Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Clayton Jones"
<cj@c...> wrote:
 
> 1) I am using an 8mp digicam (Canon Pro-1) and find the images can
> make excellent 11x14 prints (actual image size on 13x19 paper).  

I'm pleasantly surprised about this: 11x14" prints from a digicam.
That's very interesting. 

> 3) Bottom line, though, is the bigger the sensor the better the
> results.  My Pro-1 11x14s look sort of like what I'd expect from a 645

This is getting even better. However, I usually print to 12.75" on the
short side. Would you say that the image will hold at that size or is
there a point where it will deteriorate really fast. And since you do
not mention it, I gather that you do not have any problems with print
tonality from digital images ?

> 
> 4) We lose the ability to use different films for different effects. 
>  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.  

I've read numerous times that the images from a digital camera is
somewhat linear, whatever that means. Would you say that applying an
S-curve in Photoshop helps restore some analog (film) look about the
image ?

Also, do you have a favorite method of converting to b&w or do you
choose from many depending on the image.

> 
> 6) I'm finding that a digicam + printing with a 2200 and Eboni based
> inks gives very satisfying results.
> 
I've been holding on to a 6x45 camera in the hopes of printing past
A3+ in the future. However, I may not get that Epson 4000 after all.
For the time being, I think i'll stay with 12.75"x17" size prints and
increase the size of the frames from 20"x24" to 22"x26" and see how
that goes.

Regards,
Andre