[Leica] Re: LUG Digest, Vol 32, Issue 169

[lrzeitlin at optonline.net (Lawrence Zeitlin)]

Dan,

I find myself in much the same position as you. I gave up wet 
processing of prints because I developed a persistent rash on my hands 
which was diagnosed as a growing sensitivity to photo solutions. 
Unfortunately, I was of the old school and couldn't keep my hands out 
of the print tray. I used to rub spots on the prints to bring up 
details by warming the chemicals with body heat. I still develop films 
from a variety of old cameras in tanks. No chemical contact there.

I scan the negatives in a Minolta Dimage Elite 5400 scanner at 4000 
lpi. The scanner was connected to a Mac G4 Powerbook, now to a 20" iMac 
Intel Duo. The large files are burned to CDs. I print smaller B&W 
prints on a letter sized Epson ink jet. When I get one I really like, I 
take it to my local Kinkos and get a custom job on their large bed 
printer. It costs almost as much as making a silver image but it is a 
lot easier on my skin. The quality is good enough to exhibit (and win 
an occasional prize) at regional photo shows.

But most of my photography is now digital, although I have a lifetime 
collection of several thousand negatives to scan - if I ever get around 
to it.

Incidentally, I have a brand new Bessler 23 enlarger, still in its 
original box, in the basement. I never got around to installing it in 
my now defunct darkroom. Any bids?

Larry Z


On Jun 8, 2006, at 4:20 PM, lug-request@leica-users.org wrote:

> I am temporarily in a situation when I have no access to darkroom but
> can still do B&W film processing,  In this interim period, I am
> thinking of scanning and view my images (I use a Mac i-Book) and
> possibly print an odd image of two in an inkjet printer (mostly 4x6",
> sometimes A4 size).
>
> If you have actually done what I have in mind to do, please share with
> me what scanner and printer you are using to continue enjoying making
> prints (and wait for a day when that film can pop into the enlarger to
> make silver halide prints).
>
> Ta,
>
> Dan K.