6x7 processing flow...

G

gdi

Veteran
Local time
1:34 AM
Joined
Nov 26, 2006
Messages
2,632
I am new to MF and want to work out a flow and approach. Suggestions appreciated.

I don't yet have a scanner, still trying to decide on a model. Does it makes sense to do the following:

- shoot slides (starting with E100G)
- have developed with larger proofs
- review proofs
- send best to be scanned

I (maybe like of a lot of people) do not have the ability to project, given the cost of 6x7 projectors. Maybe I should try to get a cd of scans with processing?? I know I could get a flatbed to proofing till I settle on a serious scanner, but it seems a lot of trouble when my ultimate goal is large prints!

Thanks
 
The simplest thing to do is get a scanner e.g. Epson4990 and scan neg or pos on return from dev or B&W or C (or instant prints), any dual purpose flat bed will do with 6x7 - you dont need >4800 DPI resolution unless you are to normally do wall size prints.

It may be better having the lab scan to CD RoM immediately as this reduces any dust or damage hazard, and shortens the timescale/postage delays. You will have big files with high res scanning and 6x7, for a proof you only need a quick low res scan.

Developing your own is not impossible with E6/Cibachrome, I have, this leaves the option of proofing on Ciba, bromide (or pan paper if it is still available,) and using a wet enlarger, the quality with the wet enlarger will wipe out (any)competition.

B&W is too easy for words - to do yourself, if I can so can anyone.

The constraints are probably timescale - have you aeons? A 4990 is expensive, a 2nd user enlarger, with auto colour capability really cheap from the grave yard in the sky that they go to nowdays, tell them you may be back for 5x4 kit...

Noel
 
You can make an OK 8x10 from MF flat bed scans.

Color neg scans just fine and will have greater range of tones than slides. Fuji 160S is my film of choice. Leica and Minolta 5400 scanner. The negs are home developed too.
 
if you are shooting slide film you will probably benefit by having scans made to CD at a good lab, most flatbeds cannot do justice to a good slide.

Todd
 
Thanks all.

I do want to do large prints - 24 x ??- on an Epson Wide Format, so I will most likely get a used Imacon (Photo?)or a new Nikon 9000 - eventually. A flat bed may get me by till I get the right scanner - allowing me to do some on screen proofing and outsource any worthy scans.

My goal here is too end up with better large prints than I can produce with a 5D - if I find that to be unobtainable, I'll sellout and say "I once shot MF"!!

Regarding slides vs. print film, I have read that slide s will scan better in the CS or Imacon, so that was my rationale. I have a CS V that does seem to do better with slides (though I have not had it long) Maybe print film is the way to go after all?
 
MF slides should beat the 5D easily

MF slides should beat the 5D easily

If it's overall image quality you're after, you shouldn't have much trouble spanking the 5D with your medium format slides. A good scan will be important, but you're starting so far ahead that the scan doesn't need to be world-class.

I find that slide film gives me more saturated, vivid colors than digital, and that I like the contrast. It gives images just a bit more "Zing!" than the muted, competent but uninteresting digital look.

Total usable megapixels will be much higher with good film and a good scan, if you're into monster enlargements or cropping WAYYY into an image. You'll spend more on film & processing, but you'll get more back. Good luck, let us know how it goes.
 
I only glanced at the replies above (so I'm lazy, sorry :), but..couple of comments:

1 - why do proofs? 6x7 is almost big enough to evaluate with the naked eye, and a good loupe (my Horizon 4x is great, with glass in it, and was cheap) you are all set.

2 - I have a scan from a 6x6 with an Epson 3200, cleaned up and "smart sharpened" with Photokit and it's printed at 4x'4' (that's feet) and it's stunning. You don't need an Imacon for that, just a bit more massaging of the file. It all depends on whether you want to spend an hour massaging the file, or spend $5000 for an Imacon.

allan
 
Years ago I used to shoot Ektachrome 200 in my 6x7, and I can't now remember exactly why. I was never interested in mounting them as slides or projecting them. I can only guess that this way I could examine the results unreversed and in correct color. This was well before scanning was common.

These days I shoot color negative film and have the local lab develop without cutting or printing, and supply an inexpensive CD of scans at about 1000 dpi. This is fine for proofing purposes, for editing for online upload, and even for making 5x7 prints. For larger prints I get a larger scan. This has worked out very well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom