Apparatus and method of producing a halftone image reproduction of a continuous tone photograph. Scanning means is provided to scan the photograph to be reproduced along a series of scan lines. Incremental control parameters are provided in accordance with a reproduction ratio to define predetermined scan sample points for each scan line. Control means is provided for controlling the scanning means to produce successive sets of digital sharp and unsharp gray level data signals at the predetermined scan sample points proportional to the light reflected from successive concentric sharp and unsharp areas with the sharp area at each scan sample point corresponding to the general area of a predetermined portion of a halftone cell. The successive sets of digital sharp and unsharp gray level data signals are combined in accordance with a sharpness factor having a predetermined value in accordance with the original image being scanned to produce a succession of digital resultant gray level data signals which are processed into halftone digital data signals and applied to a photosensitive material to produce a halftone image reproduction of the continuous tone original photograph.