Indy Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) Imaging fossils with a Flat Bed Scanner Scanning is not for everyone and there is a learning curve and there are several brands on the market. Those of us which enjoy scanning fossils have different opinions and preferences. PICTURES ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS Images captured using this Flat Bed Scanner versions of these images are showcased on my websites Tiger Iron: Image on the LEFT was re-sized smaller and the image on the RIGHT is a crop from the Original Large scan Rhombopora sp. - Mississippian bryozoan Photo of fossil in hand and Scan Listracanthus sp. - Pennsylvanian shark/fish spine in a nodule Website image on the Left and original scan on the Right I always scan images larger than I need in order to be able to crop and re-size for various reasons. My scanner is a old HP ScanJet 6300C with a removable lid Most of the images on my various websites are images created with this old flat bed scanner. Again, scanning is not for everyone and there are some learning curves. However, it is a joy to create HQ images without leaving the comfort of my computer chair (the scanner is next to my monitor) Please delay replies until I post the rest of the pictures which will be posted in a few minutes Barry Edited September 14, 2011 by Indy Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share Posted September 13, 2011 Last of the images that wouldn't fit in the original post Ditomopyge sp. - Pennsylvanian trilobite Website image on the Left and Original scan on the Right Eodiaphyodus - Cretaceous -crusher fish palate 1st image: website image - 2nd image: Large scan 3rd image: large scan of area of interest Stenopilus sp. - Cambrian trilobite Original image used to create 2 sizes for a website Pudoproetus sp. - Mississippian trilobite Fossil in hand and 2nd image is a scan There's a learning curve involved with scanning and scanning is not for everyone. However, I personally have found scanning a most rewarding experience Barry Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pleecan Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 Very nice technique Barry! Cheaper than a camera and gets the job done... quite amazing.... Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 Older scanners (some models, anyway) have far superior depth of focus to the newer ones (and depth of focus is essential for fossil imaging). The bright side is that used old scanners are cheap. "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) Older scanners (some models, anyway) have far superior depth of focus to the newer ones (and depth of focus is essential for fossil imaging). The bright side is that used old scanners are cheap. Thanks for mentioning this... I recently purchased a pricey all-in-one printer (scanner sits at the top) and the depth of field is not as good as my old friend. After several years of hard use...the scanner glass needed to be replaced and found the same (used) model on eBay cheaper than it would have cost me to replace the glass Edited September 14, 2011 by Indy 1 Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share Posted September 13, 2011 Want to see some "Amazing" scans of fossils? When working with my friend in Moscow, Russia (Alex) to gather images of fossils he found for the Carboniferous fossils of Russia website project...I suggested scanning the fossils to create uniform imaging. It was a task to teach him all that I learned in back and forth emails...However, he was a fast student and now the student is producing higher quality imaging than the teacher All but 2 sets of images (which are obvious) on this Russian fossil menu were captures using an old flat bet scanner. I can only take credit for photo editing these images and the webmaster role thing: My link Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sward Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 Indy, Excellent idea! I never would have thought a scanner would give the needed depth of field. It's good to know that some "old" things are better than the newer things, besides wine. That way I don't feel so bad. BRGDS sward DFW, TX SWardSoutheast Missouri (formerly Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX) USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) Interersting...Even after spending an insane amount of $$$ acquiring cameras, microscopes, and related photo equipment...how often I call upon the old scanner. Scanners are not the "magic all-in-one" camera...But it is a friend that I wouldn't want to live without I often refer to the scanner as "My favorite Macro camera"...Actually, I have HQ cameras with Macro lenses and ring lights which are called on to preform similar tasks. There's no magic all-in-one fossil prep tool or camera Looking forward to hearing from others :phew: Edited September 13, 2011 by Indy Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilForKids Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 I have been scanning for about 8 years. Almost all of the pictures of my fossils in my website www.fossilsforkids.com have been scanned. I think this picture shows how awesome scanning can be. I had actually bought a new all in one and the depth was horrible. Mine is a very simple Cannon 4200f. If only my teeth are so prized a million years from now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilForKids Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 Even larger fossils!! If only my teeth are so prized a million years from now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Eaton Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 (edited) Nice scans! I have a scanner similar to the canon model mentioned. I think the older cold cathode ray technology is best. All except the last 3 in this slide show were taken by a canon scanner. Edited September 14, 2011 by Tony Eaton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 FossilForKids Wonderful scans and information Tony Eaton Killer slide show So far that's 4 votes for older scanners and ZERO votes for new scanners I just went to eBay to see if I could find my scanner HP ScanJet 6300C...found one in outstanding condition for ONLY $20 Maybe I should buy another one...just for a backup at that price !!! Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilForKids Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 FossilForKids Wonderful scans and information Tony Eaton Killer slide show So far that's 4 votes for older scanners and ZERO votes for new scanners I just went to eBay to see if I could find my scanner HP ScanJet 6300C...found one in outstanding condition for ONLY $20 Maybe I should buy another one...just for a backup at that price !!! Try to get the software or find the driver on line if you buy an old one. If only my teeth are so prized a million years from now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siteseer Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 John and Indy, Yes, for a scanner, those are great images of a couple of very 3D specimens (high-relief trilobite and the bear paw). I think the first time I saw how good a scanner could was while going through pages of elasmo.com (good 3D capture and magnification capability). I think Jim Bourdon discusses his use of an old scanner somewhere on the site. Vaguely, I recall someone talking about using a Canon Lide 50. Has anyone else used that one? For quick images I've used a photocopier and also a scanner which I think was also an old Canon. Jess FossilForKids Wonderful scans and information Tony Eaton Killer slide show So far that's 4 votes for older scanners and ZERO votes for new scanners I just went to eBay to see if I could find my scanner HP ScanJet 6300C...found one in outstanding condition for ONLY $20 Maybe I should buy another one...just for a backup at that price !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilForKids Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 One major limitation of scanners is trying ti show microfossils. These were taking with a cheap camera and an equally inexpensive microscope. If only my teeth are so prized a million years from now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 One major limitation of scanners is trying to show microfossils. These were taking with a cheap camera and an equally inexpensive microscope. Good point...Scanners have limitations and thanks for the pics! Although scanners (I should say "older scanners") are very good at imaging a wide range of fossils...They do have their limitations. Can only fit so many dots inside tiny areas Have had good results imaging "Macro" not "micro" fossils Obviously one of my pricey cameras with macro lens and ring light can image fossils better than a scanner. But what the heck... we are comparing apples and oranges...as well as $$$ Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 I have been scanning for about 8 years. Almost all of the pictures of my fossils in my website www.fossilsforkids.com have been scanned. I think this picture shows how awesome scanning can be. I had actually bought a new all in one and the depth was horrible. Mine is a very simple Cannon 4200f. GREAT Scan capturing the translucency and colors of this specimen :bow: Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piranha Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 The Great Indy shares his tour de force process and innovative techniques. Simple and elegant solutions. The spacers are absolutely brilliant and the remedy to eliminate light scatter with a towel reminded me of that famous movie quote: "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!" Barry has been the real deal "Fossil Wizard" of the internet as long as I can remember and always happy to help fellow enthusiasts along the way. He almost convinced me a few years ago to scrap the point & shoot for a flat-bed scanner. Although I still enjoy trying to improve my skills with a camera and tripod setup, his incredible images are always among the very best. Bravo Barry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 14, 2011 Author Share Posted September 14, 2011 The Great Indy shares his tour de force process and innovative techniques. Simple and elegant solutions. The spacers are absolutely brilliant and the remedy to eliminate light scatter with a towel reminded me of that famous movie quote: "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!" ........ Thank you for your kind words Like so many others here on this wonderful forum... It's all about sharing and helping others Barry Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfergirlatx Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 What a great way to share images. Thank you for sharing. I am trying to create a gallary now of my collection. "The road to success is always under construction." Author Unknown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilForKids Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 What a great way to share images. Thank you for sharing. I am trying to create a gallary now of my collection. Wow.....all those "Biscuits" and no gravy!! If only my teeth are so prized a million years from now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 15, 2011 Author Share Posted September 15, 2011 Scan of a Deer Jaw (Pleistocene) Found this beauty on a gravel bar on my first Pleistocene fossil hunt. A group of us floated a narrow river in NW Missouri. To this day I think one of my buddies planted it for me to find Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roz Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 Good point...Scanners have limitations and thanks for the pics! Although scanners (I should say "older scanners") are very good at imaging a wide range of fossils...They do have their limitations. Can only fit so many dots inside tiny areas Have had good results imaging "Macro" not "micro" fossils Obviously one of my pricey cameras with macro lens and ring light can image fossils better than a scanner. But what the heck... we are comparing apples and oranges...as well as $$ I just love those dermal denticles! Yours are very similar to the ones here in Texas... I glued two to hair pins so I can wear them.. Welcome to the forum! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilForKids Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 I just love those dermal denticles! Yours are very similar to the ones here in Texas... I glued two to hair pins so I can wear them.. Roz......that's just wrong! However it does give me an inspiration to start a new thread "Prehistoric Jewelry" What fossil do you wear for bling? I think the potential is unlimited If only my teeth are so prized a million years from now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Posted September 15, 2011 Author Share Posted September 15, 2011 Roz: the dermal denticles are one of my favorite fossils also and I made a tie-tack showcasing one...Lots of compliments FossilForKids "Prehistoric Jewelry" ... DO IT I think it's a killer Idea PS: I really wouldn't be concerned with those that tell others what they should and shouldn't do with fossils Flash from the Past (Show Us Your Fossils)MAPS Fossil Show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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