Digital negatives for alternative process

[AigBlender]

Hi to all, I open this thread to ask you what is (in your opinion) the good procedure to obtain digital negatives (curve bulding) for my alternative process; that takes into account the type of paper, the formula and other variables (e.g. the UV source).

There are a lot of resources on the web, someone use Quad Tone RIP and other expensive software that complement the functions of it, and it is also necessary the expensive book Digital Negatives with QuadToneRIP.

Also the book is written using Mac, I use Windows 7.

I found another source where is necessary buy an e-book and a step tablet, but there is also the version for Windows.

Many books available on the web complete the educational offer.

I watched also some free videos on Youtube, where someone explain how to use Quad Tone RIP and the software listed above, but I think that is not easy (put in consideration that I’m Italian and my English is not very well) follow the istructions.

I don't want to waste money and no get results.

I am very confused.

Based on your experience, what is the best way to get good digital negatives (also in private message) ?

Thank you in advance

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I use the free chartthrob download to generate a curve, and QTR to print the negatives.

 

[Alan9940]

Since you don't say which alternative processes you wish to pursue, I will answer based on my own experience over many years of pt/pd printing. As for crafting the digital negative, you have the option of going really simple using a step tablet to fabricate your own curve (read here lots of trial and error, work, and expense) to using software and inks specifically dedicated for digital negatives like PiezoDN. If you're planning on doing pt/pd printing, a really helpful place to start is at Bostick & Sullivan here: https://www.photo-historica.com/digitalnegatives. There procedure requires an Epson printer, but it uses OEM inks and they provide the adjustment curve. For a more elegant solution, you might want to take a look at Richard Boutwell's software over on bwmastery.com. I will forewarn you, though, that his Windows digital negative product can be glitchy. There are many options and info out there, but it will take some time to get something working for you.

Good luck!

 

[nmp]

Do you already have a printer? Which one?

:Niranjan.

 

[freecitizen]

Agree. Chartthrob and QTR works for any of the alt processes.

If you don't have an Epson, Chartthrob gets you good results with any good photo printer …. eg Canon ProGraf1000.

 

[AigBlender]

Hi to all, and thank you for your answers, I want to produce digital negatives for paper salted and I have an Epson Stylus Pro 3800.

I surfed the Bostick & Sullivan URL with a lot of good instructions, but the curve is generic, not for a specific type of paper and formula.

Is interesting also the combination of QTR and Chart Throb, but where I find the instructions ?

I found also www.precisiondigitalnegatives.com/j2store.html where after buy all the components (145$ - Windows) I should obtain what I want (!?).

 

[DMJ]

Look at this too:

http://www.easydigitalnegatives.com/absolute-beginner/

 

[nmp]

Hi to all, and thank you for your answers, I want to produce digital negatives for paper salted and I have an Epson Stylus Pro 3800.

I surfed the Bostick & Sullivan URL with a lot of good instructions, but the curve is generic, not for a specific type of paper and formula.

Is interesting also the combination of QTR and Chart Throb, but where I find the instructions ?

I found also www.precisiondigitalnegatives.com/j2store.html where after buy all the components (145$ - Windows) I should obtain what I want (!?).

In my opinion, you do not need to spend money to make a decent digital negative. Nor do you have to use sophisticated tools like QTR etc in order to get a reasonable approximation for your salt prints. But if that's what you rather do than trying to figure out each steps by yourself, by all means go for it. I suspect regardless of the method used, paid or free, there will be a hearty learning curve involved.

You can learn the basics of the process, step by step (all manual) from this old write-up (by Christina Anderson and Ron Reeder) that should be applicable to your printer (I am not sure if they have used an Apple or a PC, but either should be close.)

https://www.alternativephotography.com/digital-negatives/

ChartThrob automates the curve-making process in Photoshop so you don't have to do the number crunching yourself. Here is the link for software download as well as instructions:

http://www.botzilla.com/gearhead/2006/10/24/ChartThrob-A-Tool-for-Printing-Digital-Negatives.html

I think your 3800 black ink density should be adequate for salt prints and if I understand it correctly, you can dial in higher ink deposition within the Epson driver (as explained in the first link) so there will not be a need for "colorized" negative - which is an another level of complication that you can avoid if unnecessary, at least at the first level attempt.

Good luck and if there is a sticking point or two anywhere, you can always ask specific questions here.

:Niranjan.

 

[fgorga]

I surfed the Bostick & Sullivan URL with a lot of good instructions, but the curve is generic, not for a specific type of paper and formula.

/QUOTE]

Have you tried a generic curve? These are usually good starting points.... much better than starting with a linear relationship. Making curves is an iterative process. Start with a generic curve and see how it prints out. Modify it and print it again. Repeat until YOU are satisfied with the results. There is really no other way to do this.

Remember, there is no such thing as an objective perfect curve. The curve is simply a tool to match the process to your vision.

 

[ced]

Check these steps out: