole image of 126 negative film can be scanned because of the 'wheels' in the machine, but perhaps it's software (or even hardware) possible to scan 126 film adequate.

On other news, Kodak might perhaps give the software an update: https://twitter.com/kodakCB/status/496321153401896961
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on August 07, 2014, 03:08:17 AM
Quote from: Byteside on August 06, 2014, 10:36:05 PM
tkmedia, thank you for the great post on this amazing machine. Your post is one of the reasons I bought the pakon. I have already scanned over 2000 old negatives and I'm very content with the results!
Thanks, it was originally a filmwasters magazine article, but repurposed into a usage guide as there was so little information. I'm glad you like the results!
Quote from: Byteside on August 06, 2014, 10:36:05 PM
However, I do have one question. Do you perhaps know more about the turned off option "Custom Framing"?
Dont really know much about it, I think it was for IX240 APS film. but there are some very odd options in various older revision of the software. I remember a automatic sleeving option for the older machines.

Quote from: Byteside on August 06, 2014, 10:36:05 PM
On other news, Kodak might perhaps give the software an update: https://twitter.com/kodakCB/status/496321153401896961

They have been trying for a bit. I really dont know how the original software was developed and what team developed it. There are some simple basic things that need improvement. Even minor things like a better installer will be an improvement. Wanting Mac compatibility is usually not that simple. I think options like half frame and panoramic options are reasonably new features that can be implemented.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Byteside on August 07, 2014, 11:50:37 AM
Thank you for the quick reply.

Do you perhaps know where I can get the older software? Google has let me down this time..
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on August 08, 2014, 04:50:46 AM
I have no clue, I do not think they are available on the web. I have at least three different minor revisions of the software somewhere. Maybe it's on a few of my system backup tapes from 10 years ago, but finding it is more difficult as they all have to be restored properly in order to looked thru and that takes a massive amounts of time.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Bennybee on August 13, 2014, 10:51:13 AM
Hi all,

Thanks for the interesting article on the Pakon F135+ film scanner!
Also impressed by the glowing comments on that scanner, and looking for a way to have fast access to digital images from my b/w rolls, I decided to order a scanner from AAA Imaging.
My Minolta Dimage IV does a good scanning job, but the process is very slow and the post treatment in PSE doesn't encourage much film shooting.
The Pakon arrived two days ago and since then I have been trying to scan some images, without succes.
I reinstalled the Pakon software three times and that finally seems to work now : the scanner starts grabbing the film and moves it forward.  However, just when the front of the film strip comes peeping at the other side of the scanner,  the unit stops advancing and I get an 'Error 1003' pop-up on the screen.  I already tried blowing some compressed air in the film entry slot and I tried with a 4-frame strip of color film as well as an uncut roll of Agfa APX100 b/w film : same issue.

I have a Medion PC with i7 processor and  Win8,  but I installed VMware Player with WinXP professional SP3.
Did anyone else here encounter the same issue and what do I need to do next please?  Thanks a lot in advance!  I would really like to get this thing working...

Best regards,
Benny
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Byteside on August 13, 2014, 03:20:58 PM
Did you also try the program TLXClientDemo? It comes with the installed programs. It gives a little more info when you scanned something and you have the option to calibrate some stuff. Perhaps try that.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Francois on August 13, 2014, 09:24:40 PM
The computer doesn't really have much to do with software anymore.
With windows 8, you might have to run the software in compatibility mode.
I have to do that with Photoshop CS3 on Win7
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on August 15, 2014, 06:24:25 AM
Sorry benny. I really do not know, I run this scanner as a "processor" on the recommended hardware and software of the era. On a modern computer I use a client and screen/file sharing to control everything on the processor. More complicated initial setup, but much less issues imo.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Bennybee on August 15, 2014, 09:30:40 AM
Hi all, just a short update : I finally got the scanner working - sort of.
I manually installed the ASPI software bit, thinking that the scanner might act up if it doesn't find an output device (because I also got pop-up warnings saying 'no output device'). I figured no output device needed since I planned to save the scanned files on my HD anyway...
I also supposed that opening the 'Install' file on the CD would install all the necessary bits & pieces to enable the scanner to work properly. Apparently you need to manually install some bits too (f. ex. the ASPI).  I don't know IF this is what got the Pakon working, but it works now.  No more 'Error 1003' message, except that it stops scanning somewhere mid-roll (an uncut 24 frame b/w Agfa APX100 film) and displays 'Error 149'.  According to comments on the Pakon Facebook page this would mean a full memory.  I will look into that this weekend and report back here.  At least I got a dozen of scans now... yeah!
Thanks all & kr
Benny
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: jbark on August 15, 2014, 03:45:14 PM
Good to hear!  I just got a Pakon F135 the other day and was getting the same error (1003).  I'm using a Lenovo W510 laptop  with Windows 8.1 and VirtualBox.  I really just wanted to be sure I didn't have a defective scanner, so I hooked it up to an old Compaq laptop with Windows XP and it works flawlessly.

