Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., "Cleavis" <lyonscox@m...> 
wrote:
> Martin,
> 
> > I scan in 16-bit and do general levels and curve adjustments 
before 
> > moving to 8-bit. This way the adjustments in 8-bit will not be as 
> > extreme and fewer tones dropped.
> >
> snip
> > 
> > Give this a try and then print both the 16 and 8-bit images and 
see 
> > if there is a difference in the final print.
> > 
> Hhhmmm, it seems I can only print in 8-bit.  Curves and Levels are 
> basically the only tool available in 16-bit.  No dodge/burn in 16-
> bit, which I'm accustomed to being a tradition B&W printer at heart.
> 
> 16-bit just not seeming that useful...?

Cleavis,

There has been a lot of discussion around this point both pro and 
con. You have nothing to lose by making initial levels and curves 
adjustments in 16-bit and those adjustments in 8-bit can lead 
to "posterizing" the image if the adjustments become too drastic.

Local burning and dodging in 8-bit do not present that risk.

My own feeling is that 16-bit is probably overkill for B&W and that 8-
bit is marginal. 10 or 12-bit would have been just fine but we will 
live with 8-bit for a lot of our adjustments until Adobe gives us 
full 16-bit functionality.

Go ahead and work in 8-bit. The odds are that you will not encounter 
any serious problems but keep 16-bit in mind if you run into trouble 
with a problem or marginal negative.

Martin Wesley