I've Nailed the Shot, Now What Do I Do?

[edward_kimball]

I have been out three time now and I finally got a shot that I want to print. It was taken on transparency film and I want to make an 11X14. I know that is not much of a challenge but I want it to be the best possible. Should I go cibachrome or digital and are there any specific labs I should consider? Two advantages to digital are cost and the ability to share the picture with the forum.

 

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Thanks in advance,

 

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Ed

[terry_dvorak]

http://www.westcoastimaging.com/wci/page/services/exhibition.htm

 

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$99 for an 11x14 using the better of their two packages, including

drum scan. Sometimes it's worth upgrading to a larger file size (what

they call an archive scan) if you think you'll want larger print sizes

some day from the same image.

 

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...

[pete_caluori]

It depends on your image and your expectations. A print on

Ilfochrome material and a digital print are both going to have a

different look. Some images look better on the super glossy Ilfo

material, while others don't. IMHO, digital still can't approach

that super saturated, super gloss look if Ilfochrome.

 

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Regards,

[scott bacon]

I agree with Pete about the Ilfo/Ciba having a different "look" than

the digital prints. But I'll have to say that I've seen some superb

LightJet 5000 prints that have matched the quality of an Ilfo/Ciba

print.

 

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I do quite a bit of work with Photo Craft Labs in Boulder (just

happen to be local to me). They specialize in digital printing and I

can highly recommend them. They are knowledgeable, friendly and do

excellent work. They are running some specials through June 1 on

Tango drum scans and LightJet 5000 prints. Worth a look anyway...

http://www.pcraft.com

[glenn_kroeger]

digital - westcoastimaging.com!

[john_hennessy1]

If you don't have a darkroom for Ilfochrome then you will turning over

about 50 to 80% of the creative process to a stranger to have one made

by a lab. If you don't have a computer and Photoshop, then ditto for

the digital (scan + Lightjet) alternative. I would go with which ever

process you believe you will eventually want to do yourself.

[david_tolcher]

Ed, last week I had my first hand printed 20X16 cibachromes back from

a pro lab and I was bowled over by the quality, colour etc. It was

like you could walk into the picture. A handprint 20X16 ciba was

£20ukp versus a drum scan (£50 ukp) and light jet print (another £50

ukp). No contest - digital cant be that much better. It was a more or

less straight print though so points are valid about the amount of

manipulation that may be required.

 

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Dave

[richard_ross]

I have been developing a relationship with a local Ilfochrome printer

and I have more control over the final print than I ever would by

doing it myself (analog or digital). We discuss what I want from a

print and he has yet to disappoint me in achieving it on paper. I can

not say the same for other so-called pro-labs where the lines of

communication between customer and printer are tenuous at best.

[mike_mahoney]

Ilfochromes are not cheap, and it's not easy to find a good printer.

Looking at your e-mail, I'm assuming you're on the east coast of

Canada - I'm in Nfld., and I've sent work to the Silver Shack in

Ontario, and the work is very good, I'd recommend them for sure.

 

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But really if you only need a high quality 11X14, digital would do a

very good job for you .. just have a high quality scan done, and

there should be a fair number of outlets in NS for high quality

digital printing.

[jason_greenberg_motamedi]

Ed,

 

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I think only you can answer your own question. I know it will be expensive, but

I think you are best off have BOTH a Ciba and Lightjet print made. Only you

know what you are looking for in the print, with both in your hands, you can

make a well informed choice.

[david_goldfarb]

From 4x5" to 11x14" drum scan and LightJet/Lambda might not be that

much of an advantage, compared to a well made Ciba or Fuji R print. I

think you would see a bigger quality advantage from 4x5" with a

digital process if you want to go to 20x30" or larger. There is also

a cost advantage in digital if you want reprints in the future, where

the lab can just run them off quickly from the finished file with the

major portion of the labor having already been done and without

concern about damage to the original film.

[john_flavell]

This has been THE question with me lately, including the question of

black and white. Hate to say it, but research is in order. The

internet contains a long list of labs that are converting over the

technology you asked about. Some, such as Color Folio, have "white

papers" avaiable online to help explain the various processes. Some

will also answer questions over the phone. (Keep in mind they're in

business to MAKE money). You might try http://www.colorfolio.com/ as

a start. Ask questions. Ask for samples.

 

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I have to agree with the previous advise that's it up to you to

decide which "look" you like.

John

[edward_kimball]

Thank you for all of the advice. Since a digital image can be done

in town and a cibachrome will be at least as far away as Moncton, New

Brunswick, I will have the digital done first and then if I am not

completely blown away, I will send the transparency to Moncton.

[edward_kimball]

Well, it is better that any 8X10 that I have had made from 35mm but I am still a little disappointed. The picture is grainy/pixally in the light areas of sky. I was expecting a smoother look. The scan was a 50 Mb Tiff from a flatbed scanner. The price was $64 CDN for the scan and 11X14 print.

 

http://www.photo.net/photo/845817&size=lg

[jason_greenberg_motamedi]

What sort of print did you have them make, a lightjet print or some other kind

of digital output?

[qtluong]

Of course, it's not possible to judge the print from your

posted scan, but if you say it looks grainy or you see

pixelation, then a better print could be made. We're talking

about a 3x enlargement here, so the print should be

absolutely smooth.

At 11x14, I would think a Ciba would be superior. The resolution

of a Ciba is higher than that of a Lighjet (this is clear under

a lupe), but besides more precise color control, Lighjets tend

to yield better results for large prints, which 11x14 isn't.

Tuan. <a href = "http://www.terragalleria.com">Terra Galleria

photography</a>.