Digital BW, The Print

Martin Wrote: 
> I believe that there have been studies done to determine how many tones a
> person can see or what is the minimum density difference that can be
> detected. I have heard result ranging from 100 to 1000+ and not enough
> information was given about the trials to draw any conclusion.

> One thing that is certain is that is varies from person to person. It is not
> going to be a fixed value for everyone. On top of that it is going to vary
> with each individual depending upon the situation. We all know that when we
> move from extremes of light our irises expand or contract to adjust. In
> addition the rods and cones in the retina also undergo adjustments. They can
> also become fatigued or over saturated with a single color and adjust to
> compensate. Ultimately it is not just our eyes but our brains as well. I
> think that you have to look at the entire process of visual perception
> including how our brain compensates and adjusts for the visual information
> coming form the eyes.

Thank you Martin. It is always a pleasure to read words of reason and
thoughtfulness. I guess that is what has been bothering me about some of
what has been written lately. I don't think what we perceive visually has
anything to do with a claim of how many tones a print has. (perception vs
fact (or a claimed fact as it were)). Add to that, there are just too many
other things involved with the very  nature of the human species, and
'scientic facts' can change over time to boot. I take exception I suppose
when people hold a position so relentlessly, sometimes clouding the original
issue into obscurity.  But hey, that's just me.


> 
> (snip)
> 
>>> I think this list is called "DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint".
>>> Tyler
>> 
>> Lately I believe it is called the "my opinion is the only one that
>> matters"
>> show.
>> 
> Yahoo won't let me use spaces so that would really run together. <G>

Might be fun though, but ya... you're right ;-)

Carolyn