scanning contact prints from 4x5 negs or transparencies

[Ivan]

Has anyone used a flatbed to scan contact prints from 4x5 negs?
I've viewed the comparison test between the two Epsons and the Cannon
flatbed where the negative was actually scanned. I am surprised by both the
quality of the scans for a flatbed and especially the remarkable edge the
Epson 4870 showed, especially after reading endless posts on the dismal
quality of negative scans on a flatbeds. But I'm wondering where the
quality level would be if one scanned a contact print from the same 4x5 or
5x7 negative or transparency. Is anyone doing this? Is this viable? Is
this a reasonable work flow?

I'm asking this because I believe the large format will fill the
requirements I have. I used to enjoy chemical darkroom work, but I LOVE
digital darkroom work even though my experience with it is minimal so far.
I'd rather invest in software and a comfortable chair than a chemical
darkroom. However I would be happy to commit to the smaller space I would
need to just develop and make contact prints.

So I'm wondering if the following workflow is reasonable and common:
1)Expose the large format film
2)Develop the negative myself
3)Expose and develop a contact print
4)Scan contact print with a good flatbed ( how good?? )
5)Edit with PhotShop and save to a file
6)Print proofs on an inkjet
7)Send file to a lab for an iris / chemical enlargement

I know it's a long roundabout workflow, but like most people I can't afford
a digital back for my RB67 and especially for a large format cam.

thanks, Ivan

 

[-]

So I'm wondering if the following workflow is reasonable and common:

1)Expose the large format film
2)Develop the negative myself
3)Expose and develop a contact print
4)Scan contact print with a good flatbed ( how good?? )

At step two, in my opinion you would want to just scan the negative, adjust
in Photoshop, proof print and then do final output. There are so many good
printers available for the home users that you may not even need to go to a
pro printer. Skip printing and scanning a contact print, there most likely
will be more and better "data" in the negative itself.

My $.02,
Doug