Digital BW, The Print

Martin,

A couple of years ago I guess, I bought a computer with the idea of 
doing some digital to parallel traditional B/W.  The laptop I got at 
the time had a red flush to the screen and therefore never, ever over 
came that obstacle towards WYSIWYG.  So the 3000 & the DuoScan 
languished.  This past August I was feeling flush and went to a 
traditional desktop, determined to not waste the money already 
invested.

I have a (small) number of B/W as well as color slides.  Color up to 
6x7cm and B/W up to 8x10" with 5x7 being a favorite camera (420 & 135 
lenses).  I tend to over accessorize, so I am trying to practice 
restraint at buying what I can't afford or don't need.  Therefore I 
really, really try to shop for what's right for me.

I've got to start with calibrating the monitor to satisfaction.  In 
the long run, I would like to use the 3000 for "painterly" images 
where resolution isn't THE thing.  I would like to get a second, 
cheap, scanner and use it for photogram/scan stuff.  I would like to 
get a second printer and dedicate it to the best quality resolution I 
can for B/W printing of images I can't work in silver.  Three 
directions?  That tends to be the pattern.

Regarding papers, I will undoubtedly migrate towards printmaking 
papers like the Arches Hot Press for the 'painterly' stuff.  For the 
resolution, I don't know yet.  The way the paper feels AND looks is a 
strong factor in my aesthetic.

My significant other printed Frederick Sommer's work for the last 14 
years or so of life with him.  By extension, there is a nice family 
of fine art photographers with high standards for print quality.

I aspire to live up the quality of craftsman and connections to the 
history of art to which I have already been exposed.

Cleavis in AZ