Digital BW, The Print

"Paul" <paulmwhiting@...> wrote:
>
> A friend was admiring some of my BO prints at a show and asked how he could get started. I'm using an R1800 with the 3MK approach, but of course that printer is no longer available. I'm leaning toward suggesting he get a 1400. (Refurbs are now at the Epson site for $179, seems a pretty decent deal.) He wants to do BO printing ...

> My friend also wants to do color. ...

I printed a Black Only test strip with my rather aged 1400.  This was with a profile that ships with QTR, Eboni MK, and Ultra Premium Presentation Matte paper.  It was scanned at 400 dpi.  Also relevant, it had a 1.5" margin at top.  The 1400, like many modern Epson desktop printers, really needs both rollers to be engaged for the best smoothness.

The scanned 21-step test strip is at 
http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/1400-BO-UPPM.jpg

Frankly, it's probably going to be quite acceptable for someone who is just beginning and is OK with the level of "grain" in an 1800 3-MK print.  If it's not, the option of 2 printers is still there and one of those 2 would probably be a 1400; so it's hard to see where there would be any significant loss.

Again, I don't know about the Epson-MIS chip compatibility if the concept is to use the OEM Claria dyes with MIS Eboni in the black position.  MIS color pigments will work in a 1400, but the built-in profiles will not be close.  I used MIS color pigs in a 260 for years and had a curves set that made very acceptable colors for snapshots, but I don't consider them pro-quality at all.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com