Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul" <roark.paul@...> wrote:

> 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

Very impressive!
 
> 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.

My friend and I are old (literally) film guys, used to Tri-X. I used Tri-X at a 1:3 dilution of D-76 which gave me very fine grain but still grainy. I was happy with results and many thought my prints were from medium format negs even though I was using 35mm. So the "grain" in 1800 3MK is way better than what I'm used to!

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.

More and more, the two-printer solution may be the best way to go. I don't know about my friend's budget... we'll have to work on that option.

Many thanks,

Paul