clift_d

So far I've only really focussed on B&W output, but here's a couple of initial test images. The original of both images is on the left, including a blown up detail, while the output file and detail are on the right. The original image files were shot in greyscale at 5976 x 3992 pixels, and they have been output at this resolution using the ProPalette 8000 onto 35mm Ilford XP2+, which has then been lab processed and scanned with a Nikon Coolscan 5000 at 5782 × 3946, and Levels adjustment applied in Photoshop to match the appearance of the scan to the original JPEG. There's still a way to go, as well as some colour testing, but it's clear that the grain of the film is one limiting factor in these examples, so next experiments will be with finer grained film - I have a couple of rolls of RPX25 to play with, and perhaps some experiements to determine the role played by the contrast of the original file going in. Unfortunately I don't have facilities to process 4x5, as I'd be interested to whether it might be possible to image the scan lines on the larger film.

I'm not sure there's that that much benefit to using larger negative formats with these units in terms of overall resolution. The various film adapter backs have their own specifically matched lenses, which image the full front face of the CRT onto the full film frame, so the maximum number of lines is the same whether across a 35mm or 4x5 film frame, i.e. 8192 lines. Therefore I'm assuming the limiting factor for 35mm might be grain size, whereas on 4x5 it might be a question of whether the scan lines become apparent at bigger enlargement ratios

For some simpler images maybe, but the ProPalette 80xx is supposed to have a dynamic resolution upto a maximum file size of 8192 x 5460 for 35mm. That's better than 40MP, supposedly better than the resolving power of FP4+, and something which I think you'd struggle to match with any monitor. As a comparison my 24MP digital rangefinder only produces an image 5976 x 3992 pixels. I'm mainly looking to see whether it would offer a route for moving B&W digital images onto film for darkroom printing.

Just to add to the post above, it appears that CFR Film Table Commander running on Windows can actually be used to edit / generate film tables for a ProPalette 7000 / 8000 running on Mac OS 9. As above, to recognise Mac film tables in CFR Film Table Commander on Windows you just need to add a .FLM file code to the end of the film table file name. To use film tables generated / saved from CFR Film Table Commander on Windows, with Rasterplus on the Macintosh, you just need to change the Type & Creator codes of the film table with ResEdit as follows: Type 'TEXT' -> 'CFFT' Creator 'dosa' -> 'NPoL'

By the way, for people who have a ProPalette 7000 or 8000, you might want to grab a copy of CFR Film Table Commander:https://www.srs1software.com/CfrFilmTableCommander.aspxIt’s a film table editor for the 7000 & 8000 that only runs on Windows (alas), but which has now been made available as freeware by its creators. There’s no knowing how long it will stay available so you should grab it while you can. The online FAQ says that it will only edit the PC film tables but it seems to also recognise the Macintosh film tables if you add a .FLM code to the end of the film table file name in Windows Explorer.

Just in case the Mediafire link goes down, the CDR image is now also available for download from the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/polaroid-202 The disc image will allow you to install Rasterplus 2.02 and Palette Export 2.0, and there are updates to Rasterplus 2.06 and Palette Export 2.01 available elsewhere online.

The drivers for Polaroid Palette for Mac can now be found at the following link: https://www.mediafire.com/file/ebctuokc4s31q6b/Polaroid_Palette_for_Mac.zip/file This is legacy OEM Polaroid software for their no longer available film recorders, and should work with the Palette CI-5000 and HR-6000, and ProPalette 7000 and 8000/8035/8045/8067 film recorders. The software runs on PowerMacintosh on Mac OS 8.5 - 9.2.1, and requires a computer with a CD drive and a SCSI interface. If you get it running, please share your setup and results.

I know I'm a bit late to this one, but I'm also trying to find Mac drivers for one of these units - for the Polaroid ProPalette 8035 in my case. Does anyone have a Polaroid Mac driver CD for these film recorders that I could get a copy of? Daniel