Digital BW, The Print

Mitch:

Thanks for the info.  Yes, I know that there will be a lot of time 
needed on photoshop.  I have fiddled with it over the years so I have 
a fair understanding of how little I know and how much I have to 
learn.  As well, my day job is as an architect and I am a power 
AutoCad user.  So, I figure one way or another I will get photoshop 
under my belt.

As for my scanner, it is the weekest link in the chain.  Everyone 
might roll there eyes as to how dumb that is, but I had to start 
somewhere.  That somewhere was about 6 months ago when I bought a 
scanner for my home use.  I figured what the heck, might as well get 
one that can handle negatives as well.  Microtek's ScanMaker 5900 was 
well rated (realitively speaking), under $200 and could scan 4x5 
negatives.  On a lark I threw on one of my 6x7 negatives and was 
shocked at how good it looked on my cheap HP.  So, that started the 
journey.  I figured that I am going to get good at photoshop and 
printing before I change the scanner.  Right now what is killing my 
prints is not the detail in the scan but my ability to work in 
photoshop and know how to really make use of my Epson 2200. It 
wouldn't surprise me if I found the need for a better scanner soon.  
On the other hand, I have been impressed in what I have seen my 
scanner do, the novcie that I am.  My mind is just boggled to think 
of spending $6000 let alone $30,000 on a drum scanner which was one 
post I read in the archives.

That being said, if I need to go for a scanner upgrade, what kind of 
scanner should I be looking at?  I shoot a Pentax67 so my scanner is 
going to need to handle 120 film.

Thanks for the help, this novice greatly appreciates it.

Rob


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Mitch Alland 
<malland@x> wrote:
> Rob:
> 
> 1. Monitor calibration: In my view this is essential if you want to 
> print in color. If you are only going to print in B&W it is 
desirable 
> but not necessary.
> 
> 2. ImagePrint: I think that using ImagePrint is the best way to go 
if 
> you want good, neutral B&W prints from the 2200. I also like the 
> ImagePrint "Tint Picker" which allows subtle tinting of prints.
> 
> But you should realize that, in order to go digital, you need to 
make a 
> substantial investment of time in learning to work effectively with 
> PhotoShop.
> 
> You haven't stated which scanner you are using. A good scanner is 
also 
> important.
> 
> --Mitch/Potomac, MD