Digital BW, The Print

Bill wrote:

>... I had to work my way into the Imacon, ultimately realizing
> that the difference in quality was too apparent to ignore...

I thought that would be the best solution also.  It looks like a new one is
$10,000, but used ones on eBay seem to go for $2600.  If the used ones are
in good shape, that makes it a bit more palatable. 

> Our students use Microtek flatbeds for their sheet film and they do an
> excellent job for the money ...

Do you think they are better than the top Epson scanners?  Which model do
you find the best for an affordable one?

> The real issue for me ... is the camera and how it fits what I do ...

Yes, of course that is a huge issue.  I keep looking (in vain) for the
lightweight camera that can to it all.

Carl wrote:

> ... I just hope type 55 doesn't disappear from the market too soon 
> (like the Kodak B&W films have).

I once read that the film actually is based on the old Pan x.  Do you know
who actually makes it these days?  Judging from the large inventories I see
at the stores that serve Brooks Institute, I assume it is still widely used
for test shots where the final is to be a chrome.  As such, it may be safe
as long as big chromes are still used.  However, I too wonder just how long
Type 55 is going to be on the market.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com