Lightjet vs traditional enlarger?

[kminov]

I am all too new at this printing stuff, so, If any of you guys have used both, is there any difference in terms of detail and tonal range? Which would be better? Of course, assuming same paper and drum scans for the lightjet.

 

[L Gebhardt]

A lot will depend on what resolution the LightJet is run at. The paper based units can run at 200, 305 and 406 ppi (don't go with the lower resolution, IMO). The enlarged negative will have more detail than the same negative scanned and printed on a LightJet. However the LightJet print may look sharper, since you can apply sharpening to the digital file. I like unsharped prints with more detail, as I think they look more natural. As far as tonality, I think they are both about the same, assuming a good scan.

I have a film based LightJet which runs at 2016ppi, and the sharpness and detail you can get on paper (up to 11x14) are amazing. So if ultimate sharpness and detail are need I think this option is the best I have seen. Of course it's not running now, and my enlarger is.

You should also compare the Chromira. It uses leds instead of lasers, but I think for normal prints it is a bit sharper. Both are continuous tone units.

Having said all that, I am gradually finding I like my color work output on my inkjet better. And this is simply because of the choice in papers. All the RA4 based options (LightJet, Chromira, enlarger) print on RC papers. With inkjet there are now some really nice papers that look and feel like the B&W fiber based prints I make in the darkroom, which are my favorite.

All of what I have said is for color work only. For black and white, stick with the enlarger and FB paper, IMO.

 

[Bob Carnie]

I own a lambda which is a laser continuous tone printer and as well enlargers, with proper workflow on each unit you will be hard pressed to tell the difference , looking at a 30 x 40 print.

Both are good options for making prints

 

[donbga]

I own a lambda which is a laser continuous tone printer and as well enlargers, with proper workflow on each unit you will be hard pressed to tell the difference , looking at a 30 x 40 print.

Both are good options for making prints

But how do you dodge and burn? And do split filtered printing with the Lambda?

 

[Bob Carnie]

PS

 

[donbga]

PS

Hehehe!

 

[kminov]

lightjet might just come cheaper, since there'd be less trial and error for me at least. besides you have cmd/ctr+z, which is nonexistent with the enlarger

 

[L Gebhardt]

Also I think all the Fuji and Kodak paper lines have reduced down to one contrast grade. This makes it harder to print if your negative doesn't fit well on that paper. I generally find that even with Portra or Fuji 160S film I have too much contrast for the standard Crystal Archive or Endura paper.