Digital BW, The Print

Steve,

>I seem to be getting fairly grainy results from B&W negs ...
>using a decent scanner [Nikon LS4000] and scanning at max res.....?

The Nikon apparently uses a highly-focused, "collimated" light source that
shows more grain than the more diffuse light sources.  It's analogous to the
condenser enlarger head v. a color or cold light head that has a ground
glass above the negative.  I worry about this with the Nikon also, having me
eye on the 8000.

I don't think lowering the resolution is the answer.  I deal with grain by
sharpening only in selected areas and the use of various Photoshop tools.

The "Smart Blur" tool has proved itself to be on of the most amazing tools
for this. (Filter, Blur, Smart Blur)  Try playing with the controls in its
dialogue box with an area that is troublesome.  I use it on a duplicate
image (or layer for those who prefer such).  Then I combine the images
selectively and at different percentages as needed to balance grain with
detail.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com