Digital BW, The Print

From the last Digest:

> Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2004 18:07:02 -0000
> From: "gulstenek" <keving@...>
>Subject: An Ideal Greyscale Ramp?

>Is there an ideal, or optimal, greyscale ramp? .............

I think I saw somewhere some directions for building a grayscale ramp in
PSCS.  I won't be able to play with such a device with a reflection
densitometer or etc. but I think maybe I could tell something by making one
and printing it out on my 'outfit.'  Any suggestions as to how to make one?

I'm still struggling to make the transition from film to digital and my head
is so full of ZONES that I am a little bit like a fish out of water with
this new 'system.'  I need an ANCHOR point somewhere -- there seems to be so
many VARIABLES in digital photography and printing -- a whole lot of things
changing all the time.  With my old Zone VI calibrated spot meter, 4 x 5
TRI-X/HC-110, and Brilliant paper I (thought) I knew what was going on most
of the time!

If not too much for one post, I'm also a little bewildered by the reference
to DOTS in BO printing -- which by the comments I've read, seems to be a
very good methodology.  Are they REALLY discernable in a properly sized (for
the image resolution) print?  I've recently ordered a set of sample prints
from LENSWORK because they use a digitally generated negative to
'traditionally wet print' some B&W images and one of the set of three is
also a digital image.  I want to see what those prints look like.  There
were comments about DOTS on those negatives (essentially a duotone process,
I think) and I want to see that on a print.  Does anyone provide a similar
inexpensive sample print series for 100% digital processing?  I still need
to see a full digital B&W print.

The most recent discussion concerning printer recommendations has been a big
help in getting me ready for the final step -- a 'real' printer.  Thanks to
all for the information being provided on the list.  Vic Culver


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.733 / Virus Database: 487 - Release Date: 8/2/2004