Carson Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 I came across an article today on using a printer scanner to image shark teeth. It worked well for the labial side (relatively flat). However, the lingual side was less than satisfactory. Have any of you used this method of imaging teeth, and do any of you have tips on getting good images for the lingual side? Thanks, Carson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stocksdale Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 I use a flatbed scanner all the time for fossils if the are relatively flat. I think there may have been an error on your second one unrelated to the dimensionality of the tooth. Maybe something moved while the scanner was processing. I'd say try again. Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.–Carl Sagan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson Posted March 6, 2015 Author Share Posted March 6, 2015 I tried again and got the same result. Is there any particular setting I should use? I am scanning using a color photo mode. Plus, how do you image side views? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 Older scanners work better; they seem to have a greater depth-of-focus than those made in the last 10 years. Even the old ones, though, are really designed for 2-D imaging, and side views of shark teeth will not be satisfactory. 1 "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...
bocafossil Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 I use my scanner for shark teeth and find I get better result by placing the teeth horizontally rather than vertically. The scanner light strikes the teeth at a better angle. Side views would be difficult. You would have to use something (modeling clay or your fingers) to hold the tooth and cover with a white cloth to help reflect the light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson Posted March 6, 2015 Author Share Posted March 6, 2015 Thanks for the responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpc Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 (edited) I scanned a very 3D mammal Skeleton about 20 years ago and it came out great. Maybe auspex is right, that new ones are not as good at this. Edited March 6, 2015 by jpc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson Posted March 6, 2015 Author Share Posted March 6, 2015 (edited) Here are photos taken by my iPhone with an Olloclip 15X lens of a cf. Ginglymostoma/Delpitoscyllium africanum tooth (~3-4mm across the face). The problem with it is getting good lighting. Edited March 6, 2015 by Carson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creto Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 Jim Bourdon at elasmo.com uses an old flatbed scanner for all his images, including side views. His images are excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carson Posted March 6, 2015 Author Share Posted March 6, 2015 That is where I found the article/idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fossilselachian Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 Older scanners work better; they seem to have a greater depth-of-focus than those made in the last 10 years. I am in total agreement with the comments by Auspex re older scanners. Ten plus years ago I had a scanner which took great scans of shark teeth, both the lingual and labial sides. I long ago gave up using a scanner in favor of digital cameras. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Pristis Posted March 6, 2015 Share Posted March 6, 2015 I really miss my old flat-bed scanner. Here's a thread that you might find useful: http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/23942-imaging-with-flat-bed-scanner/?hl=%2Bscanner+%2Bimage http://pristis.wix.com/the-demijohn-page What seest thou else In the dark backward and abysm of time? ---Shakespeare, The Tempest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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