Digital BW, The Print

on 8/9/01 2:28 PM, Paul Roark wrote:

> Rather, the dots show up in the
> midtones or dark tones.  On most of the curves, the dots are so mild as to
> be irrelevant.  With the NC curves, however, I decided to make two versions
> so that if the dots do show in a print, the other curve can be used and the
> dots may then be in a place where they will not show.


Paul, you may understand curves as well as anybody on this list, so I have a
question (others who understand curves and/or dither are welcome to join
in). I sometimes notice hash tonal transitions in my prints, usually in the
3/4 tones. Usually it's evident in my screen view too, but it seems to be
exacerbated in print. How much of this do you think is related to gaps in
the histogram, vs just the way tones "break" along my tonal curves, or the
curves (lack of linearity) of some of our printers, and materials?

I can't really provide more specific details, because I'm not sure I've
established a definite pattern yet. I think it occurs at times in 16-bit
mode too. I'm wondering if it's related to papers too, in the way even when
silver printing, sometimes an image is a bear to print on one brand of
paper, but it falls easily into place on another.

Whaddya think? Know what I speak of?

Todd