What is a Lightjet?

It is essentially a digital enlarger which makes laser output prints on traditional photographic papers processed with traditional photographic chemicals. This equipment was first introduced in 1995. Digital files are printed by RGB lasers exposing the photographic paper. The color saturation,sharpness, and gradients are superior in today’s market despite the arrival of other output devices, such as inkjets.

 

What are its output properties?

Lightjet is the highest resolution output device on the planet!  This has the optical resolution of 300 DPI.  However, with the effect of laser on photo-emulsion; it renders an apparent resolution of 4,000 DPI!  This end result is particularly visible when backlit, and you would agree that the quality is un-matched!

 

Advantages of the Lightjet Print

This is considered to be an output device for the photo purist and for precision detail reproduction prints, as well as museums looking for its archival properties.  Nothing competes with its sharp detail and long-life archival properites. It is a true continuous tone photographic print. The life expectancy of these color-based photographic prints are 30 years when laminated.  If kept in dark storage, the life expectancy is significantly longer yet.

The Lightjet can expose up to a 50” x 120” single panel photo print.  You can easily output multi-panel murals that are much larger by this method.

Because of the capital investment and comparable expenses, inkjets took over the display industry.  Lightjet enlargers are no longer manufactured.  Lightjet prints , however, continue to be actively produced.

Lightjet prints make excellent graphics for exhibitions and for archival permanence. They do remain a desirable and viable output options for photo purists and critical viewers alike!

photo credit: digilab