Hi Percy
I have been making traditional prints since the early 70's and still do today, Since 2002 I have been making lambda digital fibre prints and as well inkjet prints from various sources.
Our lab decided to get out of the digi -tradi debate and try to output as many end prints as possible at our location and see for ourselves the differences.
I have over the last few years dedicated a rather large part of my time to the learning curve associated with digital capture and output. I willingly admit to the fact that I am still on a steep curve. We have had the luxury of doing direct comparisons of each process captured in many ways. In fact we are preparing a portfolio of work for the Silver conference that will include a rather large body of work in silver, done in digital and traditional workflows..
I have been working on this portfolio solidly for a few months now and what is obvious to me *subjective* is that the amount of work to make each series is somewhat the same. As well as I show the work to select clients the response is equally positive to the digital fibres as traditional fibres.
I too love the feel of traditional prints and in any given week I am working with the enlargers 2-3 days and now 2-3 days with the Lambda.
My eyes may be getting old , but I am having trouble seeing major differences if the original is captured by a competent artist, and the workflow to final print is managed well, the final result is a wonderful thing .
Both methods require a very competent approach to get excellent results and personally if the image at the end of the day is compelling to you , the tools used should be transparent and not of great importance.