scanning negatives

[Helen B]

There is such a huge variation in the quality of inkjet prints, especially B&W, that it is impossible to make generalised comparisons. Inkjet printers that use pigmented inks are capable of producing very high quality B&W prints with similar or greater density range than traditional silver gelatin prints. But it's not easy, and it takes time, money and effort. Some people will be able to produce better inkjet prints than wet prints, and vice-versa. It's really down to whatever you are happy working with.

Best,
Helen

[donbga]

I do have to stress the fact that I am an extremely adept Photoshop user having used the program daily at work for over 10 years. Plus I have a degree in photography and have printed B&W traditionally for many years. Also, I've used many professional quality scanners. For a relative beginner there is a quite learning curve with scanners and PS. You may want to chose a path and stick to it before investing the necessary time and money.
Ara

Here, here! Very apropos advice.

[donbga]

excellent. thanks for the advicefor those concerned, i shoot b&w 35mm. one thing i am unsure of is the quality of print from printers. but regardless, the consesus seems to be that traditional prints are much better. i am sure i could find a way into a local university darkroom or something, untill it is practical to build my own. thanks for the responses.

Here is a little secret about printning digitally on the cheap so to speak. If you download the the Fuji Frontier or Noritsu ICC profiles from Dry Creek Photo, you can get very good results for B&W prints. These are the machines that are used by Wallmart/Sams, Costco and other finishers. There is a database of locations at Dry Creek so you can check for a location in your locale.

You will get very nice prints and that you can soft proof with PS.

It's not the same as fiber based silver gelatin but it is better than letting most labs print your work either from files or from film unless you go to a high end pro lab.

It's not a perfect solution but a least it keeps you shooting.

[nc5p]

I'm not really set up to enlarge bigger than 8x10, so I scan and send to Costco the bigger ones. The 11x14 and 12x18 are $3.50. I bring them home, dry mount them, then sell them at craft fairs. I must say they really do look quite beautiful. The dodging and burning in PS works nicely, in fact it's easier to see what you've done without wasting a bunch of paper. If I'm in a hurry the shadow highlight tool is a big help. When I stepped up to medium format I increased memory to 2GB because the computer was slowing down.

I still want to keep the enlarger around, it's got its place but the hybrid process is great. For black and white it's an ideal setup. I can't stand digital captured black and white. Film is much better behaved with highlights. If you need to learn PS take a class, I did and it was well worth the 15 weeks. We had several film users in there, including a professional.

Doug

[darr]

A recommended "Scan To Print Digital Workflow"