karl_almquist2

I am giving serious thought to converting to a digital darkroom

after many years in a traditional one. I will continue to shoot

film (primarily 35mm B&W). I understand that the major components

include a film scanner, editing software and a decent printer. To

hold down costs, a possible lineup might include the following:

 

DiMAGE Dual IV scanner,

Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0,

Epson 200 photoprinter (I won't need to go direct from a camera).

 

Will I be disapointed in print quality (maximum 8 x 10) compared

with traditional prints? If so where should I upgrade?

 

Thanks - Karl Almquist

I recently started shooting TMY bulk film of unknown origin (it was

preloaded on a used bulk film loader). The edge marking on the bulk

film is "Kodak TMY 5063" compared with "Kodak 400TMY" on the over-

the-counter individual cassette product. Is the bulk film an

earlier unimproved version and if so, is there any apprciable

difference in grain, sharpness, etc.?

I primarily shoot landscapes most of which are in the Southwest deserts and share your need for high contrast. IMHO film and deveoper choices are made to produce fine grain and high acuteness. I currently shoot Tmax 100 at ISO 100 and develope in Xtol at the recommended time and temperature. I then rely on the printing process and VC paper to produce the desired contrast. It works fine for me.

I downloaded the Kodak TechPub and performed the ISO test with Tmax 400 in the following manner:

 

I exposed a still life with controlled lighting at ISO 25 thru 1600. I developed in Tmax Develpoer for 5 min at 75 deg (compared with the recommended 6 min). Obviously there were distinct density differences in each of the negatives. I then printed the ISO 200, 400 and 800 negatives on Polymax IV using a grade 2 filter. The three prints were virtually indistinguishable showing fine grain, sharpness and excellent detail in the shadows and highlights.

 

Conclusions - (1)Tmax in Tmax developer has outstanding exposure latitude. (2) Don't worry as long as you are in the ballpark on exposure, you can always adjust for contrast in the darkroom.

 

Any comments?

Craig Camera at www.craigcamera.com carries the manual at a cost of $15

I own an Osram BCS 44 Studio flash unit in good working order. I

purchased it used some years ago and, unfortunately, I don't have

the instruction manual. I would appreciate learning of possible

sources for such a manual.

I am resurrecting my involvement in Black and White. I am starting

with FP4 in 120 format processed with Infolsol S. I would apprciate

comments and recomendations for alternative developers.