Digital BW, The Print

Welcome back Sanders,

The printer is the obvious end-point device but you also need to consider the software side of B&W printing as well. Epson OEM drivers are solid but some of us elect to use the QTR rip & Print Tool. This is due to the inflexibility of Adobe Photoshop & the Epson OEM printer driver.

For example, using QTR Rip you are able to isolate the 3 black inks from the colored inks and as David pointed out, when you print in Advanced B&W mode, Epson printer drivers also add in some colors to get the tones you want. Using a RIP, you are able to choose which inks to use, how much of each, and have the ability to create customized tones. I am not saying you cant do this with Epson ABW, I just find it easier to create a customized curve for the type of paper & printer.

I recently entered a B&W in a local art show and received great results - took Gold for best photo. Most people could not believe that I used an Epson R2400 and the Ultrachrome 3K inkset. It was because I used a QTR and a customized profile and ONLY the 3 blacks. The inks are fairly neutral but the Epson Exhibition Fiber forced everything to a deep-rich brown. Easy to print more copies of the same print or different sizes while maintaining consistency and I think that is the key to digital B&W printing.