Plustek OpticFilm Series - User Manual

Unpack and Connect Place Film in the Holder
Scan me -- Installation Tutorial video
* 35 mm IT-8 Target (Only for OF8200i Ai)
Install Software
Insert the product CD and run your product’s software package.
* You do not have to install any scanner drivers when
installing the scanner under Mac OS. The scanner drivers
are already included within the SilverFast installation.
Unlock SilverFast
1. Check Image Source and Language Selection, then click Start.
Attention
If the Image Source is blank, please check if your scanner is
properly listed under [Imaging Devices] in [Device Manager].
2. Enter your First name, Last name, and the Serial number, then click Unlock.
* The SilverFast DVD-ROM should remain in the DVD-ROM drive for the Unlock process.
The SilverFast serial number is located on the front of the SilverFast
DVD-ROM case.
OpticFilm series Quick Start Guide
2
3
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If you are installing the software without a CD/DVD drive, please refer to For Mac/PC without a CD/DVD drive section on the
rear side of this guide.

Summary

Unpack and Connect

Place Film Holder Correctly

Guides users on correctly positioning the film in the holder for scanning.

Software Installation Tutorial

Provides a link to a video tutorial for software installation guidance.

Install SilverFast Software

CD-Based Software Installation

Details the steps to install the SilverFast software package from the CD.

Unlock SilverFast with Serial

Guides on entering personal details and serial number to activate and unlock the software.

CD-Free SilverFast Installation

Windows CD-Free Setup Guide

Instructions for Windows users to download and install drivers and software online.

Mac CD-Free Setup Guide

Instructions for Mac users to download and install SilverFast software with integrated drivers online.

Register and Exchange Serial for CD-Free

Guides registration for older versions and exchanging serials for CD-free use.

SilverFast Troubleshooting and FAQs

Troubleshoot Software Startup Errors

Addresses common problems that prevent the SilverFast software from starting.

iSRD Feature Usage and Limitations

Clarifies the iSRD function's applicability, noting its limitations with black and white film.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document serves as a Quick Start Guide for the OpticFilm series, detailing the initial setup, software installation, and activation process for the scanner. It is designed to help users quickly get their OpticFilm scanner operational, whether they are using a physical CD/DVD for software installation or need to download the software online.

Function Description

The OpticFilm series scanner is a specialized device designed for high-quality film scanning. Its primary function is to convert physical film media, such as 35mm film strips and mounted slides, into digital images. This process allows users to archive their film collections, restore old photographs, and prepare images for digital editing, printing, or online sharing. The scanner is equipped to handle various types of film, including color negatives, color slides, and black and white film, though certain advanced features like iSRD (infrared dust and scratch removal) may have limitations with specific film types.

The core of the scanner's operation relies on its integration with SilverFast software, which is a professional scanning and image processing application. SilverFast provides a comprehensive suite of tools for controlling the scanning process, optimizing image quality, and performing initial corrections. This software-hardware synergy ensures that users can achieve high-fidelity digital reproductions of their film.

Usage Features

The guide outlines a clear, step-by-step process for setting up and using the OpticFilm scanner:

1. Unpacking and Connection: The initial step involves unpacking the scanner and connecting it to a computer. An installation tutorial video is provided via a QR code for visual guidance, ensuring users correctly set up the hardware. The guide also highlights the inclusion of a 35mm IT-8 Target, which is crucial for color calibration, particularly for the OF8200i Ai model, ensuring accurate color reproduction in scans.

2. Software Installation:

   • CD/DVD Installation: For users with a CD/DVD drive, the process is straightforward: insert the product CD, run the setup program, and follow the on-screen instructions. The installer allows for language selection and guides users through the License Agreement. Accepting the terms is mandatory to proceed with the installation. The guide specifically mentions that Mac OS users do not need to install separate scanner drivers as they are included within the SilverFast installation package.
   • Online Installation (for Mac/PC without CD/DVD drive): Recognizing that many modern computers lack optical drives, the guide provides an alternative method. Users are directed to a specific Plustek website to download the necessary drivers and SilverFast software. This online portal offers separate downloads for drivers and SilverFast for Windows users, while Mac users benefit from an "All in One Driver Included" package. This flexibility ensures that all users, regardless of their computer's configuration, can access and install the required software.

3. SilverFast Software Activation/Unlock:

   • Initial Setup: After installation, users launch SilverFast. The software's "Welcome" screen, featuring the "WorkflowPilot Concept," guides them through the initial configuration. Users must select their "Image Source" (the OpticFilm scanner model) and preferred language.
   • Serialization: To fully unlock SilverFast, users are prompted to enter their "First name," "Last name," and the "Serial number." The serial number is typically found on the front of the SilverFast DVD-ROM case. This serialization process is critical for activating the software and accessing its full features. The guide explicitly states that the SilverFast DVD-ROM should remain in the drive during the unlock process if installing from a physical disk.
   • Online Unlock (for users without CD/DVD drive): For those who installed the software online, a specific "unlock SilverFast without CD/DVD drive" guide is provided. This involves registering the SilverFast 8 software online first, requiring users to remember their registered email address. Subsequently, an "SilverFast serial number exchange" process is initiated on the LaserSoft Imaging website. Users enter their registered serial number and email address, which then generates a new serial number that can be used to download and serialize SilverFast without needing the physical CD. This ensures that users who download the software can still activate it properly.

4. Software Interface and Workflow: SilverFast's "WorkflowPilot Concept" is designed to streamline the scanning process, guiding users through various steps from initial scan to final image output. This feature is particularly helpful for new users, ensuring they follow best practices for achieving optimal results.

Maintenance Features

While the guide primarily focuses on initial setup and software installation, it touches upon basic troubleshooting and software maintenance:

• Troubleshooting Software Startup: A dedicated FAQ section addresses common issues, such as the inability to start SilverFast software. It advises users to check the "Image Source" selection, verify USB cable and power cord connections, and ensure the scanner is properly listed under "Imaging Devices" in the Device Manager. This helps users diagnose and resolve connectivity or recognition problems.
• Software Reset: The guide provides instructions on how to perform a "Software reset" through the "Service Dialog" in SilverFast. This feature allows users to revert the software to its factory settings, which can be useful for resolving persistent software glitches or starting fresh with configurations. Users are warned that all saved settings will be lost during this process.
• iSRD Functionality: The FAQ also clarifies the limitations of the iSRD (infrared dust and scratch removal) function. It explains that iSRD is effective with conventional color negatives (C41 process), color slides (E6 process), and paper proofs. However, it is not available for conventional black and white negatives and slides due to their silver content, which interferes with the infrared scanning process. This information helps users understand the capabilities and limitations of a key image enhancement feature.
• Updates: The registration process for SilverFast 8 and earlier versions is highlighted as necessary for downloading the latest updates from the LaserSoft Imaging website. This ensures that users can keep their software current, benefiting from bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features.

In summary, this guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for setting up and utilizing the OpticFilm series scanner, emphasizing both hardware connection and the critical role of SilverFast software. It caters to various user scenarios, including those with and without optical drives, and offers practical advice for initial troubleshooting and software maintenance.

Plustek OpticFilm Series Specifications