[filmscanners] Re: Suggestions for scanning 4x5 transparencies

["" <focus@adnc.com>]

Get a Lightjet print done on Ilfochrome so you'll be comparing similar paper. 
(Use Google
to search for Lightjet and Ilfochrome). This is the same Ilfochrome you get 
analog prints
on; it's just that in this case it's exposed by red, green and blue lasers. I 
have limited
faith in inkjets in general, and I specifically think they have nothing to 
compete with
Ilfochrome, not in dynamic range, not in color vibrancy and not in 
real-world-proven
archival stability.

And realize that even with a good scan you may well have to do some tweaking in 
Photoshop
to get your output the way you want it. You wouldn't expect the guy who did the 
optical "R"
print to just throw the film in the enlarger, push a button, and get perfection 
instantly.
Digital or optical, getting from a great transparency to a great print takes 
care, thought
and work.

Why would he waste his time shooting 4 x 5 then scanning it on a consumer-grade 
scanner?
Slow 120 on a first-rate scanner will probably outresolve 4 x 5 on a flatbed, 
and will
certainly do better in the deep shadow areas. Just because a scanner has a 
certain number
of pixels absolutely does not mean it is capable of that level of optical 
resolution.

As a test, have him get one of his tranny's scanned professionally. He can then 
use that as
a benchmark against which to compare his progress with whatever scanner he 
chooses.


snsok@cox.net wrote:

> A friend works mostly in 4x5 color transparencies. He's interested in
> acquiring a scanner capable of producing a decent image file for printing up
> to 13in x19in on a new Epson 2200 printer.
>
> He had a 4x5 scanned on a flatbed at a local photo store. It looks like the
> image was scanned at 1600 ppi. The Epson printer was able to produce a very
> nice sharp image from it after adding some edge sharpening. The grays in the
> image (lots of tree trunks) didn't pop out very well compared to an optical
> enlargement done on Cibachrome.
>
> Can someone lend some advice about particular flatbed scanners that might be
> adequate for this situation. He would prefer not to spend as much as needed
> for something like the Polaroid SS120. The Epson 2450 appears to have the
> right stuff.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Stan Schwartz
> snsok@cox.net
>

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