Re: [APML] OT: Homemade Enlargers( and other film stuff)

["Joseph O'Neil" <joneil@multiboard.com>]

On Thu, 26 Feb 2004 11:30:14 -0800 (PST), Brian larmay 
<power_windows4789@yahoo.com> wrote:


> I really wonder how many people out there still do
> this kind of stuff with the temptation of digital
> quickness.

-snip-

	Depends on what you are into.  For colour, even with film, the digital 
darkroom, IMO, is the way to go.  Colour chemistry has always been a bit 
toxic (not that "e-waste" isn't a problem in itself)  and even with colour 
film, IMO, a good negative & slide scanner is the way to go.

	Howeve,r for black and white - ah, there, for most apps, the old wet 
darkroom is stillthe way to go.  Although dwindiling in supply in some 
areas, the effects you can pull off, not to mention the overall esthic 
value of a print, teh wet darkroom is far superior in most areas.

	for astro-photography, agrueably the best tool you have, digital or film, 
is the ability in a computer to stackimage upon image upon image.  even if 
you have say 2, 3 or 10 tech pan prints, the ability to scan each one in, 
align them and stack them is phenominal.

	But if you want an awesome print in B&W to hang ont he wall, what you can 
do with black & white traditional we darkroom, not to mentiont he current 
revial in old B&W techniques (IE - platinum & palladiumm printing, gum 
printing, and more), this is where B&W really stands out.

	You see, all yoru digital work is starting ot  - for lack of better words 
"look the same" 0-everything is perfect, and sometimes it si the errors 
that make things unique.  Example - a hand sewn quilt VS a machine sewn one 
with all perfect angles and measurements.

	so, for the area of science, I think digitla is the way to go, B&W or 
colour, but for art or asthtics, the traditonal B&W silver gelatin print,a 
nd other old methods have a deep, rich look to them that is hard ot 
reporduce on digital of any kkind.  I have seen some amazing digital work 
in B&W, but agian - it's all "perfect" - kinda like the Stepford Wives.
	
Good luck either way
joe



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