There are a number of ways to create archival digital images based on classic film technology. 

The Standard Process: 

1.  The first step is scanning a conventional negative.   I use an Epson 2450 flatbed scanner for my 4X5 negatives and a Nikon 8000 film scanner at 4000dpi for 120 or 35mm.  A film scanner will always do a better job than a flatbed, however they are far more expensive.  It is also important to use good scanning software.  My preference in Vuescan, a very inexpensive shareware product. 

2.  The second step is to optimize the image using a picture editor.  Everyone I know uses a different workflow.  I use the following process with Photoshop CS.  I update the process continually as I learn new methods.  Photoshop CS is expensive and requires a steep learning curve.  Fortunately there are other software image editors such as Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Pro or Picture Window Pro.  Of these, Picture Window Pro is highly recommended.

   a.  First use "Levels" to adjust the highlights and shadows.  

   b.  "Curves" can then be used to create a slight "s" curve for increased contrast.

   c.  Next any dust and scratches must be removed from the image with a tool such as the  Healing Brush (at 100% size).

   d.  Other adjustments can now be made as needed:  Rotation, Perspective, Saturation, etc.

   e.  To correct any local problems, Adjustment Layers are used at this time.

   f.  Now save as a "Master" Copy as either a TIFF or PSD file.  This is done prior to sharpening because sharpening is size dependent. 

   g.  Next flatten the image.

    h.  Resize as needed

    i.   Sharpen on a copy of the background (I use the FocalBlade Sharpener plug-in)

3. The third major step is to print the image using a photo printer such as the Epson 2200 on archival paper.

4.  Mounting of the image on archival matt board is important for image preservation.

5.  Framing is the final step.

"Black Only" images

This process uses only the black cartridge of the printer.  It was perfected by Clayton Jones who describes it on his web site:   

    http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm for the articles.

    http://www.cjcom.net to see some of his photos.

"QuadTone Archival Print" images

To make QuadTone images I use a RIP (Raster Image Processor) called QuadtoneRIP developed by Roy Harrington which uses a subset of   the Epson 2200 pens to control print contrast and produce neutral prints.  I also use only archival materials.

    http://www.harrington.com/QuadTonePC.html  (The RIP is $50 shareware)

    http://www.sbillard.org   (This site includes a a free user interface for the QuadTone RIP.)   Since 1/2005 this user interace is included in the previous link/download.

Digital Negatives

Another interesting process is digital negatives. These are negatives created on a digital printer and then contact printed in the darkroom.  This process was perfected by Dan Burkholder and is described in his book "Making Digital Negatives for Contact Printing" and on his web site:    http://www.danburkholder.com

Epson C86 Printer with MIS EZ UltraTone Inks

This is an alternate process that has been used very successfully for prints up to 8 1/2 X11.   It is described in the following website:   http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/C86-EZ-UT-Readme.htm .