Digital BW, The Print

At 07:25 PM 5/13/03 -0700, you wrote:

> >...
> > I would like to ask about the processing of black and white film,
> > for ultimately scanning and printing on an ink jet printer. I am
> > curious as to what kinds of negatives produce the best results.
> >...
>
>I think you'll get differing opinions on this issue.  However, here is what
>I've found.
>
>As background, I used to enlarge my medium format negatives to 16x20 using
>the usual Apo-Rodagon lenses, etc. that any sharpness/detail fanatic would
>use.  I would use Agfapan 25 and then Tmax 100.  I developed for sharpness,
>using Rodinal 1:100 and then Micro X 1:3, with very long agitation cycles to
>enhance the edges.  All my shots were with my Rollei on a tripod.
>
>I tried for some time to tame Technical Pan, but never managed to get low
>contrast, wide dynamic range, smoothness and other characteristics all
>together enough to compete with Agfapan and Tmax 100.
>
>When I went digital, I found that the unsharp mask tool was great, but it
>sharpened the grain also.  So, my negatives that had been developed for
>sharpness now had too much grain.  I think it is easier to sharpen a
>slightly soft negative than it is to lessen the grain of a grainy negative.
>
>The good scanners today also can handle a much more contrasty negative than
>the wet darkroom could.  After all, the scanners are made to handle chromes.
>
>So, putting this all together, I now use Technical Pan, developed in Xtol
>1:3 at 75 degrees f. for 18 min.  This makes a negative that is too
>contrasty for the enlarger, but perfect for my Nikon 8000.  At this
>contrast, the TP is more in its normal range.  So, the problems that
>surfaced due to trying to make a high-contrast film suitable for the
>enlarger are gone.
>
>The bottom line is that my inkjet enlargements using this method are better
>than any I could have made with the wet darkroom and my previous or
>traditional processing.
>
>Hope this gives you some ideas.
>
>Paul
>http://www.PaulRoark.com


Here's my  two cents worth:  I use the Epson 3200 and E2450 scanners. Their 
florescent lamps  work just like a cold light head on an enlarger to reduce 
grain, dust, and scratches.  So far I've had no problems with 35mm TX or 
other B/W films.  Chromogenic B/W film works very well too.  BTW I develop 
it in D76 at home.  I print with the piezo system.  Check out this taken 
with XP2 and processed with split D-76: 
http://www.panoramacamera.us/air_support.html  It has wide latitude and low 
grain, and printed like a charm.

AZ




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