Digital BW, The Print

Hi David:

 

I am on the same quest as Sander, but perhaps a bit further along: Coming
from completely analog and LF and now considering digital with ink jet
printing.

 

Consequently, I wonder if you might have a moment to comment on Jon Cone's
inks as used in the Epson printers.  Do you feel that the tonal range and
print quality exceeds the results that one can achieve with careful work (
editing to the tonal values one wants, etc. ) using the K3 Epson inks?
Indeed, in the set up that you provided for one of your printers, are the 6
black and white inks from Jon's atelier?

 

Thanks for any comments.

 

Elliot

 

From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of David
Kachel
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2014 12:14 PM
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Digital BW] Returning member needs the straight dope

 

  

I just got my first digital camera, and thought I should revisit printing --
a lot happens in ten years, right? So much, that I'm not sure how to make up
for lost time. I visited B+H last week. The salesman said that the Canon Pro
series were much less prone to clogging than the Epsons. 

 

Sanders,

 

I am assuming your primary pursuit is B&W, since you asked on this list.

 

When you print B&W with an OEM color ink set you end up having to repeatedly
buy inks you don't actually need very much. Their (Canon, Epson, HP)
algorithms mix in color inks to get the desired gray tone effect in what
they consider an optimal way, but in large part the color inks are just
expensive place holders, unless you are toning your B&W images. Even then,
you will still have a couple of inks that aren't used.

 

With Canon printers, you have to keep two extra ink slots filled with color
inks you don't need. A pointless additional expense. (I've only looked at a
couple of Canon printers. They may not all be this way.)

 

Also, if you buy a Canon printer, then the use of B&W aftermarket ink sets
is permanently  closed off to you. Only Epson printers are open to this
approach in a practical way due to the availability of cartridges, inks and
QTR, especially. And even with Epson printers, you have to buy one for which
aftermarket refillable cartridges exist. They are not available for all
models.    

 

If you will be printing some color and can buy only one printer, the choice
is clearly Epson. Their Advanced Black and White system will allow you to
get quality B&W images more long-lasting than Canon's and still be able to
print color. I personally don't care for ABW, but I am after print tones
most other photographers don't want. Most people using ABW are very pleased
with it.  (I know you didn't ask about HP printers, but just in case, BITE
YOUR TONGUE!!!)

 

Probably the best printer to get is the Epson 3880. It is about $1100,
depending on sales, rebates, etc., and will take a beating. I have a 3800 I
started seriously abusing with my ignorance about five years ago. It has
aftermarket B&W inks in it and just recently gave me a totally clear nozzle
check which it hadn't done for years! Apparently, they have some sort of on
board healing!!    ;-)

 

My setup now is a 3880 with OEM color inks, and the 3800 with six B&W inks
and two color toners. Or, you can follow Paul's game plan and have a 1400 or
1440 with aftermarket color inks in it for those rare color jobs that don't
need maximum permanence.

 

The Canons are pricier and far less versatile. No brainer.

 

David Kachel

 

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Fine B&W Photographs

 

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