Digital BW, The Print

Hello Pete,

>I would be interested to know if I am talking garbage -- I admit 
>I have limited experience of the subject. I'll stick with film for 
>now -

No, you aren't talking garbage.  Everything you listed is true, but as
you say, you are speaking with limited digital experience.  Consider
this: the vast majority (probably in the high 90's %-wise) of film
photographers who try digital capture don't go back.  There must be a
reason for that, in spite of all the things you mentioned.

The hardest part of making the transition is accepting/realizing that
digital sensors are not an electrical version of film.  I went through
a mourning period where I tried unsuccessfully to make my images look
like the Tri-X I loved for years.  I finally understood that I was
dealing with a completely different medium, so I stopped trying to
make it be something else and began learning how to use it.  What I
think all serious photographers have found is that there are
workarounds for the things you discussed.  Film has certain advantages
over digital, but the reverse is also true.

It isn't the same as film.  Once you accept that, a whole new
wonderful world opens up.  An analogy might be a painter who switches
from acrylic to oil, or vice-versa.  This isn't meant to change your
mind.  I think you should continue as you are.  When the time is right
it will be compelling in its own unique way for you, and it won't be a
decision to be made.  You'll just want to do it.  


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm