Yes, this is quite the stupid debate but it seems to be raging as strong as yesterday’s argument about which was sharper or more archival, digital or traditional. So buckle your seat belt and prepare to have your opinions challenged as I give you the correct answer…consider it my gift for the holiday season!
stephen schaub
Scanner Resolution and Real World Numbers
Master Printer and Hybrid Artist Stephen Schaub explores many of the myths surrounding scanning film, both negatives and transparencies. How much resolution is really necessary? Oil vs dry mounts scans? 8bit vs 16bit and more. This informative audioblog provides a great general understanding regarding the process of scanning and it also provides tips and starting points for making YOUR best scan.
"It" Takes Great Pictures
It? Who- or what- is this “It” anyway?
How many times have you said this: :”Yeah, It takes great photos“? But what does this really say about our relationship to our technology?
You are the photographer- right?…the camera is just a tool. Some of the best works ever made were made with not-so-great cameras, and, as we all know, give a camera to a good photographer, ANY camera and they can produce good work. Give a camera to an inept photographer- even the BEST-MOST-AMAZING camera- and can you reliably expect phenomenal results? Not so much.
The upshot? It ain’t the camera stupid.
Sure, the Photo Industrial Complex loves it when photographers pile on all praise and gratitude to them, ie: their products. And YES, there are some really good lenses and camera systems made that can enable you to get a shot or explore possibilities not possible with other equipment, but it is worth remembering that these tools are useless in the hands of an idiot… and yet marvelous in hands of a talented artists. The gear- or IT- is just a tool.
So the next time you are about to give credit for your vision, talent and hard work to the Photo Industrial Complex/your camera manufacturer- remember that, actually, you deserve the credit… after all, they already got their reward when they swiped your credit card.
The Open System
There’s lots of talk today online and in print about open camera system architecture…that is to say, a camera system that will accept different camera backs (medium and large format) and perhaps even lenses made by different manufacturers (see new Zeiss and Voigtlander offering for Nikon).
Very Cul!
Hasselblad of course screwed up this warm group hug and collective back rubbing with the introduction of the H3 which is a closed system (read: they want all your money) – definitely a lame move on their part.
The best (most flexible and cost effective) open system to date is: analog FILM married to a good scanner. Lots of options with a minimal investment and proven, time-tested technology to boot.
The best- or at least coolest- digital open system so far?…consider the Hy6 (you know, if you have $30,000.00+ just kicking around)!
I, for one, will stick with the film option.
Figital Revolution 