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RE: [APML] Film: Begining of the End?
Hello Joseph,
Michael Reichmann in his latest video journal has an interview with
Stephen Johnson who uses a large format scanning back.
http://www.sjphoto.com/
If the game hinges on resolution, the large format scanning back wins
and we are all playing games with other formats. I would love to see
his gallery. But, as with all things, it is not that simple. First,
resolution for most is only one component of what makes a quality image.
I believe in astrophotography we have belabored the point of resolution
to the detriment of the other qualities of the image. I am sure the
specs vary, but I believe the scanning back that Stephen uses takes
around 1 minute to acquire the image. That certainly changes the
approach one would take to imaging. Another great point that you allude
to is that the only real way to see the quality of the image is to see
the print. I value Michael Reichmann's experience in these matters and
he has concluded that full frame CCD like the 1Ds is the virtual
equivalent of medium format film in resolution. I have a feeling that
Loke Tan can produce some very high quality prints in 16x20 from his
images taken from Chile with the new 35mm full frame CCD from SBIG.
Everyone has their standards as to what makes a good print as well.
That is why I stick with Reichmann as my main source of information
because I have seen his work and know his standards for quality. I
could go on with my rationale, but for me at this time, I have chosen to
image with medium format film. I find E200 to be remarkable with my
Traveler and I am hoping to give it a go with my new 130f6 soon. I also
like Provia 400 in certain spectral situations. I am hopeful for the
Konica Centuria 400. I believe there is much left to do with film. The
technologies aiding digital acquisition are also aiding film
enhancement. Let's not wring our hands over the demise of film. For
whatever reasons, we have decided to image with emulsion. Let's get out
there and make some great work. Clear skies to all!
Best regards,
Jeff Ball
www.astro-photography.com
-----Original Message-----
From: astro-photo-bounces@seds.org [mailto:astro-photo-bounces@seds.org]
On Behalf Of Joseph O'Neil
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 7:49 AM
To: jtw@galaxyphoto.com; Discussion of Film Astrophotography
Subject: Re: [APML] Film: Begining of the End?
>Because they are being shobish. You can't tell the difference
>between a good digital and a chrome image at the resolution they
>print in a book. Check these out....
>
>http://www.starvingphotographer.com/gallery.htm
-snip-
If memory serves me correctly, i beleive the images/pictures
you
see in most newspapers are no higher than 150 dpi (if that). At that
range, a 1.3 meagapixel camera image will look as good as a 4x5 Chrome.
However, and sadly most peopel ahve never seen a good, large
print, from a large format negative in either B&W or colour. and very
few
peopel have ever seen a true, large Cibachrome or even a dye transfer
print
- they are remarkable.
to give you an example - go here:
http://www.clydebutcher.com/
i've been to this gallery in person,a nd seen these prints
first
hand. I have seen some of his prints - 8x10 - and that is FEET, not
inches, and while this is extreme to be certian, once you get into even
a
16x20 (inch) print or larger, even I dare say an 11x14 (inch) print, the
larger film negative just blows away most images that started out
digital.
there are exceptions - for example, you can get a digital
scanning
back to fixt a 4x5 camera. I forget the cost, but i remember something
along the lines of having to get a second mortage if I ever wanted to
buy
one... :)
but if you ever get a chance to see some really fine art
photogrpahy in large prints, you will notice ti right away.
joe
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