Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., Nicholas Hartmann <
POLYGLOT@E...> wrote:
> Tyler -
> 
> "Averaging out the detail in the grain" is the perfect description of the
> problem I'm having.

Pretty sure that's why big prints show it more.

 But please read my post of this morning ("More quadtone
> experiences") and let me know whether the PiezoBW driver with different
> inks offers a way out.

Possibly, but it's an awful lot of fooling around. I hesitate to 
recommend something I haven't seen or tried. If you like the tone from 
the MIS inks, I think there is still a glimmer of hope there. Either 
there is some small error in the implimentation of the workflow, or 
the workflow needs to be tailored a bit to your needs. I understand 
not wanting to fool with developing your own curves, but it might be 
worth the time to carefully double check all settings in Photoshop and 
the driver, the smallest things can make the difference as Todd 
suggested. The inks are already loaded, what the heck?
I was suprised a traditional large format image full of continuous 
tone revealed less problems with ink seps than a grainy 35mm image 
from the wrong side of the tracks.
> 
> I would be instantly over my head if I tried fooling around with
> separations, but thanks for the suggestion.

I wonder if someone here familiar with the ink set could assist you, 
all you need is less severe and very smooth sep curves tailored to 
your printer.

> My scans look good enough that any sharpening I apply is quite subtle and
> makes little difference on the paper.

It's not really an issue of the quality of the file, it's forcing the 
Epson to describe it. You might try sharpening way more than you need 
just to see how it will print, just don't save the original file that 
way (that's something I would do...)
If none of this works, put on the rubber suit, put down the drop 
cloths, and start mixing ink I guess.
Interesting seeing different image sensibilities try to make all this 
work.
Tyler