I don't know where MIS gets all of its inks. The K4 series was an Image Specialist product. I'm not sure if the mainstream color inks MIS now sells are still from that family. One of the apparent dynamics going on is that the prices of those inputs has increased, and MIS has been looking for alternatives.
I personally liked the k4 base in that it was a gloss optimizer. That made it have a built in resistance to bronzing. It also, however, made it unable to compete for the very high gloss end of the market. In that respect, however, the dyes are so much better, I don't think it's a serious issue.
Having used the K4 carbons for years with good success, I'd be very willing to pay a few more bucks for them if that is what is needed to keep MIS carrying the product line. I'm leaning toward making a glossy version of "Eboni Variable Tone" using the MIS k4 chemistry, assuming it is the same as it was. It would be nice to have MIS on board for this, as the availability of supplies in quantities that are reasonable for individual photographers is very helpful, and despite the current feeding frenzy on MIS, they have been a major supplier of B&W products and accessories for our little B&W market. I think those of us who have used MIS products for years don't appreciate how small our market is. MIS operated out of Bob Zeiss's garage for years.
Paul
On Sat, Mar 26, 2016 at 5:27 AM, goch@... [DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint] <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
Thanks, Paul.
Do you know whether the other "WJ____" inks are the same as the MIS versions? Printerfillingstation has essentially the same price on the bulk inks, so they could be an alternate source when MIS is being balky.Myron