> I would consider that if someone (Laurie?) were to take the > position that I wouldn't get equal quality from any > (inexpensive, used) flatbed scanner working directly with the > negative.
I am not sure why you brought me into this by name or why you are putting words in my mouth; but I will say that scanning 8 x 10 negatives on a flat bed scanner, even at an optical 600 ppi (although most flatbeds these days scan at an optical 1200 ppi, which is even better) should not present any problem with respect to resolutions and sharpness even if the images were to be enlarged to 30 x 36 without employing extensive interpolation. The other quality factors would depend to a large degree on the quality of the inexpensive used flatbed scanner. Factors such as how much bit depth the scanner has, the quality and condition of the sensors and glass, how much dirt and dust has accumulated inside the scanner, and if the scanner emits stray light are all important hardware concerns. However, there are also scanner software factors which deserve attention since they also can be limiting factors on the final outputs' quality. However, inkjet printing of the scans is an entirely different matter from scanning them, since inkjet printing has its own limitations and potential quality issues. But, you have me confused with your current post. I do not understand why you even speak of contact printing the negatives which you will then scan in order to inkjet print the digital file generated by the contact print. Why not just scan the negative themselves and reverse and inkjet print directly from those resulting digital files? The first alternative introduces an intervening stage in the process which opens the process up for more possible problems and limitations. For example, as you hint at, any contact print of even photographic prints are more restricted in their contrast range than the film is; often the scanner can capture a significant amount of film's contrast range beyond that of the print, which means that if you go the contact print route you will be losing information, which you might otherwise be able to capture. Having said all this, now why was it that you dropped my name? Don't get me wrong, I am flattered to be mentioned in the same post as Ed Weston. :-) ----Original Message---- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of BRAD DAVIS Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 5:54 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [filmscanners] Re: question about scanning and color profiles > Hi, > > I've asked this before and then been side tracked. > > I'm still looking for a flatbed scanner that I can use for my > 8X10 B&W negatives. I have something between 300 and 500 to > scan and then I will never need that functionality again > (sold the 8X10 camera about 7 years ago after not using it > for a decade) - there won't be anymore. > > I've considered contact printing them in the kitchen > (imitating Ed Weston with his frame and a 25 watt bulb > hanging from the ceiling). I've done that and can get very > good quality from such a print process. > > I would consider that if someone (Laurie?) were to take the > position that I wouldn't get equal quality from any > (inexpensive, used) flatbed scanner working directly with the > negative. I'm not dying to set up even a temporary darkroom > though, much as I miss the smell of hypo. If that, contact > printing, along with my Epson Expression 800 is really a good > solution, let me know that. But, if there is a better > (reasonably priced) solution that I might find on eBay, I > would like to know what that might be. > > If the suggestion is to contact print the negs, then, are > there any suggestions as to how to set up the contrast? - I > doubt that making my usual somewhat contrasty print with deep > blacks is the best way to go if I know that I am going to scan the > result. > > > Thanks. > > Bradford > > > -------------------------------------------------------------- > -------------------------- > Unsubscribe by mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED], with 'unsubscribe > filmscanners' or 'unsubscribe filmscanners_digest' (as appropriate) > in the message title or body ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe by mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED], with 'unsubscribe filmscanners' or 'unsubscribe filmscanners_digest' (as appropriate) in the message title or body
