Digital BW, The Print

> Film Scanners.   (I'd still like to shoot with my 35mm.)  Which ones
> give the best output at the best price?  

Artix 4000, Canon FS 4000 are the 2 sharpest, then there's Nikon, etc.

Current American issue of Design Graphics has a 14 scanner comparison. 
Artix is the sharpest, Canon, then Nikon. 

(Of the affordable desktop scanners).

Is there any image
> degradation? 

You need to supply much more info to answer that. 

Can the scans be used to produce professional prints?

Of Course


> Digital Cameras.  Which are the best for B&W photography?

Nikon D100, Canon D60, are the two highest resolution in the $2000
range, at 6 megapixels each.  Kodak's new 14 Megapixel is probably the
best, and is about $4000. Uses Nikkor Lenses. The Canon EOS1D (11.9
Megapixels and the Nikon DX (6 megapixels,) are way overpriced, in my
humble opinion, especially Canon. ($9500).
> 
> Quad Tone Printing.  I've heard that the best price/performance
> option is using the MIS inks with Cone's drivers.  Are any of you
> using this combination?  

You don't need Cone's drivers. Several on the list do use it, and they
will answer any questions you might have with it. MIS VM inks with
Enhanced Black From Media Street is the best set, in my opinion, if you
like deep blackes.

If so, what is your opinion on the combo?
> Do you know of any sample images available on the web for me to use
> for comparisons?  

You couldn't tell the quality from a web picture.

  Which printer should I buy (I want large-
> format)?  I like the looks of the Epson 1520 because of the low-cost,
> but can it really produce professional quality prints?

It's very old technology, has tiny, expensive cartridges, and shows
dots. You'd be much better off with a 1280.


> 
> Software.  WYSIWYG software, does it really work?  What's the best?
> Any other "must-have" software out there?

What is WYSIWYG software?

Photoshop 7 is the best, Photoshop Elements is excellent for the money. 
> 
> Internet Resources and Books.   Any links to sources on the web would
> be appreciated. Also, if you know of any good books on Digital B&W...

Try digital photography at Amazon.com There are several hundred.

Jerry
>