I am planning on getting a pro lab in the UK to drum scan (Fuji Celsis scanner) and print an image to 50"x40", or possibly bigger at a 60"x48", using their Lambda printer off a full-frame 5x4 B&W negative (Acros 100 film).
As a pure side comment, they allegedly use "true" black and white paper (both resin coated and fiber, the latter called Harman Galerie FB Digital) that they developed with Ilford / Harman for use on digital printers.
This will be the first digital print I've ever had made -- in the past, wet-prints to 24"x20" (from both large and medium format negatives) has been my limit.
I am trying to figure out what I should expect in terms of image quality? ...... as a reference, I am very happy with the resolution & grain-structure that I get from my medium format (6x7) film enlarged traditionally to 20"x24".
** Does the above 9x enlargment factor suggest that I would be likely equally content with a digital 50"x40" done off a sharp 5x4 negative? Also, under a 12x loup, the negative on a light-box seems pin-sharp.
** Would I likely see a material drop-off in resolution and increase in grain if I try and push this digital enlargement to 60"x48"? ie, where does 5x4 film likely start to "blow apart" (very subjective, i know, but i was wondering if there is a consensus in what people see as a maximum enlargement factor?).
I know that it's really a case of me biting the bullet and seeing if the image at a given size is really in line with my satisfaction, but any feedback is greatly appreciated (drum scans & big enlargements are not exactly the cheapest things to get done!)
Many thanks.
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