Digital BW, The Print

I've been using both TMY and the Portra 400 for Black & White Headshots.
The Portra I scan on my Nikon LS40 and print it using Lyson Inks on an Epson
860, lately with Ilford glossy paper.  I will say the Portra BW is very fine
grained and has good sharpness, or at least can be sharpened up nicely in
Photoshop using Unsharp Mask.  The stuff scans amazingly well, the only
complaint I have is less contrast then I like.  I rate it at 250 and get it
processed locally.  Clients like getting 4x6 prints.   I used to use 400CN
but think the Portra BW to have a better look.   There is no doubt the
Portra looks much better under Studio Strobe.   As I recall, Kodak indicates
400CN is better for darkroom printing, Portra is designed to have a base
that makes it easier for Color Labs to get true Black & White.

There is also Kodak Black & White Select, which I only used once and it
seemed good, much like Portra rather then 400CN.   If in fact it is the
consumer version, I should use it because its cheaper.  I'd love to hear
others comments about these chromogenic Black & White films.

Rick Schiller
www.rickschiller.com

Message: 7
   Date: Thu, 02 Oct 2003 00:47:35 +1200
   From: Richard Smallfield <r.smallfield@...>
Subject: C-41 BW films for scanning

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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homepage: http://smallfield.vze.com
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