Digital BW, The Print

Martin,

Here's one way to work with large files (+100MB) comfortably.  From the 
raw scan, res down to a small file size, 10 to 20 MB, and save 
separately. Then add your adjustment layers for curves and levels, with 
masks if needed, etc., as many as you desire, to get the look you want.  
Then create a "layer set" for all of the added layers above the 
background, and res *back up* (yes, you heard correctly) to the exact 
same pixel size of the original.  Then simply drag the _set_ from the 
layers palette into the original file's window holding down the shift 
key (so it will center up correctly) and all of your adjustment layers 
will now reside in the larger file.  If you don't res back up, none of 
the adjustment layers will scale correctly.  Then you are ready to do 
any cloning or other manipulations necessary.

Works great...

Phil
http://philbard.com


> The theory is sound but I don't know how much you are really getting 
> in print quality at the end because of the very close similarity 
> between the three channels to start with. You are also paying a 
> performance price in working with the bigger files.
> 
> My feeling is that for a normal negative requiring moderate 
> adjustment there might be no gain but for manipulating a difficult or 
> marginal negative perhaps. Really need to try it from scan to print 
> both ways and see if there is a detectable benefit.