Re: Question re dpi for scan...

[francis schanberger <frangst@gmail.com>]

I admit that my knowledge in this area is untested and sketchy but I determine scan resolution by what size and on which type of printer I will end up printing a transparency. Right now I am using an Epson 2200 and making negatives on 13 x 19 substrate (the Arista transparency film). I still don't understand the specifics (whether it has to do with number of inks, droplet size, whatever) but I always out put the negatives on the 2200 at 360 dpi. So I scan at a ppi to achieve an image size that I won't have to upscale in PS. So when I scan my pollen samples and leaves they may be very small but the resolution will allow me to make a 12 x 12 at 360 dpi. 

What are other outputing negatives at on say a 4800 or 4880 and why?

I hope this helps.

-francis

On Wed, May 6, 2009 at 11:41 PM, Judy Seigel <jseigel@panix.com> wrote:

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

-- 
francis schanberger

www.frangst.com