As tkmedia stated, it may be best run on hardware in the era of when the scanner software was written. Although that isn't easy to do for some people.  Luckily, I have a bunch of old computers that always server a purpose in some way.

There is certainly some disconnect with VirtualBox and the scanner software.  I will try some different ASPI installs as well, but if that doesn't give me similar results as the physical PC, I'll just RDP in the old Compaq and call it good enough.  I have HUNDREDS of negatives to process, so, I'll probably just put my time into that instead of reinventing the wheel.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Francois on August 15, 2014, 08:58:49 PM
If you have a bit of computer knowledge, you can always use a tower and two drives that have both operating systems on them.
Or you can always use a boot manager and have both OS on two partitions...
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on August 15, 2014, 10:54:03 PM
I did not have good luck in VM environments. I tend to like every feature to function properly. Based on the facebook group, many seem to use this on a VM with just the main scan function. I really cannot personally answer many questions with VM as there are so many combination revisions and because I don't use it. iqueue seems to be often broken with VM's. During the export process, I make index prints for every roll with psi rendering the photos and sending it to iqueue and creating a index file. I sometimes use the package feature to automate some of the task.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Francois on August 16, 2014, 02:54:03 PM
I never had much success with VM either. On my old AMD, sometimes it works, but more often it doesn't.
That's why I like the dual boot better. Right now, I have two drives in my computer. One is running 7 and the other XP. I use XP when I need a lot of power to run stuff like photoshopping big images. It's slightly leaner than 7 starter edition.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on August 17, 2014, 12:51:00 AM
Quote from: Francois on August 16, 2014, 02:54:03 PM
I never had much success with VM either.
I do use virtual machines to run old software, but if it's required to interact with old hardware it is much tougher with compatibility.

Now, francois you mention...
Quote from: Francois
computer doesn't really have much to do with software
That's not really 100 percent true either. I've had almost identical model system boards (diff revisions), with nearly identical spec and they worked differently running the same VM and program within. One worked great other had lots of crashing and errors.

This is not my first single purpose computer system (cash register, btw) I built. I still have a Apple PowerMac G4 running classic Mac OS for using a Scitex Creo 12x17" flatbed scanner. At one time had a even older 68k Mac (840AV) running a older revision of Digidesign's ProTools as a DAW. I had a Atari ST for running Cubase for MIDI. And of course a Amiga 3000 for running NewTek's Video Toaster.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Francois on August 17, 2014, 04:04:43 PM
I must admit that interaction with physical devices is often more problematic than anything when it comes to obsolete systems.
I had similar problems with a PVR that was made for XP Media Center and that just refused to work under Win7.

Also, I too noticed that some VM are more reliable on some systems than others... I just can't figure out why since they don't do low level activity on the host OS...
So far on my old clunker, I've had fantastic results running the older hardware under emulation but failure with generic VM. I can run Win 3.11 just fine under Dosbox but can't get Qemu to run... just annoying.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Byteside on August 17, 2014, 10:01:17 PM
It's also possible to scan a 'roll' of 2 negatives. Two and half negatives is doable, but for two I had to remove the cover and feed them with a small plastic cleaner brush-thingy until the wheels got it. If the 35mm film has no clear dmx code it will happily ask for a next pieces of film (green blinking light) which you can just insert and it will push the previous one out. If there is a dmx code it will complain (orange blinking light) that you first need to remove it. This can be done with tweezers, but might damage the film and it does not always work. So what I did was, get a small pieces of adhesive tape on my finger and slowly insert it to press it against the film and then remove the film.

I still got to figure out a way to scan all those Einzelgänger negatives...
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on August 17, 2014, 11:02:41 PM
be careful with tape. You do not want it to detach!
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Byteside on August 17, 2014, 11:08:39 PM
Good point! I used not very strong adhesive tape.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Byteside on September 01, 2014, 01:20:30 PM
Is there any news about this?: https://twitter.com/kodakCB/status/496321153401896961

I got so many 126 film I want to scan. I hope it's (physically) possible with the Pakon. Is someone here also a member of the Facebook page? Do they perhaps have custom versions of the program or hack information like memory addresses?
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on September 01, 2014, 07:44:26 PM
I doubt anything will come from it. I am on the facebook group, mostly because I have too many people asking questions about this article on that group. It's the only reason I use facebook.

