Negatives from computer

robert M. Rainey (jasmine2@sage.cc.purdue.edu)
Wed, 20 Mar 1996 09:38:44 -0500

I have found negatives created via laserprinter on transparent material
to be not dense enough for Van Dyke, etc. I routinely run my files out on
imagesetter ("linotronic" et. al. usually avaialable at local commerical
offset printer), but you end up with a screen pattern, i.e. 120 dpi., etc.

For continuous tone contact size negatives from computer files, a dye
sublimation printer can print negative images on transparent material.
The cost of either route seems to be about the same as using a good
quality high contrast duplicating film with dilute developer to create
"contact size" negatives in the darkroom.

BTW, I have seen the dye sub "negatives" used with great success for several
alt-photo processes.

M. R.