Digital BW, The Print

>  But I was kinda hoping
> that digital black and white would soon be far enough along
> that I could get comparable results with comparable consistency
> and comparable hassle and learning curve, digitally.
>
> I want to know when that's going to happen.

Hello, Peter.  The answer, in a word, is never.  I have not read all the
posts, but I take it you are interested in a "digital" print that will be
comparable to a silver gel darkroom print.  They are different things.  It
is a little like asking when you can make a silver gelatin  print that is
comparable to a platinum print, or a gum dichro print, or a Van Dyke print,
or whatever.  Never.  If you like what you are doing with silver prints,
obviously go for whatever upgrades you feel you need (recalling that Edward
Weston printed with a bare light bulb with tissue wrapped around it as a
diffuser, and some pretty nifty negs...).  We all have a different take on
this.  I focus (as it were) on the image and less on the means of producing
it.  Others take rightful pride in the craft of a wet print.  For what it is
worth, I have a pretty spacey darkroom, temp controls, feedback timers,
three different enlargers, whatever gear you can buy--unused for about three
years or so.  I can get what I need from PS7 and a good printer.  I would
say that if you want to go the digital direction, spend some money and go to
some good photo-oriented classes first.  Saves a lot of time.

    Regards,

  --Ken Carney
    www.kencarney.com