EDIT: I'm no longer on facebook. Kept getting constant bickering and complains on various groups when I try to make it easier for other by sharing information I spent time researching.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: thatguychad on September 04, 2014, 07:03:54 AM
I just installed Windows XP on an AMD E-450-based PC I have laying around in anticipation of getting one of these (bought from AAA Imaging via eBay.) I hate hate hate scanning 35mm on my Epson flatbed.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Francois on September 04, 2014, 03:54:18 PM
I don't blame you... the speed literally kills you.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: thatguychad on September 05, 2014, 12:53:00 AM
Apparently AAA Imaging works as fast as my Epson and they just got around to shipping it. Is there a place I can get the software so that it's all set up and ready to go when the scanner arrives next week?

I threw Windows XP "Black Edition" with all updates as of 8.23.2014 pre-installed and have found all the necessary XP drivers for the hardware (which shipped with Windows 7), the SMBus driver being the most difficult to procure (no AMD E-450 hardware shipped with XP, apparently). Nice and fast for what it is.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: wblynch on September 12, 2014, 03:49:56 PM
Quote from: thatguychad on September 05, 2014, 12:53:00 AM
...Is there a place I can get the software so that it's all set up and ready to go when the scanner arrives next week? ...

There is a Facebook group for the Pakon F135 where they posted the entire install CD from the one I purchased a few years back.

Finding anyplace to buy the software now is nearly impossible and the price can be from $150 to $400 depending on their mood.

Try Facebook.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: thatguychad on September 12, 2014, 05:19:18 PM
Quote from: wblynch on September 12, 2014, 03:49:56 PM
There is a Facebook group for the Pakon F135 where they posted the entire install CD from the one I purchased a few years back.

Finding anyplace to buy the software now is nearly impossible and the price can be from $150 to $400 depending on their mood.

Try Facebook.


Thanks. My scanner came with the software, I was just trying to be preemptive while setting up the scanning PC. I was able to find it before my scanner arrived and all is well. I plugged the scanner in and was scanning 2 minutes later, love it so far.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: gsgary on September 12, 2014, 06:05:14 PM
I was lost on page 2 all this computer talk go right over my head
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on September 12, 2014, 09:46:12 PM
Quote from: gsgary on September 12, 2014, 06:05:14 PM
I was lost on page 2 all this computer talk go right over my head
Sorry about that. It's rather incomprehensible if you dont have the software in front of you... but even if you do. Also I need to restore the photos of the interface. They were broken on flickr and I need to recreate them.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on September 12, 2014, 09:49:03 PM
Quote from: thatguychad on September 12, 2014, 05:19:18 PM
I was able to find it before my scanner arrived and all is well. I plugged the scanner in and was scanning 2 minutes later, love it so far.

I'm glad you had a painless experience, and hopefully the guide was of some assistance.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: thatguychad on September 12, 2014, 09:56:53 PM
Quote from: tkmedia on September 12, 2014, 09:49:03 PM
I'm glad you had a painless experience, and hopefully the guide was of some assistance.

It absolutely was, thanks again!
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on September 17, 2014, 06:23:29 PM
improved description of power supply and better framing photos and captions. Shifted products section, added create index sheets with notes, shifted packages and added gui photos. additional tips
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on September 17, 2014, 06:50:45 PM
added animated gif!  have not made one in 20 years!
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on October 02, 2014, 12:37:50 AM
Guys,

I have the Pakon F-135 Plus scanner which was delivered to me about 2 weeks ago from AAA... The scanner works well with my iMac 2009 using Parallels and XP. It was a bit tricky to set up, ended up needing to install a different flavourless XP which wasn't what I had installed at first. Pakon is picky for sure, but once it works, my word!

I have a few questions if you guys don't mind.

1. Once the wheels start turning, I hear a squealing noise but the film is carried without trouble.
2. I scanned only strips so far but what I noticed is that the film isn't being spat out at the end, I need to pull on it slightly to get it out of the enclosure. Is this ok or a problem?
3. My negatives are slightly scratched. I fear it is being done in the enclosure or at the entrance / exit. Do you guys have any similar experience?

I am debating whether I should take the thing apart and look inside or not. Was thinking about taking the top off, blowing it out and seeing if it makes a difference.


Thanks,
Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: jojonas~ on October 02, 2014, 08:59:25 AM
Quote from: tkmedia on September 17, 2014, 06:50:45 PM
added animated gif!  have not made one in 20 years!
haha yeah those are classic!
the guide is looking very comprehensive now. good work! :)
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on October 02, 2014, 11:04:13 AM
Thanks for the questions Ben.
1: I have no problems with "squealing" noise, all I hear is the motorized rotation of the rollers.
2: It does not really get spat out all the way and is normal to pull the film out. More effort is required for shorter strips compared to longer ones as shorter ones are harder to grab as film does not exit as much.
3: I had no issues with scratching. Does not hurt, first just try with covers on. If disassembling just be careful. There is a disassembly guide. I heard of situations where a tiny piece of a broken film sprocket fragment got stuck and causes scratches.

http://www.sashapazeski.com/blog/2014/5/25/how-to-clean-a-kodakpakon-scanner (http://www.sashapazeski.com/blog/2014/5/25/how-to-clean-a-kodakpakon-scanner)

Because of the questions, I'll try to improve a few more of the descriptions.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: analoguey on October 02, 2014, 01:18:19 PM
 Hello!

This is my first post to the group. I have usually avoided scanning so far, but now I have got a ton of bulk film with me and scanning seems right option!

I'm wondering if it's worth it to have these scanners shipped over to India from the US? (I dont seem to be finding these locally - and those who might have it, are probably not net-friendly!)

Sent from Tap-a-talk

Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on October 02, 2014, 02:11:56 PM
Quote from: tkmedia on October 02, 2014, 11:04:13 AM
Thanks for the questions Ben.
1: I have no problems with "squealing" noise, all I hear is the motorized rotation of the rollers.
2: It does not really get spat out all the way and is normal to pull the film out. More effort is required for shorter strips compared to longer ones as shorter ones are harder to grab as film does not exit as much.
3: I had no issues with scratching. Does not hurt, first just try with covers on. If disassembling just be careful. There is a disassembly guide. I heard of situations where a tiny piece of a broken film sprocket fragment got stuck and causes scratches.

http://www.sashapazeski.com/blog/2014/5/25/how-to-clean-a-kodakpakon-scanner (http://www.sashapazeski.com/blog/2014/5/25/how-to-clean-a-kodakpakon-scanner)

Because of the questions, I'll try to improve a few more of the descriptions.

Thanks TK, very helpful. I guess I'll take it apart and try to locate the squealing roller and drop some machine oil on it. Once done, I'll clean the film path out as in the link described above and will post back. I need to travel for the next 10 days and hope to return with enough exposed films to give the cleaned scanner a good test.

Cheers,
Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on October 04, 2014, 06:04:55 AM
Quote from: analoguey on October 02, 2014, 01:18:19 PM
I'm wondering if it's worth it to have these scanners shipped over to India from the US?
This scanner was made for the US market, it was also in France and many places in South America for the older version. I doubt it was available over there.

I know of many users who bought this outside of the states.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on October 04, 2014, 06:06:29 AM
added a few teamviewer tips on setting up to run without a monitor or keyboard.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 11, 2014, 05:44:58 PM
added to tip section on automatically rotating photos which is useful for cameras that exposes the photos upside down onto the film. example: cameras that have the film take up spool section on the left hand side of the camera.

added to the con section. a minor one is no ability to change backwards shooting cameras order. example prewind cameras that upon loading will spool the entire roll onto the take-up and advance the exposed film into the film cartridge. In these cameras first frame is the last frame shot.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: jojonas~ on November 11, 2014, 07:17:30 PM
hoi, tk! do you have any idea of how to make the pakon scan panoramic shots?
I'm sure I've seen some xpan shots in the flickr pool..
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 11, 2014, 08:06:52 PM
Nope, I have not seen any.

I have not researched it, I'm thinking it could be possible by snooping in the registry finding (if any) and editing the frame information. but I only add to this guide items I have first hand experience with. That's why no Mac info, even though many user can get it to work. I have no info on Adobe Lightroom or other post processes either as I have never used them before. If someone want to send me a modern-ish mac I'd have a go at improving the guide! ;)
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on November 11, 2014, 09:59:23 PM

Quote from: jojonas~ on November 11, 2014, 07:17:30 PM
hoi, tk! do you have any idea of how to make the pakon scan panoramic shots?
I'm sure I've seen some xpan shots in the flickr pool..

Hi there,

Are you a part of the FB group? It's detailed there...

A bit difficult but doable. You need to use something other than the PSI, T(whatever)Demo and add in the coordinates by hand.

Check it on FB. If you have no account let me know and I'll dig it up for you.

Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 06:11:00 AM
TLXClient Demo?
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on November 12, 2014, 06:53:22 AM

Quote from: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 06:11:00 AM
TLXClient Demo?

Yes. Did you find the guys on FB?

I'll try to paste the guide here if I manage from my phone.

Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on November 12, 2014, 06:54:57 AM
Guide attached.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 10:55:05 AM
Quote from: bence8810 on November 12, 2014, 06:54:57 AM
Guide attached.
Thanks for the posting.

did you fix the roller issue?

--
My primary use of the pakon is for archiving shots I did not make myself. I'm not a heavy 135 film user. I barely use the format at all even in the pre-digital age. This is evident as I finished a roll off last week that I started circa November, 2012!

A bit of history, as a grade schooler I was shooting 110 film, then didnt shoot any at all until I started shooting "camera ready art" with a graphic art technical prepress camera. This is followed by early television still cameras in the late 1980's early-1990's and then digital cameras in the mid 1990 for web site work. Then branched off with 8x10 as I got board with digital. Why 8x10? it's the most similar to graphics cameras. Because of cost, quality have settled with 120 film.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: jojonas~ on November 12, 2014, 02:55:40 PM
thanks bence! I thought including that would benefit the guide :)
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 04:12:11 PM
jojonas have you acquired a pakon yet?

looks like a minor step is missing from above. will have to retry later.

if someone could send me some XPAN/TX, 126 negs, or non standard camera neg that shoots on 135, it would be much appreciated.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 13, 2014, 12:38:05 AM
added quick description and a link to ben TLXClientDemo posting.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on November 13, 2014, 12:43:47 AM
Quote from: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 10:55:05 AM

Thanks for the posting.

did you fix the roller issue?

Pleasure is all mine. It wasn't my work but since it was asked here and since I remembered seeing it, I thought it would help. The FB group is really full of great info!

What roller issue are you talking about BTW?
Thanks,
Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on November 13, 2014, 12:54:38 AM
Sorry just remembered why you ask about the rollers.

I still have the noise but learned to live with it. I took it apart and left the screws undone so I can take the lid off easy anytime. I now scan with the cover off and get no scratches. I checked the cover meticulously and found nothing wrong with it. Really don't know why I am getting scratched.

I opened the scan-path too and cleaned it. Saw no broken fragments etc. weird...

Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 13, 2014, 01:32:47 AM
Quote from: bence8810 on November 13, 2014, 12:43:47 AM
The FB group is really full of great info!
I posted a lot of info on that group too, but I'm often discouraged using Facebook as to me it does not seem like a appropriate place for groups as archived and previous information is hard to locate. New less often important info is on top and topics hard to locate. Threads of info seem better to me.

 just don't like spending time checking and triple checking correct information I researched and tested before I post and then being refuted. I have lot of nasty comments and bickering on many of the groups I was in.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on November 13, 2014, 01:37:32 AM
Quote from: tkmedia on November 13, 2014, 01:32:47 AM
I posted a lot of info on that group too, but I'm often discouraged using Facebook as to me it does not seem like a appropriate place for groups as archived and previous information is hard to locate. New less often important info is on top and topics hard to locate. I just don't like spending time checking and triple checking correct information I researched and tested before I post and then being refuted. I have lot of nasty comments and bickering on many of the groups I was in.

You are right, FB isn't meant as a placeholder for information but the fact that everyone Is virtually on Facebook means it gets a lot of traffic and people are very active. it is indeed annoying that we can't easily locate information and people there often link out to your site for getting people started with the Pakon. But when a problem creeps up, I also tend to post there as I get very quick response and the community is very committed.

Have a nice day!
Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: jojonas~ on November 13, 2014, 10:12:23 AM
Quote from: tkmedia on November 12, 2014, 04:12:11 PM
jojonas have you acquired a pakon yet?

looks like a minor step is missing from above. will have to retry later.

if someone could send me some XPAN/TX, 126 negs, or non standard camera neg that shoots on 135, it would be much appreciated.

no pakon here yet. still debating if I need it enough to merit a purchase. (also, no income at the moment..)

for your other question: I've got some negs from my sprocket rocket. I could post you that if no one else steps up.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 13, 2014, 04:48:52 PM
updated with note on Windows XP in regards to auto run installer cd.

Thanks for the offer, it will be considered, but I currently prefer other options at the moment as the Rocket from what I've seen has more variable spacing between frames making it harder for a step by step TLX guide.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 13, 2014, 08:35:11 PM
added more details on TLXClient Demo with a composite of the interface (faked currently) photo, recreated steps from the facebook posting with some more generic framing details but also added File Name and Directory info usage.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: jojonas~ on November 15, 2014, 09:56:58 AM
Quote from: tkmedia on November 13, 2014, 04:48:52 PM
updated with note on Windows XP in regards to auto run installer cd.

Thanks for the offer, it will be considered, but I currently prefer other options at the moment as the Rocket from what I've seen has more variable spacing between frames making it harder for a step by step TLX guide.
yeah, I understand what you mean. a xpan, widelux or horizon neg would be better
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 16, 2014, 02:03:42 AM
more step gui photos on TLX.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on November 19, 2014, 03:16:10 PM
added a static TOC beginning of software section.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on December 15, 2014, 02:38:38 AM
troubleshooting: micro minor note on computer bios settings for USB. Added photos.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: jojonas~ on January 17, 2015, 10:40:02 AM
people are getting creative in avoiding dust on their scans :D

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/14967_10153249469728561_8394456466042107959_n.jpg?oh=f6cca268e757e05badf275ee91c8702d&oe=556EA365&__gda__=1433127512_017d9fed4d597b48bd347065261a5fd8)
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on January 17, 2015, 12:14:08 PM
The box is in deed interesting. But many setups in the field originally had the film length sticker, and some even had a static brush on the front of the film insert path.

I did do something similar with using vinyl music needle head cleaners as it was the smallest static brushes on hand I can find.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Byteside on February 01, 2015, 06:23:36 PM
I'm getting an error code 149 in PSI and in TLXClientDemo I get "ProcessedRingTailOverflow" error.

I don't know how to fix it. I read somewhere it might be something with not enough memory, but the scanning worked all day and suddenly gave this error. I already opened the scanner and cleaned the DX readers, but that did not help.

What to do?

I'm using Windows Virtual PC (Windows XP Mode) for scanning with Pakon F-135. I would like to use my Win7, but the drivers seem not to be 64-bit, so it's not working. Any solutions available to this?

//Edit: In other news, this worked great for me (for around 1100 scans until I got the 149 error):

Quote from: http://manualens.com/foro/index.php/topic,18476.msg165995.html?PHPSESSID=0044eb06bd1ef5bfb6cc33f9aef12098#msg165995
1.) Make sure PSI is not running
2.) Using Regedit, navigate to the following directory HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Pakon\PSI\Scanner Settings\Framing\35mm
3.) Right click the "Crop35mm" DWORD and select Modify
4.) Under "Base" select Decimal
5.) In the Value Data change the value of 200 to 0
6.) Presto! Your images will now be the FULL 3000 x 2000!!!!
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Byteside on February 14, 2015, 04:34:17 PM
Quote from: Byteside on February 01, 2015, 06:23:36 PM
I'm getting an error code 149 in PSI and in TLXClientDemo I get "ProcessedRingTailOverflow" error.

I did a fresh reinstall of Windows XP Mode and also the Pakon software (with drivers) and now it works again. I'm not sure what gave the error, but reinstall did the trick!  :)
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on February 14, 2015, 05:33:14 PM
Thanks for the update. I guess my suggestions did not work.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on March 09, 2015, 04:33:34 AM
Hi there,

Haven't posted here for a while - hope everyone is doing great!
I just acquired a 2nd unit so I can keep one as a backup. With the stock going scarce etc, I started fearing the death of my Pakon and the damage it would do to my photography.
The new unit works great - no weird noises and no scratches - couldn't be happier. I am going to be using the new one and keep my previous unit as a spare.

This new one has a terrible yellowed exterior - totally different than the other one which is pristine white. Is there any way to clean a yellowed Pakon?
I read somewhere (not Pakon specific) that yellowed plastic can be soaked in a mix of bleach and water solution and it will whiten out.
Before I attempt though - I wanted to ask what is your opinion - and if you had any experience with this.

Thanks,
Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: thatguychad on March 09, 2015, 05:49:02 AM
I've never used it myself, but Retr0Bright (http://retr0bright.com) seems to have a pretty loyal following. There are several "recipes" on their site.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Byteside on March 09, 2015, 01:31:45 PM
Quote from: bence8810 on March 09, 2015, 04:33:34 AM
Hi there,

Haven't posted here for a while - hope everyone is doing great!
I just acquired a 2nd unit so I can keep one as a backup. With the stock going scarce etc, I started fearing the death of my Pakon and the damage it would do to my photography.
The new unit works great - no weird noises and no scratches - couldn't be happier. I am going to be using the new one and keep my previous unit as a spare.

This new one has a terrible yellowed exterior - totally different than the other one which is pristine white. Is there any way to clean a yellowed Pakon?
I read somewhere (not Pakon specific) that yellowed plastic can be soaked in a mix of bleach and water solution and it will whiten out.
Before I attempt though - I wanted to ask what is your opinion - and if you had any experience with this.

