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Thread: Is scanning more like a diffusion or condenser enlarger?

  1. #1

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    Is scanning more like a diffusion or condenser enlarger?

    In other words, I've seen instructions for developing negatives with separate times for the different enlargers, but which should I favor if I'm only going to be scanning the negative...? Diffusion or condenser?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Resident Heretic Bruce Watson's Avatar
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    Re: Is scanning more like a diffusion or condenser enlarger?

    Typically, less density is better for scanning.

    Bruce Watson

  3. #3

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    Re: Is scanning more like a diffusion or condenser enlarger?

    Different scanners use a different light sources.

    Many of the flatbeds I have seen, use a diffuse light source.

  4. #4

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    Re: Is scanning more like a diffusion or condenser enlarger?

    So. less density is better and many flatbeds use a diffuse light source. Seems backwards when compared to traditional projection printing in the darkroom, but that's been my experience, too. Perhaps the two processes are not really comparable, which raises the question of what kind of negative to shoot and process if one plans to print both ways.
    juan

  5. #5
    Resident Heretic Bruce Watson's Avatar
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    Re: Is scanning more like a diffusion or condenser enlarger?

    Quote Originally Posted by j.e.simmons View Post
    ...which raises the question of what kind of negative to shoot and process if one plans to print both ways.
    If you are ever going to print by projection in the darkroom, optimize the negative for your darkroom work. Only optimize for scanning if you are sure you'll never use the negative in the darkroom.

    Bruce Watson

  6. #6
    Ted Harris's Avatar
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    Re: Is scanning more like a diffusion or condenser enlarger?

    I agree with Bruce. It is a lot easier to adjust your scanning parameters. OTOH, if you shoot more than one negative (e.g. N,N+1 and N-1) then you should have the right negativges for both processes.

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