Digital BW, The Print

----- Original Message -----
From: "Austin Franklin" <darkroom@...>
To: <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, March 29, 2002 8:00 PM
Subject: RE: [Digital BW] Is dynamic range more important than density
range?


>
> > > Martin -- Well, I'd say that what I say makes sense whether there are
> > > a finite number of tones or an infinite number that are available in
> > > a silver printing process.  But that if you think there are an
> > > infinite number of tones available to an analog process then you
> > > might just think it's silly to try to compare the 'dynamic range'
> > > (using Austin's meaning) of the two systems.  So you're left with
> > > comparing density ranges.
> >
> > Herb,
> >
> > That pretty much sums it up form my point of view.
>
> Then, how do you "describe" the difference in number of tones?  That is
not
> defined by density range.

If the mumber of tones is infinite or higher than we can differentiate then
the number of tones in not important.

> All density range gives you is the lightest and
> darkest tone...period  You could have an image that has ONLY the lightest
> and darkest tone, and no intermediate tones...and then an image that has a
> LOT of tones...both with the exact same density range.

 Well let's say it is a density range where the slope of the tone curve is
always less than zero which would be a requirement if the print is
continuous tone or simply mimicking continuous tone. Not even grade 5 paper
hits a zero slope and not may shot with litho film developed in litho
developer, not that I didn't try.
>
(snip)
>
> > I think it is an appropriate example and illustrates that my claim of
> > infinite tones may be irrelevant once you have reached a number of tones
> > where the eye cannot distinguish between two adjacent tones.
>
> That depends on the print, now doesn't it?

Okay limit the discussion to a print that contain a gradient then. If print
materials can produce a smooth gradient we generally find that they will
give as a good image print.

Martin