Digital BW, The Print

Thanks David.  Well stated.  

 

I am not completely certain what "ABW" stands for, and hence my subsequent
comments might also reflect your work flow.  Might you provide a link to
"ABW"?

 

Interesting point about using the color inks to influence the black and
white tones.  If one uses Quad Tone Rip one can indeed construct a linear
curve that can influence how the OEM  K3 Epson inks use various color inks
along with the black and white inks so as to achieve a particular "look".  A
friend of mine helped me construct curves so that the tones of the OEM inks
mimic selenium toned prints.  Moreover, his curves can be constructed so as
to allow me to add warm, neutral, or colder tones in the highlights,
shadows, and mid tones.  Such split toning is, to my understanding, not
available when using the Cone inks.

 

I gather that Jon can achieve the same tonal variation by using different
INK SETS with black and white ink components adding different tones.  As you
are no doubt aware, he provides his own ICC profiles for his ink sets and
various papers.

 

We are certainly in agreement: If the OEM inks and one's QTR or ABW curves
(? ) provide results that are as desired then the added expense of such inks
which are already mixed in carts and convenient to use is probably worth the
incremental expense.

 

I am currently using my wife's 2880.  If the entire digital paradigm can
approach the "look" of analog prints made with film then the 3880 is on the
horizon.

 

Elliot

 

From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of David
Kachel
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2014 3:02 PM
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Digital BW] Returning member needs the straight dope

 

  

 

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?

 

Elliot,

 

I have never used Cone's inks. I found the pricing and the customer service
at inksupply.com much more appealing.

I did initially buy a set of refillable cartridges from Cone. I had to buy a
replacement set elsewhere.

 

The simple fact that Cone's ink sets are multiple gray inks would logically
make for a better gray scale result than EOM inks that mix in colors with
the grays and therefore are going to look different under different
lighting. So, yes, you will absolutely get better results than OEM with
Cone's B&W inks and also with Inksupply's inks.

 

I don't think "careful work" plays much of a role. The printer will apply
OEM inks as it deems necessary and the only thing you can do to exercise any
control over that is to use ABW, which STILL throws in color inks it thinks
are needed, just less so.

 

Ask members of the list using ABW how they feel about it and try it out for
yourself. You have to buy a printer with color inks anyway, why not use them
to see if you can get what you like? If you can achieve the tonality you
want with OEM inks, don't mind reduced longevity compared to carbon inks,
and don't mind paying $5000 per gallon, you're probably best off using them.

 

David Kachel

 

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