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Digital BW, The Print

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C-41 BW films for scanning

2003-10-01 by Richard Smallfield

Hi,
I gave up on C-41 films for fear of their lower archival life (in spite of liking the small grain and smooth flesh tones for a 400iso film). 

Recent posts have reminded me that, now that I'm about to buy a good film scanner, I should try these films again - to get speed *and* fine grain - as digital archival reduces my concerns about preservation.

Portra seems to be mentioned often, but I wondered about the other C-41 Kodak films - 'T400CN' and 'Black and White'.

Some have concluded that the emulsions are the same and the differences concern compatibility with the likely printing process of the lab down the road from wherever. I read that T400CN is more suited to black and white paper. Does any of this have any significance for us as digital printers?

What matters to me is the tonal and grain characteristics of the films.

I would appreciate any feedback about ... any of the above, really

I get my film processed at a pro lab and plan to print (eventually, when I can afford it) on an Epson 1290 ... with MIS inks.

Thanks in advance,
Richard
------------------------------
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