Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/01/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I'd like to explore B&W with my Leica but I have no dark room and, I have to >admit, really no interest in having one. > >What's the alternative? I guess I could process my own film, that doesn't >really take a darkroom does it and then scan the negatives into photoshop. > >Can I reliably send out B&W to a lab? > >What sort of film scanner should I be looking for given that I'm a novice. I >have a Mac G4/450/MP that is my video editing system so I have tons of >horsepower and about 200 GB of disk along with lots of archival storage, the >least of which is CD-RW. So storing and managing images isn't an issue. > >I'd love recommendations about how to procede. I'd like to become good >enough to make a quality B&W image. > >I plan on doing most of my color work with a digital camera at this point. > >Thank you, > >Adam Bridge Adam, Although you may not want to set up a darkroom, I would encourage you to at least consider it. There is something magical about working in red lights, and seeing images "appear". Here in Australia, even the professional labs seem to do a lousy job of b/w. A home darkroom need not be a huge commitment. To develop film, a simple tank and reel, and a dark change bag is about all you need. Add a timer, chemical measures (kitchen ones are fine) and a little experience, and the negs are ready. In these days of digital work, there are a zillion enlargers going cheap second hand. Pick up a 35mm Durst, or even better a Leica, 3 trays, a red light, thongs, and you are away. Multicontrast paper means your storage is minimized, and you will not need print dryers etc. The alternative of piezo printing from your computer screen is best left to others to suggest, and is doubtless a perfectly adequate substitute, if you don't mind missing a bit of "soul". Oh I'll add that it is much cheaper to set up a good darkroom than a good digital work station. The scanner alone will kill you, and around the corner the next generation. My scanner is now almost useless even if it produces adequate quality, as it is slow, and cannot be driven by "G" series Macs (or at least I don't think it can) and it would not be worth spending much to do it anyway. Cheers - -- Alastair Firkin http://www.afirkin.com