Digital BW, The Print

> > Looks like some of the shine is wearing off, but still a tad  pricey.  I'd
> > have to think about it a bit (Maybe while the price comes down a  bit
> > further.  I'd like to stay under $1,000.  And I'd like to be able to scan
> > some BW negatives (3" x 4") of my and my brother's and sister's weddings of
> > about 50 yrs ago, but I can't justify a huge expenditure for about 150
> > negatives.
> >
> James,
>
> 3x4 is tough in a true film scanner. You would have to go up to the
> $4,000+ range with a glass film carrier. Say a Polaroid 45u at $4,200.
>
> What is the final print size you want for these 150 negatives? If you
> are planing prints in the 8x10 range or even 11x14, a flatbed scanner
> might do the job for you.

We have had amazingly good results using a Microtek Scanmaker x12usl with a transparency adapter.  It has the
advantage of being a 48 bit scanner.  The whole deal was under $400, and might now be under $300.

It scans at a true 1200 dpi, which means a 3"x4" negative can be output @ 300 dpi at 12" x 16".

We get our best results in scanning b&w negs in '(color) transparency mode' in 48 bit.  Then in Photoshop we
go Image>Mode>8 bit,  then Image>Mode>grayscale, then Image>Mode>RGB then Image>Invert, and voila...a nice,
totally neutral b&w image.  We then do our, size, tonal adjustments, sharpen, and then finally spot and then
print.  To very good results.

Harvey Ferdschneider
partner, SKID Photography, NYC



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