With a high quality film recorder, like an LVT (light valve technology)
or Kodak's Premier writer, there is no pixelation at any enlargment. The
pixels (at 1000 or even 2000 per inch) are smaller than the film grain
size. So.....no picture element (pixel) or its squarish edge will image
on the film. The enlarging "limits" would be the same as with the same
film (Vericolor 4X5) exposed to a "normal" continuous lightsource, like
Mr. Sun.
I've enlarged 35mm, 2.25 X 3.25, and 4 X 5 to their rational limits, 11
X 14, 16 X 20, and beyond. With a high powered lupe you cannot find any
trace of computer lines, pixels, artifacts. In the digital world this is
often referred to as a "second generation original."
I've also output to imagesetter film, at 5X7, 8X10, and 11X14 using the
method suggested by D. Burkholder. The two curves he supplies with his
book ar designed to be used with either silver or platinum. I've been
using the silver curve negative with Van Dyke...I love chocolate
brown...and have had ok success, but will adjust and test as time
allows.
I've just jumped schools and degree programs (to an MFA) and will
continue to pursue alt-processes to a greater degree.
I'm also working on a printmaking minor and also using the computer as
an imaging tool. There the goal is using digital negs with lithography,
relief, and (maybe) screenprinting. Photopolymer playtes look very
promising as it would (as Strange Ross has reported) allow photogravure
printing. But HOLY COW is that an expensive technology. The local
supplier of plates wants $108.00 for an 16 X 24" plate. And of course,
that doesn't include the cost of the big (digital) neg.
Sorry, I digress.
Later.
Darryl Baird