GB 251 Or 251A? Solved

Skilo54, thanks for the helpful advice regarding the grey background on scans. I going to have to do some experimenting especially since I am somewhat color challenged as well.

Skilo54, thanks for the tip re the gray background.

I've been trying various backgrounds, but I've never actually thought of gray, as the purpose of most of my scans is to list items on ebay. For that reason, most of the time I want an attractive background.

But now I think accuracy is more important, so the buyer knows exactly what they'll be getting.

No problem, glad to share the info! I forget where exactly I first read about scanning on grey, but it was something that made me think too!

The latest GBPS Journal just arrived and after a quick browse I noticed what looks like an article on the digital analysis of shades, should be an interesting read!

@Dave9911- I would say the KEVII stamp on the right matches Ultramarine leaning towards Deep Ultramarine, and the KGV would match Dull Ultramarine the best on my screen.

@cynical- I would agree with Plateflaw that fincbob2451 stamp is Ultramarine. Here is my Copy of SG#478- Dark Blue (or is it Steel Blue-black?):



Have a Good One,

Skilo54

Silly question for Skilo54;

I use black vario/hagner sheets and stockcards. Is there a manufacturer of similar grey products that will assist those addicted to scanning their stamps?

I really want to give this a go, as your three-halfpenny trial demonstrates the difference grey makes.

Plateflaw, I was also wondering how to scan stamps with the grey background. One option I came up with is to get some grey 20lb paper and cut it to fit in the two row black card I use to scan stamps. You can tape the grey paper in place or glue stick it.

Brilliant mhc99.

These Gibbons Colour Chart labels are on ebay.uk most of the time, either in part or whole. Mostly as bins but not cheap. I haven't looked in the past week or so, but usually they are there.

Londonbus1

I do exactly what mhc99 came up with, thick grey card available at art supply stores for mounting artwork etc. You can use a steel rule and an Olfa knife to cut to size. I have a piece the same size as my scanner bed, and a couple different sized ones. I have thought of using the clear coin type pages and inserting grey strips to create a double sided page, but have yet to try it out?

Have a good one,
Skilo54

If you pick up an 18%-gray card from a photography supplier, you could Blu-Tak it to the inside of your scanner lid, or mount a black approval card on it, or cut out 2cm squares (or lengths) and include one in the bottom of each scan. (I would be interested in knowing whether a wide gray border around a black approval card would be enough gray to get the desired effect...perhaps more experimentation is in order.)

The benefit to knowing which gray you've used is that you can then adjust your settings forevermore as your setup changes. In theory, anyone should be able to adjust settings based on the 18%-gray card.

Can someone who understands the relationship between color and scanning confirm or correct this? Thanks.

C.