With much respect to those posting to this thread who clearly dwarf my cursory grasp of the factors, if I can even call it that; I think we've gotten sidetracked. The purpose of my post was to compare the *useful* resolution ("useful" in function of "output") of a capture made using a professional D-SLR (Canon 5D & 85mm/1.8) to one made on a Bronica SQ-A using any one of their PS-series (pro) lenses. This, in order to gain perspective on the *practical and applied* elements in play as well as much-needed practical direction.
To simplify things (keeping with "apples to apples") lets consider the following parameters:
I am an *amateur* photographer with *average* experience and technical skill, trying to decide on an image capture method. I shoot exclusively fine-art portraiture in black & white for traditional output to (digital negatives) silver-gelatin, alt-processes (ambrotypes/tintypes & liquid light on canvas & wall murals) and some, albeit very minor, inkjet prints. Output size ranges from 8x10 to 16x20 and my printer of choice (or availability) is the Epson 3800. I can scan my negs on the Nikon 9000 ED (some of you may have read my post bragging about the deal I got on this scanner last week!).
I have no natural talent for photography with at best, average aptitude. My pursuit of a hybrid workflow stems from a love of images while recognizing my own inability to achieve the desired results using an all-traditional route. I've shot hundreds of rolls over the last decade with little to show for it (at least by my standards - I don't believe I'm being modest), having had a heck of a time testing film-to-paper, understanding scene contrast, effective printing (or lack thereof) and the like. I'm just not a quantitative thinker by nature, or at the very least not in the photo-technical sense, but am I learning.
In approaching the question of which medium to use, I'm concerned with image sharpness, tonal range, ease of use and of course, cost. Cost being a one-time bullet, isn't really the determining factor (I am of course referring to the acquisition of a DSLR and NOT a drum scanner!).
Next, ease of use. A few years back I toyed with a Nikon D1x. I took my best images ever with that camera, don't ask me why. The ability to see the image as it was captured coupled with elimination of film development seemed to reduce some of the variables. Add an Olympus P400 dye-sub printer to the equation and you get vibrant colors (it sucked for b/w prints) smooth, flowing tones and a sharpness not to be had from traditional enlargement (in my experience). A digital camera is certainly easier to use then a traditional film camera in this regard. However, in film's defense, I will say that not seeing you image and having to develop film aren't really obstacles. After all, one can hone capturing skills and film development is just a matter of testing (for the desired output medium). Still, having to scan your films or print contact sheets is a lousy substitute for Aperture 1.5 or Adobe Lightroom. I'll cut it short here before I go on yet another ramble!
Finally, sharpness & tonal range (in function of output medium & size) and on that note I'll return the discussion to the floor, having refocused the thread and seeing as I have little to put forth. The parameters have been set forth, objectivity should be assured. One final request - please try to keep information pertinent to the process & equipment outlined in this post. On the subject of "useful resolution", statements made about film should be presented in comparison to digital captures possible on the 5D. As always, in practical function of intended output as I have outlined in this post.
One final note - as descriptions only go so far, I've posted 2 reference prints. The first is an straight scan made with the LS9000, the second is an edited version printed as a positive on OHP white film (very high tonal fidelity). At my current level of proficiency, the edited version is something I would consider an "acceptable" print.
Here's the
EDITED IMAGE
Here's the (low-res)
ORIGINAL SCAN
This is one thread I'll be keeping an eye on.
