Digital BW, The Print

>> Was this the conclusion of the discussion you were having with mike
>> yesterday, where, like you, I thought he was suggesting that scanners do
>> something of an auto levels on the data, but he was referring to something
>> else. Was it that he meant he thought most scanners should high bit justify
>> their data because it makes for a more full looking 8-bit histogram, which
>> would better impress novices like myself?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Todd
> 
> I wasn't really saying most should, I was just wondering why they
> didn't since they are incapable of capturing anything out of their
> range anyway. It is kinda like having an oven that only goes to 500
> degrees but the temperature gauge goes to 2000.
> 
> I would actually prefer it if they didn't so that I can see just
> how much tonal information I am working with (which is really the only
> way to know without a high bit histogram, yes?)
> 
> -mikeH

Mike, 

I hope my question didn't sound condescending-- It wasn't meant to be. I'm
purely playing catch-up with you guys. I never knew there was a
justification option, and now that I do it's thrown my notion of a raw
scan's histogram into chaos. I see your point, that from a scanner maker's
point of view highbit justification *could* unduly impress some of us.
Furthermore, I still don't get why we get the 2000 degree dial on the 500
degree oven; why a piece of film with a 3.7 DR will span only a portion of a
histogram, even IF highbit justified.

Anyway, I have great respect for your knowledge, make no mistake about that!

Todd