Thanks,
Ben

I think you could easily just swap the top plastic cover. Just remove bottom aluminium plate (4 screws at bottom), remove top cover (also 4 screws at bottom), do the same for the other scanner, switch around, re-screw and you are done.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: bence8810 on March 10, 2015, 12:46:06 AM
Quote from: Byteside on March 09, 2015, 01:31:45 PM
I think you could easily just swap the top plastic cover. Just remove bottom aluminium plate (4 screws at bottom), remove top cover (also 4 screws at bottom), do the same for the other scanner, switch around, re-screw and you are done.

Hi there,

Yes, I thought of that but the other scanner was scratching my negatives sometimes so I always used it without it's lid. Don't want to mount that lid on this one - but if there was a way I'd like to have it clean.

I'll have checked the site above mentioned and it is interesting. I live in Japan so I am not sure how I'll go about buying those ingredients but nevertheless will give it a try!

Good day,
Ben
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on March 10, 2015, 02:10:46 AM
i have not done it for a while, but find that Hydrogen Peroxide from hair care salon products serves as a good base.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Ed Wenn on April 02, 2015, 09:43:25 AM
Any discussion of 'hair' (whatever that is), or hair-related products, is banned on Filmwasters.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Francois on April 02, 2015, 02:14:05 PM
 :)
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on April 02, 2015, 02:24:24 PM
what's my punishment!? oh.
(http://www.animationplayhouse.com/aabarber.gif)
Title: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: Peiman on April 07, 2015, 01:35:19 PM
Hi . I have problem :'(
what error 218 ?
help me . thanks
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on April 07, 2015, 10:23:02 PM
I've never used that model Pakon before, so dont have any answers.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on May 05, 2015, 02:23:04 AM
TLXClient Demo
more details in step 9 and 10, yes you gotta do simple math!
added info in step 12 for cautioning of file naming.
Step 14 for better description and usage of the picture selection pane.
Title: Re: Pakon F135 Plus scanner guide
Post by: tkmedia on May 22, 2015, 09:45:17 PM
added keyboard shortcuts, they were on the Facebook page but I did contribute a lot of them before I left the group.
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on June 15, 2016, 11:31:27 PM
added a few more aspi screen shots.
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: MacArron on June 16, 2016, 11:43:44 AM
A Pakon user here. I used your info long before I registered in this forum. I'd like to thank you for the complete info.

It's amazing the results of this device, though the automatic process doesn't allow accurate results. But all in all it is very useful.

I have tried with slides but results are very bad so I gave up.

Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on June 17, 2016, 01:05:51 AM
Quote from: MacArron on June 16, 2016, 11:43:44 AM
A Pakon user here. I used your info long before I registered in this forum. I'd like to thank you for the complete info.

It's amazing the results of this device, though the automatic process doesn't allow accurate results. But all in all it is very useful.

I have tried with slides but results are very bad so I gave up.
No, problem. It was a much smaller article before. The only reason I decided to expanded it was because at the time i keep on hearing repeated questions on the Facebook Pakon group, and other places on this scanner. While a lot of questions were answered, it was hard to locate. I changed my review of the scanner into a usage guide, then a setup guide.

The only thing I use it for is quick scans as im not a very serious 35mm film user. I didnt write anything re scanning slides, too much hassle to get it work with not enough advantages imo.
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: MacArron on October 13, 2016, 11:20:12 PM
Recently I tried with slides again  :) This time I used quite an old Agfa CT Precisa (3 years now) and I must say they weren't that bad, I mean, the images were ok, sharp and the scanner did not return an error, but some of them (most of them) had weird colours that, and this is the worst part, I was not able to correct.

Also, if I managed to get one of them to its point, I could not use the same adjustments on the next one.

If I ever find a solution, I will post it here for sure  :-\


Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on October 25, 2016, 04:33:13 AM
Quote from: MacArron on October 13, 2016, 11:20:12 PM
Recently I tried with slides again  :)

If I ever find a solution, I will post it here for sure  :-\

I never really had any errors on slides, there are different way to get good slide scans like you said, but not anything consistent enough to produce a good workflow imo. Have you used the TLXClient for this?
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on August 31, 2017, 03:20:37 AM
updated portion on VM install, mentioning best practice for virtual hard drives.
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: Aksel on August 31, 2017, 09:55:04 AM
Thank you!

I`m still awaiting delivery of my "new" F135 Plus, need to sort out the setup, eager to test it!
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: MacArron on August 31, 2017, 05:51:10 PM
Quote from: tkmedia on October 25, 2016, 04:33:13 AM
Have you used the TLXClient for this?

Mmmm, I am not sure. I can't remember  ::) That was almost one year ago and I didn't answered you back in time  :-\ Sorry

But you're fully right: you can get decent scans from slides to be individually processed and corrected in PS or similar, sadly. However that correction is not satisfactory at all, at least for me by now.

