However, as I think the below images will show, ICE distorts the image some no matter what setting you use.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the feedback, Kodachrome it is. I suppose that the 'Kodachrome setting' just reduces the amount of ICE correction, but it can't escape the physics of silver being opaque for IR light.
What remains is to remove as much dust as you can before scanning. When you use compressed air cans, make sure they have clean air and don't spray propellant when you move the can. With a lot of scanning those cans become a costly approach. I therefore use a paintbrush compressor to supply filtered air upto a selectable pressure, and the spraybrush allows to adjust the flow as much as I need. For me this has proven to be the best solution for removal of dust instead of moving dust around. Of course one needs to work in a clean environment to start with.
One of the main issues with airborne dust particles + film is static electricity, which could be addressed by regulating the relative humidity and by the use of an ionizer (either a simple home ionizer unit, or even a modified piezoelectric igniter used for gas). I have tried carbon fiber brushes, but they still scratch the film surface a little over time. A clean(!) camel's hair brush seems to be a safe tool for carefully wiping off light dust particles. I suppose that the synthetic brushes used for sensor cleaning also work fine, although I haven't tried that on film myself.
For stuck debris and fingerprints, there is little else than a good commercial film cleaner.
Cheers,
Bart