Digital BW, The Print

Nick unfortunately I'm using a different ink mix than you (only for about
another week!) so I'm not the one to get specific with you about inks. One
last question though. Have you been using Epson Archival Matte paper? Though
Paul's curves do work well for many papers they are drafted using EAM, so
all your testing should begin on that paper to reduce variables!

Todd

PS, I don't think AdobeRGB, vs sRGB *should* make a big difference, but lets
take nothing for granted. Just make it exactly like Paul says until you get
it working.

>> What about driver settings:
>> 
>> Source: Adobe RGB or sRGB
>> Space: Same as Source
>> Custom, Color Controls, Automatic
>> 
>> Use Adobe RGB for your RGB space, and Gamma 2.2 for your grayscale space
>> (subject to correction from Jerry or Paul or Mike) it's working for my mix.
> 
> Todd -
> 
> So it doesn't matter if the RGB source is Adobe or sRGB? I've already
> defined Gamma 2.2 for grayscale. Maybe the "Space: Same as Source" setting
> is off.
> 
>> I'd check the MIS site for latest curves and workflow info. Follow the links
>> for Paul's VT method.
> 
> Did that, and downloaded the Roark curves specifically identified for the
> 1160 printer, and found they're exactly the same as what I've been using
> (last update in July 2001).
> 
>> My only gripe with your black-only method is that it mimics the grain of
>> your image, but it doesn't reproduce it. There is bound to be circumstances
>> where the two different "grain" sources conflict with each other. A good
>> quad setup will describe your image, not recreate it.
> 
> A very good point, and certainly a disadvantage of black-only. But I have
> to solve this posterizing problem before I go any further.
> 
>> I also recommend trying over sharpening, as Tyler suggested. Not as a rule
>> per se, but certainly as a test.
> 
> Check.
> 
> As Jerry suggested, make
>> sure your inks are in the right positions. All suppliers have been known to
>> sell inks in wrongly labeled bottles. It's possible you got two bottles of
>> inks which are the same density!
> 
> Here's what I see in a nozzle test:
> 
> First row:
> Three panels, all densest black (= K cartridge)
> 
> Second row, L to R:
> Very pale (? = 25%)
> Almost black (? = 75%)
> Medium blue (toner = yellow = 50%).
> 
> If that sequence is correct, then the inks are in the right places. If not,
> then one or more bottles of MIS VM ink were indeed mislabeled, and they'll
> be sending me, pronto and gratis, a correct set of labels and another CMY
> cartridge for me to refill.
> 
>> I just participated in the 30 print exchange, and I can assure you none of
>> the contributors to that are suffering from posterization. It's not normal.
>> Don't settle!
> 
> I won't; it's just frustrating to be sooo close to good-looking output....
> 
> Thanks for spending the time to guide me through all this,
> 
> -- Nick
> 
> NICHOLAS HARTMANN                                +1 (414) 271-4890
> 611 N. Broadway, Suite 509                  fax: +1 (414) 271-4892
> Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA                       polyglot@...
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> Technical and scientific translator:  German and French -> English
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