Re[2]: [Leica] SCALA, etc.

[Peterson_Art@hq.navsea.navy.mil]

     David,
     
     Many years ago in school I had some experience developing and printing 
     my own pictures, and so I can understand and agree with the points you 
     make (below).  But as one who can now afford neither the equipment nor 
     even the space for a darkroom, I would like to ask you, and any other 
     LUG member who may wish to offer advice, how a photographer like Henri 
     Cartier-Bresson (who I've heard did not do any darkroom work) achieved 
     the magnificent prints that he did.
     
     Thanks in advance for any suggestions,
     
     Art Peterson
     

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: [Leica] SCALA, etc.
Author:  leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us at Internet
Date:    3/24/98 8:41 AM

     
This is not about cost or chemistry. You must do a lot of printing to get 
back your cost of the operation. Unless you are a pro and providing a lot 
of prints it won't figure out. The chemistry really isn't so bad unless you 
want to make it so. The real reason for a darkroom is the control and the 
quality of the finished product. 
     
When I was a pro I did send out the normal print making chores and everyone 
was quite happy. But, when I wanted it done just right or for display,  I 
did it myself. 
     
You will find very few people who share your vision. Things come back from 
the lab and they are OK but not quite what you had in mind. The cropping, 
tone, contrast etc. is just not there. When you do your own lab work you 
extend your vision to the end product where it counts. 
     
Tina made a comment yesterday about spending time in the darkroom and I'm 
sure there are a number of people on the LUG who can put this down in 
better terms but the bottom line is that the darkroom work is the other 
part of the equation that makes it whole. 
     
At one time there was a rental darkroom operation in Seattle. It might be 
worthwhile to check it out once or twice. We just moved and I hope to have 
my lab up and running before the summer is done. By all means come on up at 
that time and get your hands wet.
     
Cheers,
David Medley
Whidbey Is.   WA
USA
dmedley@whidbey.net