Need enlightenment on scanning film

[rongarrett]

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

[rongarrett]

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

[Axle]

You may want to read through this thread: List of film processors to use or to avoid

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.

[Xia_Ke]

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

[rongarrett]

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.