Complete workflow for NLP + SilverFast 9 (AI & HDR Studio) on Coolscan 5000 ED

Guides and How-Tos
1

Hi all,

I’m looking to build a complete, future-proof scanning workflow using SilverFast 9 (both AI Studio and HDR Studio) with Negative Lab Pro (NLP), and I could use your insight.

My scanner is a Nikon Coolscan 5000 ED. Space isn’t a problem—I want to scan once, preserve all possible image data, and never have to redo it.

Here’s the workflow I’m thinking of:

  1. Scan negatives in SilverFast AI Studio 9 using HDRi RAW (48bit + infrared) .
  2. Archive these untouched HDRi RAW files as my master scans.
  3. When I want to process them:
  • Load them into SilverFast HDR Studio .
  • Apply iSRD (for color film only; I don’t plan to use it on true B&W, except maybe on C-41 B&W like Ilford XP2).
  • Export as TIFF.
  1. Load those TIFFs into Negative Lab Pro for color inversion and fine-tuning.

I like this idea because I get the scratch removal and color tweaks non-destructively, and if in the future NLP improves or I change my approach, I can just reprocess from the archived HDRi scans.

Now, my questions:

  • Is this a solid, future-proof workflow? Am I missing anything crucial?
  • Is there a better or more accurate way to handle iSRD + NLP integration?
  • How should I manage gamma and tone curves during the SilverFast to NLP transition?
  • Should I consider saving the HDRi scans as DNG or TIFF? What’s safer for long-term use with NLP and archival?
  • Any different tips for positive slide film?
  • Anyone else using a similar setup with the 5000 ED—what’s your approach?

Really appreciate any thoughts, feedback, or tips from folks who’ve nailed their workflow. I’d love to hear how others do this.

Thanks!