Digital BW, The Print

Hello Harry,

> I plan to print glossy 8x10s, probably Epson gloss or semi gloss.  I want to replicate as far as possible the original pictures.  As I'm a kind of "out of the box" kind of guy, I been thinking of the Epson 2400 to print them.  I'm an amateur so I won't be selling any but I may give a few away and certainly plan to scatter a few around my house so some permanence is desirable.  I don't need 100+ years as I'm 79. <g>  Also, I don't want to fool with MIS or Cone inks and I'm wary of RIPs/curves.  I have both an IMac and a PC and I've fooled around with Elements simple stuff a little.  Will the 2400 suit my needs?  Is there a better choice?  And what about paper?  Do you think the Epson stuff (or Ilford GFS) will meet my wants?  Thanks for any help, I both need and appreciate it.  
>>>>

The 2400 is an excellent printer for the glossy papers (be sure to use the Photo Black, not the Matte Black).  The K3 inks really work well on these papers.


>and I'm wary of RIPs/curves...

Peter already mentioned article #9b re the 2400 and Silver Rag paper 

   http://www.cjcom.net/articles/digiprn9b.htm

(these techniques can apply to any glossy paper).  This article recommends also reading article #9

   http://www.cjcom.net/articles/digiprn9.htm

...which details step-by-step a very effective but simple workflow for the 2400 in ABW mode which does not require linearization curves, custom profiles, etc.  The approach outlined in #9b is based on that.

From your description, I think the 2400 will be an excellent choice.


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm