Abstract

Capturing and reproducing black and white images are common problems for high quality print reproduction. This study compared the monotone reproduction quality of the Kodak Photo CD Master technology to the standard methods currently being employed using high resolution scanners such as the Agfa Horizon Scanner and the Optronics ColorGetter II. The Kodak Photo CD Master and the Optronics ColorGetter II were used to scan the original 35mm black and white film negatives. The negatives selected represent the various tonal ranges encountered by professional photographers. High key and low key images were included in the selection since these are the extreme density range of negatives. The same six monotone images, obtained from a professional photographer, were scanned using either the negative or the "desired print." The flatbed scanners, the midrange Agfa Horizon and the low end Agfa StudioScan, captured the "desired print" as a digital file. The Optronics ColorGetter II, a drum scanner, and the Kodak Photo CD captured the monotone negative. This study determined whether the image captured by the Photo CD Master scanner could produce the image quality that is required by professional photographers. Currently, quality printing uses high end scanners to capture high resolutions and detail. Photo CD's are being implemented for archival storage of dig ital images. Traditional methods of scanning were also investigated to determine whether it is possible to digitally reproduce a monotone desired print accurately to satisfy a professional photographer. Digital duplication of the "desired print", with its darkroom manipulation, would be a significant achievement for the photographer. In using a digital format a photographer would be able to store and recall the information and exactly duplicate a print without spending additional time cus tom printing. Adobe Photoshop 2.5.1 was used to globally and locally control the negative to reproduce the photographer's intent. A comparison was made between the "desired print" and the results obtained through the digital capture, manipulation, storage and printing of the image. Each digital image captured by the four scanners was printed on four different printers. The four printers used in this study are: The Canon Laser Copier 500 Color Electrophotographic Laser The Hewlett Packard LaserJet, monochrome electrophotographic laser The 3M Rainbow Dye Sublimation The Epson Stylus InkJet This thesis questions whether the digital darkroom can replace the professional photographer's wet darkroom through the use of scanners, computers, software and desktop printers. It determines which method is best for capturing and reproducing the professional photographer's images. An evaluation of the final digital prints is made by a professional photographer.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Photo CD technology; Photography--Digital techniques; Images, Photographic--Digital techniques; Scanning systems

Publication Date

5-1-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Print Media (CIAS)

Advisor

Cost, Frank

Advisor/Committee Member

Butler, Owen

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TR502.H544 1996

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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