Correct digital conversion.

[wirefiddler]

Hi all. I have had a brief search around this forum for information on effective conversion of colour digital images to B & W. I have a couple of frames that I think would look really good in mono so, after seeing an article in AP about Ilford's printing service I duly converted the frames to mono in preparation for sending them of for processing. However, on the Ilford literature it states that a simple conversion from colour to mono will not produce desirable results. I am now wondering what is the best way to convert an image to mono for printing? I do not have Photoshop only Paint shop Pro 7. Although I am currently trialling Nikon's Capture NX 2.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

[beejaybee]

Welcome to the forum!

I have a couple of frames that I think would look really good in mono so, after seeing an article in AP about Ilford's printing service I duly converted the frames to mono in preparation for sending them of for processing. However, on the Ilford literature it states that a simple conversion from colour to mono will not produce desirable results.

Do the results of your conversion look OK to you? If so, go ahead....

Can't think of what Ilford are talking about.

Basically all you can do by way of altering the conversion are:

- altering the proportions of R, G + B mixed to form the mono image (this is effectively the same as shhoting mono with coloured filters)

- changing brightness, contrast and gamma

You can see the effects of this just as easily as a commercial processor's equipment.

[LargeFormat]

I'd guess that Ilford is addressing itself to basic point and shooters who might cope with a straight conversion to mono but might not be familiar with the other tweeks that BJB refers to. In particular contrast migh benefit from being turned up.

[Fen]

Oh, and make sure your monitor is correctly profiled.

What may look like a perfect B&W image on the screen may not look like that on the print if you're not profiled.

[wirefiddler]

Thanks for all the advice. Have been playing around with different settings and think I have the correct look. Will try it and see. Unfortunately I do not have any means of calibrating my display as I am on a slim budget and have other things that need paying for first.

Thanks again.

[Monobod]

Thanks for all the advice. Have been playing around with different settings and think I have the correct look. Will try it and see. Unfortunately I do not have any means of calibrating my display as I am on a slim budget and have other things that need paying for first.

Thanks again.

You may be able to join a club and borrow or rent a monitor profiler. Also you would get help with your mono conversions. Support your club and they will support you!