I
Ivan
Has anyone used a flatbed to scan contact prints from 4x5 negs?
I've viewed the comparison test between the two Epsons and the Cannon
flatbed where the negative was actually scanned. I am surprised by both the
quality of the scans for a flatbed and especially the remarkable edge the
Epson 4870 showed, especially after reading endless posts on the dismal
quality of negative scans on a flatbeds. But I'm wondering where the
quality level would be if one scanned a contact print from the same 4x5 or
5x7 negative or transparency. Is anyone doing this? Is this viable? Is
this a reasonable work flow?
I'm asking this because I believe the large format will fill the
requirements I have. I used to enjoy chemical darkroom work, but I LOVE
digital darkroom work even though my experience with it is minimal so far.
I'd rather invest in software and a comfortable chair than a chemical
darkroom. However I would be happy to commit to the smaller space I would
need to just develop and make contact prints.
So I'm wondering if the following workflow is reasonable and common:
1)Expose the large format film
2)Develop the negative myself
3)Expose and develop a contact print
4)Scan contact print with a good flatbed ( how good?? )
5)Edit with PhotShop and save to a file
6)Print proofs on an inkjet
7)Send file to a lab for an iris / chemical enlargement
I know it's a long roundabout workflow, but like most people I can't afford
a digital back for my RB67 and especially for a large format cam.
thanks, Ivan
I've viewed the comparison test between the two Epsons and the Cannon
flatbed where the negative was actually scanned. I am surprised by both the
quality of the scans for a flatbed and especially the remarkable edge the
Epson 4870 showed, especially after reading endless posts on the dismal
quality of negative scans on a flatbeds. But I'm wondering where the
quality level would be if one scanned a contact print from the same 4x5 or
5x7 negative or transparency. Is anyone doing this? Is this viable? Is
this a reasonable work flow?
I'm asking this because I believe the large format will fill the
requirements I have. I used to enjoy chemical darkroom work, but I LOVE
digital darkroom work even though my experience with it is minimal so far.
I'd rather invest in software and a comfortable chair than a chemical
darkroom. However I would be happy to commit to the smaller space I would
need to just develop and make contact prints.
So I'm wondering if the following workflow is reasonable and common:
1)Expose the large format film
2)Develop the negative myself
3)Expose and develop a contact print
4)Scan contact print with a good flatbed ( how good?? )
5)Edit with PhotShop and save to a file
6)Print proofs on an inkjet
7)Send file to a lab for an iris / chemical enlargement
I know it's a long roundabout workflow, but like most people I can't afford
a digital back for my RB67 and especially for a large format cam.
thanks, Ivan