Hi all,
As promised, I emailed the source of the Light Jet $20/SF offering and
posted Dan B's concerns. The following is his reply and my post to him.
Nick
-----Original Message-----
From: Carl Volk <carlvolk@intermind.net>
To: Nick Makris <nick@mcn.org>
Date: Thursday, December 09, 1999 6:32 AM
Subject: Re: Light Jet Negs
>Hi Nick,
>
>We are one of the few LightJet 5000 houses that image transparency film at
>16 res, which is approx. 6000 lpi (most use the standard 12 res approx.
>4000 lpi). This gives a smoother continious tone and sharper detail. The
>film we use is Ilford IC-2000 which is a very stable product and has a
>d-max of approx. 2.8 - 3.0. This film can be used for very fine negative
>output to be used for contacting at sizes up to 48 x 48" - at 12 res sizes
>up to 48 x 96". The resolution of files for this type of imaging needs to
>be anywhere from 200 dpi to 406 (which is the native res of 16 Res) and
>files can be sent in grey scale mode as PSD or TIF on CD, Jaz or Zip. We
>require at least 8 sq.ft. per job (which can be a combination of files or
>one large file) and the charge is $20 / sq.ft. You might want to do some
>test curve adjustments on your first output - if so we will allow a minimum
>of 4 sq.ft. for your first job.
>For more information please visit our website at
>http://www.colourconcepts.com/lightjet.htm
>or phone me at 702-736-8400 9-5 Mon-Fri, Pacific Time
>
>Please post this message for me Nick.
>
>Carl Volk
>Adobe Photoshop Tip of the Week - http://photoshoptips.i-us.com
>Fine Art Photography - http://photoshoptips.i-us.com/photoart.htm
>The 2-Day Photoshop Workshops - http://photoshoptips.i-us.com/Workshops.htm
>Fine Art Nudes - http://photoshoptips.i-us.com/Nudes.htm
>Colour Concepts - http://www.colourconcepts.com
>>
>>I'm am about to send you a test file for my platinum printing - I have
>>been discussing your company's offering of light jet negs at $20sf with an
>>8sf minimum. Some questions have come up and I would like to pass on some
>>of what I feel are legitimate comments/questions.
>>
>>If you would like to respond to the list - let me know and I will forward
>>your message as is.
>>
>> a.. DuraClear is the material you'd want for negatives and since the
>>demand is so small and it requires
>> recalibration of the equipment when they switch materials. Make sure
when
>> you ask for a price that it's the DuraClear they're quoting and not
the
>> "normal" color print material.
>> a.. To suggest that a 400 dpi image can be taken to "any size" is
>>neither good
>> imaging nor good science. I'm not saying the Lightjet can't do modest
>> enlargement and still make a fine image; you just have to watch the
sales
>> pitches from lab personnel who have unbridled enthusiasm for their
newest
>> toys.
>> a.. Most likely you'll still want to tweak the curve in Photoshop
>>before sending your TIFF to the lab. You
>> certainly WON'T have to apply a giant contrast adjustment like you do
for
>> imagesetter output because the latter is intended for "burning" offset
>> printing plates which have very different contrast requirements.
>>
>>
>> b.. Some good news for those considering Lightjet output: I've
conducted
>> "informal" tests to see how the Lightjet material holds up under
extended
>> high-intensity UV output. After approximately 100 "normal platinum
print"
>> exposures, there is no evidence of fading in the Lightjet material. Of
>> course, the type and BRAND of material used in the Lightjet will have
a
>> major effect on its life.
>>A couple of other questions have come to mind, regarding the size of a
>>print and the file that one should send to you.
>> a.. When a desired print is to be 8X10 and the image size of the file
>>is 8X10 @ 300-400DPI that is understandable. However, when would one send
>>you a file smaller is size to obtain a print that is much larger and what
>>are the reasons for doing that?
>> b.. Also, am I correct in my assumption that every image from the
>>Light Jet is interpolated to obtain the output? Do you as an operator,
>>have any control of the interpolation?
>>
>>
>>I know that this is inconvenient for you to answer, but it will help seven
>>hundred plus photographers get a handle on what they need to do to create
>>Light Jet negs. In any case let me know about the material we are talking
>>about on the $20sf.
>>
>>Many thanks,
>>
>>Nick
>
>
>
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