I've been using mpix.com to print my B&W photographs, the quality is decent but I mainly use them because it's so darn inexpensive, $2.50 for an 8x10 on Illford paper is hard to beat for photos that I throw into a box or a folder that don't get viewed very often.
I'm happy with the tones and the contrast, and even the paper. But it's the fine detail and sharpness that I really don't see in the prints! I've tried different down-sizing and sharpening methods, but nothing ever gets super sharp on the prints. So I've determined that for something nice and sharp with fine detail, I need to look elsewhere.
8x10 and 11x14 are my usual sizes. I'd rather keep price down as much as possible, but I realize that if I want a good print I'm going to have to pay for it. I don't mind that, since I have my 'decent photos' printed through mpix, and they are good enough. For my real good photos, I'd like to have them printed better.
I've been looking at a local lab (A&I) they have several different options for digital printing. B&W Fiber via Durst Lambada, Lightjet Digital Enlarger, Epson 9800 UltraChrome Inkjet/Giclée Printer, HP Indigo Digital, and so on. I don't really know what all those do, what would be best for what I'm looking for, sheer detail and crisp prints?
Any suggestions?
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