Digital BW, The Print

>  We must try to achieve the desired results with software after the
> fact.  I was a dedicated Tri-X user, and found I could not get the
> Tri-X "look" no matter how hard I tried.  I could emulate the 
spectral
> sensitivity, but could not imitate what the Tri-X grain gives an
> image.  BUT, I also found I could "get over it" and learn to like 
what
> I do get.  So basically you have to let go of the past. 


Hi Clayton,

Resolution aside, I worry about two problems with digital capture for 
B&W.  First, as I understand it, a digital sensor reacts much like 
slide flim: a range limited to about five stops and a need to expose 
for the highlights.  Second, again as I understand it (and I may not!)
the chip's sensitivity is linear while the progression of f stops is 
not. Thus, close to half of the chip's "range" (not a technical term) 
is taken up by the widest opening and by the time you get to the 
fifth and smallest stop, not much is left.  The net effect of both of 
these issue should be a constraint on tonal range and a loss of 
detail in the shadows, vis-a-vis film.  

Am I wrong?  Have you found this to be a problem?

Steve