Digital BW, The Print

My thoughts on the two MF threads:

1.   As to scanners, I have an Epson 3200 flatbed and a Microtek Artixscan 
120tf, and I have used the Polaroid Sprintscan.   (No experience with the Nikon, 
alas.)   The Microtek is a better scanner by far than the Epson, and an 
improvement also over the Polaroid.   The Microtek and the Polaroid both deliver 
much sharper scans than the Epson, and with much better rendition of midtones in 
b+w negatives.   The Microtek differs from the Polaroid in that it allows 
multiple pass scans, resulting in more shadow detail and less noise in the dark 
areas.   

I shoot mostly with a Rolleiflex, but I also shoot some 4x5 Polaroid 55 
negative film and so I'm saving the Epson 3200 to scan it.   But for MF and 35mm 
negatives, the Microtek wins hands down in my book.   I have begun to post 
images on the web at www.mcnew.net.   If you go to the gallery, "Central Park at 
150," the first three images in the gallery (full-framed shots with the rebates) 
are Epson 3200 scans, as is the scan of the 4x5 shot in that gallery titled 
"Rowboats."   The remainder of the images in that gallery were scanned on the 
Microtek.   (BTW, blunt criticisms of the photos are muchly appreciated.)

2.   As to film formats, I'm not sure whether the difference between 645 and 
6x7 is meaningful.   I've not shot either format -- I shoot mostly 6x6 with a 
Rolleiflex.   Yes, there is more negative.   But it's not that much more -- 
not nearly the leap from 35mm to MF.   I suspect that other variables -- lens 
types, and your comfort level with the cameras themselves -- will have a much 
bigger effect on your photo than the difference in size between 645 and 6x7.   

There is, however, a big payoff in moving from MF to 4x5.   The cost of 
adding 4x5 to your kit doesn't have to be great.   On eBay, it's pretty easy to get 
a decent 4x5 press camera for about a hundred bucks.   (This summer, I bought 
an aluminum Burke & James press camera in great shape with a revolving back 
and a 127mm Ektar lens for $82.)   Add a Polaroid 545 film holder ($50) and a 
couple of boxes of Polaroid 55 film (which gives you an instant b+w negative as 
well as an instant print) and you've got yourself a poor man's way to BIG b+w 
negatives.   

There you have it -- worth every penny you paid for it.

Sanders McNew
www.mcnew.net


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