I hope someone obtains a decent workflow for slides, and of course, shares it with the community  :)
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on September 02, 2017, 04:20:17 AM
Quote from: Aksel on August 31, 2017, 09:55:04 AM
I`m still awaiting delivery of my "new" F135 Plus, need to sort out the setup, eager to test it!
Let me know if things are unclear or if you have any questions.
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on September 02, 2017, 04:27:53 AM
Quote from: MacArron on August 31, 2017, 05:51:10 PM
I hope someone obtains a decent workflow for slides, and of course, shares it with the community  :)
I dont think it can easily be done, maybe something to do with the LED based lighting.
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: Francois on September 02, 2017, 02:51:16 PM
I'm strangely wondering if the light source on these isn't filtered to help minimize the orange mask before the light hits the sensor?
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: MacArron on September 02, 2017, 11:14:48 PM
Quote from: Francois on September 02, 2017, 02:51:16 PM
I'm strangely wondering if the light source on these isn't filtered to help minimize the orange mask before the light hits the sensor?

Could be...

The LED light is blue, opposite to orange  :)
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: MacArron on September 02, 2017, 11:16:01 PM
Quote from: tkmedia on September 02, 2017, 04:27:53 AM
Quote from: MacArron on August 31, 2017, 05:51:10 PM
I hope someone obtains a decent workflow for slides, and of course, shares it with the community  :)
I dont think it can easily be done, maybe something to do with the LED based lighting.

Yes, I agree. Too complicated...
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: Francois on September 03, 2017, 03:06:53 PM
Then that's why it's so hard to scan slides...
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on April 07, 2019, 02:40:46 AM
xTRA PART 3
How to scan Panoramic
on Pakon F135 Plus

The Easy way (sort of)
Instead of doing all the calculations for cropping you can scan multiple frames. Once you obtain the Left field you can randomly insert a gigantic number into the Right field and that will result in a error Invalid Frame Data. This error message informs you of the width that was scanned. Input this number into the Right field and multiple photos can be scanned onto a single file. Use an image editor to crop and save the images. Note this method does not always work with the entire roll but smaller strips work okay.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7901/46637290185_8549e4dd49.jpg)
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: Aksel on July 09, 2019, 09:41:40 AM
Quote from: tkmedia on April 07, 2019, 02:40:46 AM
xTRA PART 3
How to scan Panoramic
on Pakon F135 Plus


Thank you for sharing!
I have 30+ rolls from the Widelux in need of digitalization, and finally got the scanner set up in my office. It only took what? Two years  ;D



A
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: Francois on July 09, 2019, 09:29:59 PM
Like they say: better late than never ;)
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on July 15, 2019, 06:11:24 AM
Quote from: Aksel on July 09, 2019, 09:41:40 AM
I have 30+ rolls from the Widelux in need of digitalization, and finally got the scanner set up in my office. It only took what? Two years  ;D

Its a pretty weird hackish way of scanning panoramic. Id suggest a pad of paper and a calculator by the computer. Lots of manual entries of numbers, feels like working on a spread sheet! haha ;D also please share your scanning width of your widelux.  The number i gave was just an estimate based on the width of other films.
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: Aksel on July 15, 2019, 09:14:18 AM
Quote from: tkmedia on July 15, 2019, 06:11:24 AM
Quote from: Aksel on July 09, 2019, 09:41:40 AM
I have 30+ rolls from the Widelux in need of digitalization, and finally got the scanner set up in my office. It only took what? Two years  ;D

Its a pretty weird hackish way of scanning panoramic. Id suggest a pad of paper and a calculator by the computer. Lots of manual entries of numbers, feels like working on a spread sheet! haha ;D also please share your scanning width of your widelux.  The number i gave was just an estimate based on the width of other films.


Haha! Yea, I`ll give it a try to see how time consuming it actually is. Might be faster to work with the epson v750 and just place the negatives directly on the glass with another "anti-newton" glass to keep it in place!? Will post results as soon as I get around to start the scanning  :)
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on July 15, 2019, 02:04:50 PM
I guess it also depending on how you store your negative. If you kept it uncut in rolls scanning on the pakon will 100% be faster. This method takes me less than a half hour per uncut roll.
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: Aksel on July 16, 2019, 09:36:34 AM
Up until Pakon, mostly i 6x strips, some uncut and some singel images - those I want to do something with. I guess I will now reconsider what would be the most practical approach.
If I could choose I would just take pictures and let someone else handle the results but I guess that is not an option  ;D
Title: Re: Filmwasters Guide to the Pakon F135 Plus scanner
Post by: tkmedia on January 28, 2020, 03:20:19 AM
added approx Horizon width value