Digital BW, The Print

Hello Charles,

>So a few things -
A few things on your few things -

>So someone looking for _black_  might prefer a black-only 
>print since, well, the blacks are going to really be black.

Quite true.  I was surprised when several experienced Q/H-tone
printers were impressed with the deep blacks of my sample prints.  It
makes sense when you think about it, though.  It's all solid black,
not mixed down with anything else.


>2. Depending on how good your vision is, you might not be 
>able to see the dots in a 1440 black-only print. I sure can 
>though.

Agreed.  And it's unrelated to print size (except that a viewer might
be looking closer at a small print).  Regardless of print size you
have to look pretty close and carefully to see them (assuming it's a
modern 4-pico printer with a well aligned head).


>Black-only prints tend to have either very high or very
>low contrast depending on the image

Quite true.  And the following three statements are equally true:

1) Quad/Hex tone prints tend to have either very high or very
low contrast depending on the image.

2) Silver prints tend to have either very high or very
low contrast depending on the image

3) All three types can have a medium degree of contrast, depending on
the image.


>A really well-made black-only print will often have a 
high-contrast, grainy look 

Yes, absolutely, especially when it's made from a high contrast grainy
negative.  Not only that, well made BO prints made from low contrast
fine grain negatives will have a low contrast smooth appearance.  And
 well made BO prints made from high contrast fine grain negatives will
have a high contrast smooth appearance.

I have printed all kinds of negatives, and have found that BO gives an
 accurate rendering and is capable of very subtle tonal gradation.  
It is not limited to a certain contrast range.

I participated in the recent technical exchange.  The file we all
printed was a collection of 4 images and Paul's enhanced scale, a
really excellent selection which tests highlight and shadow detail,
sharpness, mid-tone values and tonal gradation.  I'm confident the BO
prints will hold their own in any critical evaluation.

I also have to take issue with those who equate BO printing with
"grainy" looking prints.  I see these comments often.  My prints from
35mm negs often look grainy because they are from small Tri-X negs. 
But my prints from 4x5 negs don't look grainy at all, even though on
close inspection the dots can be seen in the highlights.  Being able
to see the dots is not the same effect as a print from a grainy neg. 
Anyone working only in 35mm probably doesn't understand this.  The BO
dots may enhance the grainy look, but if they were to print a large
neg they would see the difference.

BO prints have a certain look to them which may look better with some
images than others, just as film grain does.  But to equate BO
printing with grain is a mistake.  They are not the same at all.  

I have a couple of Alan Huntley's 8x10 BO prints made from 8x10 negs
and they are absolutely gorgeous.  The neg size makes just as much a
difference in digi printing as it does in enlarger prints.  


>Bottom line though - if you make a print that you're proud of, who
>cares what technology you used? 

Yes!  Bells and cymbals!!

Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm