Digital BW, The Print

on 1/22/04 12:25 PM, Paul D. DeRocco wrote:

>> > From: Cat [mailto:ratzmataz2004@...]
>> >
>> > I would like to know your opinoins about scanning b&w negatives: is
>> > there any difference (except file dimension!) between scanning them
>> > in colour, using mixer channel and then print, and scanning in b&w
>> > mode, convert to rgb and then print?
> 
> No. There's no color information at all in B&W negatives. Playing with the
> Channel Mixer knobs (keeping their sum equal to 100) will have no effect on
> the image, other than possibly to increase the noise, so you might as well
> let the scanner combine the R, G and B for you.
>>>>>>>>>

Hi Paul-

This is a curious statement.  If you look at the individual channels of an
RGB scan of a B&W neg or print, you will see subtle but potentially
significant variations in tonality. In addition, as Austin has said, one
channel often will be more or less fuzzy, or the grain detail may be more or
less pronounced.  Finally, if there are any defects in the original
(staining, scratches, etc.), they will often be more or less pronounced in
the different channels.

One question- what leads you to say that using the channel mixer can
³increase the noise² of the image?

Regards


Bill Morse
PhotoProspect
450 Harrison Ave. Suite 221
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 868-7642





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