Sorry - there is no category on this forum for large format slide projectors...
A few experiments over this last year with DR5 have produced some really amazing range and tonal qualities using 8x10 black and white film processed as a positive. While I have just sent a few tests, I can see that the slides from DR5 surpass anything that a scanner can scan or a piece of paper can hold. I want to do a photo essay in DR5 for its buttery smooth mid tones and deep shadow details... but somehow, there has to be a way to share the view of the slide on a larger scale. While the photos I shot for DR5 tests have been nothing to write home about, the tone and range simply floor me - it's an amazing process. Of course, I never used Scala - but it's the same concept. In particular, my upcoming project will match perfectly with the Van Dyke Brown tonal feel of HP5 processed in DR's #2 developer.
Part of my essay will have a series of backlit panels, masked, with original size slides suspended as part of a walk-through exhibit.
But I want a way to project some of the 8x10 slides using modern optics and I don't mind building a projector and carrier system to get it done. I think that a nice 8x10 foot projected image, changing every few moments would do the trick even if it takes two or three rigs to do the trick. At least then people could see what's in the 8x10 film image and experience its luminous qualities. Sure - scanning and then projecting, or using perhaps 120 film in DR5 would work fine, but I wish to use 8x10 for this project because it is the unaltered piece of film that was in the camera at the time of exposure. I also want the dynamic range that the film itself has without any digital intervention, banding or artifacts whatsoever.
I want one part of the exhibit to be personal and up-close, but then have a larger area that is more immersive, with some huge but pristine B&W images.
Has anyone here built or found a modern 8x10 projection system? Got any ideas as to which lenses could handle the job without killing my pocket book too badly? I wonder if heat absorbing glass and perhaps an active cooling system would allow at least 20 seconds display of an image?
I'm planning this project, and I may need to apply for a grant to assist me in creating the show. I don't have any of the images yet, so there is plenty of time - I'll be shooting this project in the upcoming fall through spring. But my proposal needs to have the whole thing worked out in advance somewhat.
Any thoughts appreciated.
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