Digital BW, The Print

> From: Pieris Berreitter [mailto:pieris@...]
>
> I'm jumping into digital darkroom after many months of browsing this
> and other forums. I hope to participate in the print exchanges but
> first, I need to make sure I've got everything I need. Much of what
> I've compiled here has been recommended by this forum. Is there
> anything an experienced digital printer would add to this list? I
> don't believe I need a colorimeter for profiling the printer as I
> hope I can trust other peoples curves.
>
> - Epson Enhanced Matte paper for experimenting
> - Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl for portfolio
> (other papers will follow once I gain experience with these)
> - Epson 1280 printer
> - MIS UT2 inks
> - Lascaux Fixative spray
> - Colorvision Spyder with Photocal
> - Solux 4700K lamp for proofing (I'll be working at night)
> - Photoshop CS
> - Logan 450 Mat Cutter, mats, and tape
> - flat print boxes for storage
> - Big tupperware box to cover printer when not in use (I will throw a
> wet sponge in here as well to keep the heads happy)

You don't describe your computer setup. How much RAM and disk? Tons of RAM
can be very useful, and saving raw images or big TIFF scans can eat up disk
space pretty fast.

Over time, you may encounter little software add-ons that prove useful, for
B&W conversion or page layout, but you can do everything you need with PS
CS. However, you didn't say how you're getting your images into digital
form. If you're shooting digital, you may want to look into alternative raw
converters like CaptureOne. (Personally, I like the PS converter, but others
swear by C1.) If you're shooting film, then the scanner becomes the can of
worms.

Possible overkill: I'm not sure the spray is important, but I guess it's
pretty cheap. If working only in B&W, the color temp of the room lighting
isn't that important, since you're not judging color, only tone.

Tupperware box and sponge? That's a new one. Do you live in the desert?

--

Ciao,               Paul D. DeRocco
Paul                mailto:pderocco@...