Anyone using Kodak GEM Professional grain-reduction software?

[Tom Hildreth]

I downloaded a trial version of this software, which I assume is about 10 years old in its original branding. It seemed to work as advertised. I have many grainy B&W negs, and after converting them to RGB post-scan, the default settings worked pretty much as advertised. Got some familiarity with other settings pretty quickly, too.  Tried it on some half-frame Kodachrome, which is pretty grainy, and it worked slick there also. I'm balking at the C-note price right now, but I might eventually go for it.

Anyone else tried it? Love it? Hate it? Don't care? Thrown it away?  Send me a registerable CD for cheap?

[flatop222]

Hi Tom,

There is a version of GEM on my Nikon 4000 scanner, and as you found out, it works quite well on all types of film as long as you stay on the lower settings. On my scanner, when you go above 3 the grain gets a little mushy(sp?) and you begin to loose some detail. That is my personal limit. Your limit will probably differ.

However, there are some trial versions of noise reduction programs available that you might want to try. I am having a senior moment and cannot think of any but Noise Ninja. Google will probably come up with enough hits to keep you busy for awhile investigating them.

George

[LarryD]

I don't have a grain problem with my scanning... I love the grain I get.. it is what I meant to get and I guess the way I scan lets me do it the way I want... 

[Tom Hildreth]

Thanks, flatop-I'll be looking.
OK Larry, I have you on the status board as a "Dont Care" (see flavors above).

[LarryD]

LOL Tom... I don't care as it is me.

[Tom Hildreth]

Hah!  I was thinking it's natural for you to like the grain, Larry.  Without it, there's nothing for you to go against...

[LarryD]

Against the grain is how to live life.

[Tom Hildreth]

So here's how it all came down. I bought the filter for $100 and waited for the CD to arrive. Contacted the seller who advised there was no CD, just a license to open up the trail version I had used. I then had to fight with Kodak for a month to get a CD with the filter on it, as I simply will not pay that kind of money for something that could be lost forever if I have a computer problem. At least I want a chance to restore the filter after I get any future computer problem straightened out, and I didn't feel this was likely with just a downloaded version.  The CD finally came, and I got lazy and simply filed the CD and have used the trail product with my licence much to my satisfaction a number of times now. Again, at least I have a chance of restoring the program with a CD on hand.

Here's a raw scan below, unedited and no Kodak GEM grain filter



And same scan but edited and GEM filter applied-very much more to my liking

[Julio1fer]

The results look pretty good.