I see there are still quite a few members listed on this old forum.
So, I have a question for the surviving B&W printers/photographers:
What desktop inkjet printer would it be best for me to buy and support for B&W printing?
Needless-to-say, I'd prefer dedicated B&W inks and QTR compatibility (with the old GUI my preference there).
My search suggests that Epson has fairly effectively wiped out our third party ink options on current Epson printers. If there is no third party ink possibility, then I would might abandon Epson. I do not want to indirectly help a company that has damaged the competitive ink market, unless there are no good alternatives. If, all things considered, an Epson printer is still the best for B&W, then so be it.
Because I do my serious fine art printing on either an old 7800 or 9800, which should last a few more years, I do not necessarily need a "fine art" quality, wide-format printer. A cheap little letter size unit would serve my non-gallery photo purposes. However, what would be important to me is to get a printer that would satisfy the needs of the most B&W photographers.
If an Epson 9 ink printer with OEM ink is the best option in a second best world, then I'll go for it. However, I want to be sure I have not overlooked more suitable options first.
Thanks and regards to the group,
Paul