From: Sandy King (sanking@hubcap.clemson.edu)
Date: 03/08/01-09:34:54 PM Z
I could imagine that a densitometr reading only up to 3.0 could be useful
but virtually all of the transmission densitometers (X-Rite, MacBeth,
Norita) that come up on ebay in the $150-500 range read up to log 4.0, and
in color as well so I can 't see any good reason for limiting oneself to a
range of 3.0.
Most step wedges have a log density of over 3.0 at step 21, in my
experience ranging from a low of about 3.08 up to 3.45 depending on
specimen. It is important to remember that high B+F in combination with
overexposure can easily result in Dmin readings of as high as 0.60 - 0.90.
If you read such a negative with a densitometer which only goes up to 3.0
the reading would suggest a maximum DR of 2.1 to 2.4, when in fact it might
be considerably higher if read on a densitometer that reads up to 4.0.
Sandy King
>Shannon, in 15 years making negs for alt, the only times a neg went past 2
>were a mistake... so if the needle banged into 3 I knew I was way over,
>didn't need to know it was 3.6, or whatever.
>
>I believe salt print negs can go into the high 2s, but not past 3 ????
>(Joe???? Anyone?). So my guess is that unless there's something else in
>favor of the digital, you're better with the analog. I've not liked the
>digital measuring instruments I've had.... On the other hand... maybe the
>digital is color, and reflective also ??? That might be handy...
>
>Mine is a macbeth, and I'm very fond of it... But does the one you
>consider have any kind of warranty? I'd had my macbeth for a while (also
>bought used) when suddenly it went wiggy, and seller (Ed Pass) replaced.
>
>good luck...
>
>cheers,
>
>Judy
>
>
>On Wed, 7 Mar 2001, shannon stoney wrote:
>
>> I am fixing to buy a densitometer. I have a choice between one that
>> measures 0-3, for $295, or one that measures 0-4 for $395. Both are used.
>> Which one should I buy? Will I ever need to measure a negative as dense as
>> four, for alt-processes?
>>
>> --shannon
>>
>>
>>
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