Not a bug but a problem

if i connect an image component into the source on two different set alphas and i connect something else, say a threshold (it really doesnt matter what here so much), and i plug the threshold into the new alpha of each set alpha, and then i invert alpha on the 2nd alpha comonent and then plug both set alphas into a blend component, i originally thought that it would produce the original image back.

however, this isnt the case, and rightfully so. and that's not the real problem yet. how do either of the set alphas so that the alpha channel part gets filled in with complete opacity by whatever else i input into the blend, but leaves the alpha mask there without fading it or having to do a blend mode on it?

ok, let me make this simpler. image component plugged into a set alpha on the source node. image node plugged into the source on a threshold. the threshold plugged into the set alpha as new alpha. and that all gives me a color alpha mask (if the source image was in color). now, how do i get the full opacity of the set alpha component output to merge with another image but leave NO opacity gaps (semi-transparents) with the thing i'm merging to?

how do i merge a set alpha with a color mask into another component so that there are no semi-transparents pixels from the set alpha, yet all of the value of the set alpha overlaying the other components values? if i just use a blend, that's a 50/50 blend of both components varied by the opacity slider. but if i move the slider all the way in favor of the other component's values, then none of the set alpha values show up, but if i move the slider the other way, i end up with semi-transparent pixels? i want to blend the values of the set alpha on top of a fully opaque image. and blend modes in a blend component wont do this.

i could take the image back to psp as a tiff with channels, but it just seems like i shld be able to do this in FF itself.

and while i'm at it, maybe this would do it, how do i change an alpha channel into a solid image, no longer an alpha? if i could that instead of the above, i could then use the blend component to merge things.

i thought maybe i could use a get alpha, but havent had much luck there either.

and why does a get alpha following a set alpha not return the value of the set alpha? it seems to ignore the set alpha and take the values of the component before the set alpha?

Glad you figured this out so I don't have to type this myself

Quote
ok, kidding aside, the worst thing is, vlad, this is going to get worse before it gets better. as more and more new folks show up in the forums and use FF, you're going to get more and more repetitive questions... 'how do i ???', where '???' has already been asked 17 times and answered.

Usually if I see a question I think I know the answer to, I'll try to answer. I've noticed others here seem to like helping out too. So hopefully that can help alleviate some of the burden.
(In any case I definitely can relate to not understanding "simple" things -- and appreciate any help when it comes.)

yes, it has been a while now. i finally came around on the .8bf idea and even have promoted how it wouldnt work that well, myself.

and yes, it was probably doug that first posted on retouchpro, and who was then probably the first of our group to come here. but it's probably me who is the biggest fan of FF now on retouchpro. i still love this program and use it most every day. in fact, i just posted an image i did with FF over there today... and yesterday...and probably the day before