Digital Negative Service - Imagesetter Film Output
I now own and operate an Avantra 44 and Avantra 30 imagesetter to output high-resolution film negatives for contact printing. If you’re an alternative process or silver printmaker, these digital negatives are fantastic for stability, calibration, and resolution.
How the service will work:
I use these negatives for my personal and commercial work, and will only batch the machine’s processor every 4-6 weeks. Before I batch the machines, I’ll send out an email to everyone who signs up to the mailing list below asking for files to be printed, you’ll be charged, and then once the film has been imaged, you’ll have the film rolled and shipped to your address on file.
FAQ:
What is an imagesetter?
It is an infrared laser film recorder that can produce accurate dots down to 7.5 microns.
Why is the film better than inkjet film?
It is silver film, so the densities are much more stable over long periods of time.
They’re more durable
They are halftone screened, so the calibration is much more consistent and easier to maintain.
What is a halftone screen?
Imagesetter film is either 100% clear or 100% dense, meaning that in your darkroom, you’re either printing 100% ink or no ink. This makes calibration much easier and much more stable.
Which halftone screen do you use?
I use the latest technology available - Kodak Staccato, which is a 2nd order FM screen.
Can I get different dot sizes?
Yes, I can offer 10, 20, 30, and 35 micron dots.
Can you provide punch-registered negatives?
Yes! My Avantras have a 5-hole Stouffer-style punch, so the negatives can come pre-punched and in-register.
Calibration Service:
Digital negatives and calibration can be an intimidating venture. If you’d like, I can do all the back-end work for you for a one-time fee of $125 per generated curve.
How it works
Based on your process, I will send you a step wedge that you will print in your darkroom. You will ensure that the recipe and exposure you print with does not change.
You send me back the printed step chart, I will run the curves for you. Then, all you need to do is send me a file, tell me which process you want to print with, and I will do all the work for you and just send you fully linearized film for you to print in the darkroom.
Color Profiling Service:
I work extensively with CMYK and extended gamut profiles - up to 16 color and tonal separations. I use the latest technology for color profiling. I can help you set up and profile your color processes. Because of the variability in complexity, this service is based on a quotation basis.