When I get photo-block, I switch eyes. I figure using the other side of my brain can't hurt.

I had a teacher at SIU-C back in the 80's who melted slides. I think he just used a BIC lighter.

My Canon scanner came FINE, which helps a lot with color and scratches. Also something called Digital Ice is supposed to be even more powerful. I believe it is used by Kodak. And owned by them as well.

2.8 lenses and high ISO are the answer to low light. Sure there is noise, but there is software that can tame that. N-D Noise is a freebie that does well, also a paid program called Neato Film. Both should be used in PS using layers and adjusting the effect to retain sharpness. I have had good results at ISO 3200 with my venerable Canon 10d. Like the guy said a grainy picture is better than no picture.

My first camera by sending 50 Bazooka bubble gum comics and 25 cents in the late 50's. Unfortunately, I don't have it anymore.

Some years ago, there was a company called Silicon Film that tried that. Their last attempt filled about half the frame and scaled about 1.3 Mg. this was back when 3mg cameras were just hitting the market at about a grand. They went bankrupt around 2000.

Tobbaco filters are used to simulate sunset colors. Graduated ones make the sky richer looking without overdoing the foreground. You might me able to do the same thing with PhotoShop, too.