Exposure and scanning and contacts

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Paul Sanders
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Exposure and scanning and contacts

Post by Paul Sanders » Sat Dec 02, 2006 10:02 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Ok, here's a stupid question.

I have just developed a couple of black and white negs and the one which has the best contrast range - ie the one which I think is better exposed appears to give a scan with burnt out sky but better detail in the main body of the image - and the one which is underexposed by 11/2 stops looks lovely on the scan. Can someone tell me why the correct exposure scans worst?

Or perhaps it is the two glasses of wine I have had tonight? :?

sandeha
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Post by sandeha » Sun Dec 03, 2006 1:56 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Can someone tell me why the correct exposure scans worst?
Because it was only the correct exposure in terms of darkroom workflow, maybe? There was something on the http://www.luminous-landscape.com/ website some long while ago (I forget which article) on the topic of exposing for the scanner. But I wonder also what variations there might be in selecting your scan area - include or exclude the black border and the tonal range will change. I have an Epson 3200 and have to take great care over the selection.

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