Jon
Though not a bad test, I still think you need to ask Metro for a mag strip test.
There are lots of variables at this point.
1. What paper did you use? Metro will be using a Gallerie 4 nuetral paper.
2. What Dev did you use?
3. Flare factor from the Enlarger Kit to that magnification
4. Type of scanner , and operator. Is Metro scanning?
5. PS workflow , who is doing this, Metro or someone else?
I am not trying to throw a wrench into the works but most Hi End Scanner operators will tell you that scanning is where crunch time happens.
Most Hi End PS workers will tell you a lot can happen good/bad at this stage.
My advice is to approach Metro with your project and work with them as much as you can through the process, and the resulting print will be model for future prints with them.
There are so many variables that they are experts on and can guide you through the scanning , PS requirements if you decide to handle this side yourself.
To answer your question regarding if the look should be the same. YES.
but if any short cuts or needless PS work is done to the file. NO
I started making fibre prints off a lambda in 2002 ( I used Agfa Classic) then switched to Harmon Gallerie when Agfa went under.
My lab is quite small and we do all our wet end in Trays rather than processors unlike most of the other labs.( We do a lot of post toning/washing to our prints and are blessed in Canada with lots of space , and reasonable rent to do this.
Therefore my experience is slightly different than the others whereas they may be running one roll a day , I would be lucky if I run one roll a month.
As well there is a human part of the process which unfortunately , is not as accurate as a processor machine therefore not as predictable and we are not able to pump out exact reproductions , like our inkjet or fuji lambda prints can.
Metro's experience will be vast , and I am sure there are operators on board who have made thousand's of these prints and can see any pitfalls with your files.
We are not far from Digital Enlargers becoming price sensitive to do this work, being placed in schools and this process really getting a workout.
For myself , I find it a very beautiful process and really compliments our Enlarger Prints, but the road to getting the best workflow can be daunting .
Bob
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