Need enlightenment on scanning film

I am searching for a pro lab to develop my 120 film and scan it so I can do the printing. I sent an e-mqail asking for 4000 dpi as I have read of that figure being possible. I received the reply that stated they do scans at 300 dpi at 10 X 10 inches. Not being educated in scanning I must ask those that are. Is this a good figure? I often print at 400 dpi in my studio. It just seems that the 300 dpi figure seems a little weak?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks, Ron

Is this thread in the wrong place? My current print software warns me if my selected photo is less than 220 dpi?

You may want to read through this thread: http://forums.photographyreview.com/...ad.php?t=44960

It's a list of developers to user/avoid. One of them should be able to assist you. I;d give a name, but I'm in Canada...not the US.

Hi Ron, they probably mean they will scan the negative to print at a resolution of 300dpi which is generally the standard "photo quality". Here's the math on the scan quality:

10x10 = 3,000 x 3,000 pixels at 300dpi
6x6 neg = 2.25 x 2.25 inches
3,000/2.25 = 1333.33dpi scan resolution

Thanks aaron, I couldn't pry that info out of the labs. Guess they thought I should have known that? Still, that sounds like kinda low resolution, especially for medium format? Unless I change my mind quickly, I will be ordering a V700 scanner tomorrow. that will allow me to scan at 6400 dpi.

I have some awsome software that performs unlimited up rezing. Can cover a wall with image if I can find a printer that big, with no image quality loss, but I prefer to start with the sharpest image I can manage. I print landscape images mostly on 17 X 22. Landscape needs to pop, resolution plays a significient part of that. Just my opinion.

Let us know how the large format goes. Knowing me, I will prolly be going that route sooner or later. It will be nice to rely on someone that has already solved many of the problems encountered. I know a goood idea when I steal it.