40x50 from 4x5

[Ron Stoecklein]

My question is-

If i wanted to go to a 40x50 print from a 4x5 transparency(let's assume that its a good transparency)--first off I am aware that my flatbed scanner will not take me there--is anyone familiar with a scanning service that has the reputation of outputting good work?

Reading the many posts on the forum it would seem like there are many who have been dissapointed by the results of the scans they have received by many of the service bureaus.

And the natural next question--a printing service also with a superior reputation for good work with large prints.

thanks
Ron

[Bruce Watson]

You're talking about a 10x enlargement. IMHO, at that level of enlargement you need a drum scan. Also, to dig the most information you can from the shadow areas of a tranny, you need a drum scan.

There are several list members here who drum scan for other photographers. You might want to consider Danny Burk. I've seen prints he's made from drum scanning his own film (tranny and negative) and can easily say that he does good work. There are undoubtedly others.

If you talk to Danny, ask him about printing. He was rumoring that he might start printing for others too eventually.

[Brian Vuillemenot]

West Coast Imaging

[Henry Ambrose]

Hi Ron,

Check out Chromatics in Nashville, TN
www.chromatics.com

[Ron Stoecklein]

Thanks Brian and Bruce, I was trying to think of West Coast Imaging as I had read Tony Dyinga's(sp) book awhile back and I believe he used them.

And then I went to Danny Burk's site--it's obvious the attention he pays to detail---

I am of the belief that I would not go wrong using either service.

And I thank you both for the information.

Ron

[Ron Stoecklein]

HMM sorry I believe the book was by Jack Dykinga.

Ron

[E_Aiken]

Ron, if you're in or near a big city, there may well be a place you can rent a station with an Imacon or the like. I've done prints of around that size (a bit smaller, but close) from Imacon scans on an Epson 9800 and they look great.

[Atul Mohidekar]

Calypso Imaging: http://www.calypsoinc.com/


// Atul

[claudiocambon]

Digital Fusion in Culver City (LA area). They actually use a Sci-tex, which is a flatbed, but no complaints on the scans and the enlargements. Nice people.

[scott_6029]

I would recommend a drum scan. Image Craft in phoenix or West Coast Imaging are who I have used in the past. Tempe Camera did a nice job as well. They use a flatbed, but flatbeds have gotten a lot better lately. Haven't done an exact comparison on flatbed vs. drum recently.