We went for a drive in the country on Sunday, and I shot some pictures with the digital*ist. Got what I thought were a few nice pictures, though basically just snapshots. Massaged them a bit in Photoshop, contrast and sharpening mostly, and took them to work today for printing. The largest I can go on the new digital printer is 12x18 inches, so I printed a few full res files at that size. In most respects, I am pretty impressed. The amount of "grain" showing is about the same as I would expect from a good 6x7 negative. The amount of fine detail I can see is similar to what I would expect from a good 35mm negative.
So, will the thing replace 35mm film? Sure, I think so, except for wide angle work or if a piece of film is needed for some reason. Will it replace medium format? Tough call. On the surface, the image quality is very similar, but when you look close, it just doesn't quite cut it. I can see why the local commercial and wedding guys are all gaga over their 6mp Canons though. The quality is certainly fine for most applications in the pro arena. I may well be selling off my 6x7 gear though, I might have a hard time justifying keeping it. What about large format? Not a chance. While the print is quite smooth at 12x18, it is not as smooth as 4x5, which is still seamless at this magnification, and the fine detail just isn't there like it is with 4x5. So, the Tachihara is safe for now, and it looks like I will be setting up another wet darkroom after this is all done. I don't know if I will be setting up two enlargers though, or just the 4x5. William Robb
