Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/05/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> >George Huczek wrote: > >> How do the prints made on the Epson Stylus printer compare to those made in >> the conventional manner using an enlarger? >> >> -GH > My personal opinion is that it's a trade-off. A trade-off as to whether you like to work in a darkroom, or whether you like to sit in front of a computer. For the price of the computer equipment (scanner, computer & Photoshop, printer + supplies) you can set-up a nice darkroom. If you want to print slides on Ilfochrome, Ilfochrome now comes in different contrast grades so making contrast masks is not always necessary. The reason I use a wet darkroom is two fold. I sit in front of a computer most of every day. And even though it's photography related, getting out and taking photographs is a necessary activity. Likewise I don't want to sit in front of my computer to make prints. And the main reason is that I rarely make prints smaller than 16x20. 11x14 occasionally. 20x24 mostly. And I matt and frame them, so a computer printer just won't do it. And I cannot afford an Iris printer. And I cannot afford to buy a 4x5 scanner or have my 4x5 work scanned. IMHO, I think for simple photography, prints for yourself and family, your office, etc., the digital route is great. But for serious, archival, large prints, it's difficult, without enormous expense, to beat an old fashioned darkroom. Jim