Digital BW, The Print

Apparently the higher the resolution, the lower the depth of field.
> 
> But you can get good A2 prints out of the scans - 

Richard, that's an interesting thought but I don't know how it could
be correct...depth of focus would have to do with lens and aperture,
and your scanner has essentially one fixed equivalent of each (I think). 

It MIGHT be that if your higher resolution scans take longer, the
autofocus has more time to respond more accurately. The Nikon needs
1.5 minutes per scan at most, at 4000ppi with Ice/Infared. 

The biggest prints I've made from 35 have been slightly cropped 12X18,
and they're sharper than I'd expect from an enlarger, particularly in
the corners.

I'll have to try Tech Pan. Is it still available? I just shot some
Acros, rated 200 (push +1) with R09 (Rodinal...not normally thought of
as a "push" developer, ordinarily thought of as a grainy, edgy 
developer)...incredible sharpness, fine grain evident at 11X17. I
think a little grain adds to the impression of sharpness in a print,
but I don't do many portraits.