U of S | Mailing List Archive | alt-photo-process-l | Question re dpi for scan...

Question re dpi for scan...


  • To: alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca
  • Subject: Question re dpi for scan...
  • From: Judy Seigel <jseigel@panix.com>
  • Date: Wed, 06 May 2009 23:41:25 -0400 (EDT)
  • Comments: "alt-photo-process mailing list"
  • Delivered-to: alt-photo-process-l-archive@www.usask.ca
  • In-reply-to: <COL116-W1462C75C1002A1B345BB63BB6F0@phx.gbl>
  • List-id: alt-photo-process mailing list <alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca>
  • References: <9587.62.244.225.182.1240898668.squirrel@loris.medici.name><52619.62.244.225.182.1240907633.squirrel@loris.medici.name><BV.WM.2.0.pv.1.0.18.0904281733170.5117@pih-webmail02.plus.net><49183.85.99.254.37.1240938349.squirrel@loris.medici.name><COL116-W53F48902126F8D1CD39E6ABB6E0@phx.gbl><16446.62.244.225.182.1240993989.squirrel@loris.medici.name><COL116-W1462C75C1002A1B345BB63BB6F0@phx.gbl>
  • Reply-to: alt-photo-process-l@usask.ca

Dear List,

Tho I've printed (gum, et al) from lith & reversal negs & who knows what else for years, feeling strong this week I decided to revisit the large flatbed scanner eating up my table top since forever (ie, not earning its keep) to make an 11x17 negative from an original 11x17 inch b&w print.

The problem was, I'd forgotten a few details: I realize that at least some of the answers will be in P-F (#8, as I recall) -- but thought "the list" might have some other, maybe wiser, suggestions by now. I scanned at 600 dpi -- picked because one of the last large negs I printed on the 1160 was marked something like that, -- tho this large scan came in at 69.6 MB (I suppose small in the grand scheme of things nowadays -- and Photoshop didn't mind, adjusting contrast & reversing, etc., without complaint, but larger than I'm used to.)

But now I'm thinking (hoping): enough with the lith film! I think I mentioned I couldn't even make my safe light go on in the wet darkroom, which I take for a message from the gum gods. Years ago I tested printer strategies for gum, & plan to revisit them now... I have various clear and coated transparency materials, but suggestions, including dpi to scan and print out at, among other variables, would be much appreciated.

I might even need a new inkjet printer -- tho this one is like a member of the family by now... Fortunately, gum lets me dither around the point, without having to hit the spot right off (as certain other media seem to require -- heh! heh!), but IMO dithering is best when it's voluntary.

with many thanks in advance,

Judy