> 3600/450 is enough to get the right amount of data in
> each pixel (though 4800/600 would be even better and result in
> smoother
> tone).
>
Problem is, for the size negs I want to make (16x20 and 11x27), 600 DPI
files are so big that manipulating them in Photoshop is like watching
grass grow... And, the successful 3600 dpi output I've done have
printed very well. The tiny dots are visible with a loupe, but if you
insist on always looking at prints with a loupe, you should contact a
therapist immediately!
> The problem is that imagesetters weren't designed to do this.
> Operators
> think entirely in terms of dot percentage for prepress use, while as
> Fokos points out carefully in his paper, you need the correct "optical
> density" as well. They aren't used to dealing with precise optical
> density.
>
Yes, I am aware of this. I've got one service bureau fairly well
trained, but they are limited on size. With the new service bureau I
tried, when I tried to expain why I needed optical density information,
I may as well have been speaking Greek.
> Banding is less likely to come from mechanical/chemical problems than
> from improper
> settings in their software to work with your files.
>
That is what I've learned from others as well. This new place just
said, "well, it must be something in your file" which *really* fried me
(see below for editorial comment)...
> The mind-set regarding "film" at a pre-press house is vastly different
> from photographers mind-set about their negatives. You'd cringe at the
> way they physically handle the stuff on the stripping tables (g).
>
Yes, I've cringed many times watching them wrap up my digital negs when
I pick them up. I know the scanner operator very well and have
explained to him in detail how important my original negs are and he has
seemed to treat them with appropriate compassion.
Now, for an editorial comment:
I know there are at least a few on this list in my geographical area
that may be looking for service bureaus. Here is my experience so far:
InfoMania (916) 852-5900 in Rancho Cordova (near Sacramento, CA) has
overall provided very good service and (usually) good negatives. Their
prices are somewhat higher than others, but they don't make a habit of
blaming the customer when the film doesn't come out right. Their
limitations are 25"x29.7" film and 3600 dpi. (They were the folks that
had trouble re-calibrating when they loaded the larger roll of film as I
mentioned earlier.) Their drum scans are very good and cost $35 for
virtually any size.
The Electric Page (sacramento) can do up to 30"x40" at up to 4800 dpi.
HOWEVER, they don't seem too interested in making the imagesetter do
what I want. They produced the recent negative with severe banding.
Their only suggestion was to rotate the image 90 degrees and try again.
Guess what?? Banding at 90 degrees to the first run (DUH! I even told
them that is what was likely to happen). Now their only comment is
"well, there must be something wrong with your file". In other words,
"we're not really interested in your business". Fine, they will not get
it.
Island Screenworks in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. OK, so that's 3000
miles away from where I am, BUT, the kind gentleman who runs the
imagesetter (Scott Blaylock) is a photographer. He is very helpful,
understands what we are after and what "optical density" is and he works
his butt off to make a negative work. So far, he has had better luck
with Burkholder-type negatives than Fokos-type. I would probably be
sending all my work to him, but his imagesetter is limited to 25" wide
and I need a little more than that for some things. Scott can be reached
at (803) 215-2152. Tell him I sent you. His prices are fair, too.
I'd love to hear recommendations from others who have got a service
bureau trained in this technique.
Ow.. my digits hurt!
Kerik Kouklis
Platinum/Palladium Photographs and Workshops
http://www.jps.net/kerik/