Maarja, Certainly the best way today is through scanning; either a high quality flatbed or direct digital capture with a scanning back. The choice of which depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the print, reflection problems, etc. In terms of printing, both Epson and HP offer inkjet technology that rivals traditional photographic methods, and in many cases is far more archival. Howard Brainen Digital Imaging Consultant TWO CAT DIGITAL INC. 14719 Catalina Street San Leandro, CA 94577 USA 510-940-2670 x201 www.twocatdigital.com/consulting.html blog: www.digitalenabler.blogspot.com -----Original Message----- From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maarja Krusten Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2006 9:59 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Question for photo experts (reproduction w/o negative) This is very basic question but not one which I've encountered before, at least not recently. I didn't readily find an answer in the List archives. What is the best means of reproducing good quality copies of an older 8x10 print which was shot with 35mm film but for which no negative was preserved? I know the best reproduction would be off of a negative, but if you only have the print, what method would you ask a photo expert to use to produce the best possible copy? Scanning? Or some other method? Years ago I had to have some copy negatives made, but I was wondering what you photo experts would consider the best method of reproduction nowadays. Thanks, and off list replies would be fine! Maarja A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]> A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>