Digital BW, The Print

At 09:22 AM Sunday 2/4/2007, you wrote:
>Apparently the higher the resolution, the lower the depth of field.
>
>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). 

Hmmm ... I'm sure I read that on this list sometime ago. It may be an internet myth - apologies if I perpetuated an incorrect statement.

>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've found the opposite with my 5400 - maybe mine is faulty in some way. I do find that my 35mm 5400 scans are superior at 12x18 to my 6mp SLR with regard to detail and acutance.

>I'll have to try Tech Pan. Is it still available? 

Unfortunately not. For fine grain I'd probably give Ilford Pan F or Delta 100 a go now (or maybe Tmax 100, though I had a problem with high contrast last time I tried it). But I have a several rolls of Efke 25 in the freezer, which is good also (and cheaper) and plan to slowly use it up.

I do have a couple of rolls of 120 Tech Pan in the freezer if anyone on this list wants it (and 3 x APX100 120 film).

>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,

It does. I recommend a look at Barry Thornton's book 'Edge of Darkness' which is about acutance - an excellent read.

I have a 10x15 print shot from Fuji Neopan 100SS which sounds quite different to Across in terms of grain - it's quite grainy at that size.

Sorry if this has been a bit OT.

Richard 
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