Digital BW, The Print

Steve Gledhill wrote:

> I don\u2019t measure the actual negative densities, but I do know that I\u2019ve yet to create a neg with an area of density that the V700 can\u2019t scan.  But that arises from the way I process my film.  I don\u2019t overcook my film to produce impenetrable densities.

The dynamic rnage of the V700 can be 3.38 D. So if the 
negative stays within that range and has a clean base, it 
should be alright.
http://digitalkamera.image-engineering.de/images/sites06/original/Test_Report_Scanner_multi_ex.pdf

Image Engineering checks the S/N ratio to set the Dmax 
number so it isn't an unusable measurement for practice. 
Highlight in prints should theoretically show noise first 
with negative film but the actual texture in the print will 
depend much on the film, development choice and inkjet 
characteristics.
Wonder what good masking of the film frame can achieve 
furthermore if that wasn't done properly in that test.

The 16 bit should address the separation of the tones: 
compressed, not linear, doesn't matter then. To a degree 
though as the scanner itself may not be up to the task at 
its analogue basics= lamp-sensor, if it drifts too much the 
analogue data could create posterisation up to solarisation 
but that should be more visible in later stages. The more 
the tone rage is compressed the more difficult the analogue 
separation becomes. In itself 16 bit at the A/D stage 
doesn't help then.

In the editing phase the tone range can be brought in line 
again and after that compressed again to the paper tone range.

What I still do not understand of film manufacturers is why 
do they not go for that last stronghold in film making:
A compressed color slide film unusable for projection etc 
but ideal for scanning and with the noise in the shadows of 
the print, the same for a B&W slide film for scanning. Even 
color negative film without a mask would be a step forward. 
Kodak brought some new films on the market but is still 
compromising between analogue and digital printing.

-- 
Met vriendelijke groeten, Ernst


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