Digital BW, The Print

Hello

I�ve recently been trying out Lyson Quad Black inks on an 1160. The neutral
black set prints out very well on several papers (from photoshop6) using no
colour adjustment in the Epson driver and a print destination space of
Greyscale Gamma=1.8

Lyson�s recommended approach is convert greyscale to RGB and then print  as
above, using photo film setting to keep ink use low enough.

After trying several paper samples with a step wedge and some test pictures,
I think the range of tones is excellent, with some warming under artificial
(tungsten) light quite acceptable to myself.

Now some questions�

Looking at a 95/96/97/98/100 wedge. Each division is clear, but there
appears to be a larger step in density between 97% and 98% such that from
normal viewing distances the wedge looks to be only two tones. This showed
in one image as slight posterisation of a shadow area. I�ve tried some
adjustment curves, but that step is very difficult to smooth. This effect is
present to some extent on all papers I tried

Has anyone else noticed this effect? If so what did you do?

In the Epson driver what actual differences do the different �standard�
paper settings make to ink coverage? (I�ve not been able to find any actual
�quantitative- info on this)

I�ve looked at several of the techniques discussed for other ink sets (I
have a postscript RIP -if- needed), but they are not for Lyson inks, and I
do not want to use up lots of ink and paper, just to get to a point that
someone else has already reached:  Also, I do not have a photometer to
actually measure things.

Any experiences or pointers to Lyson Quad Black printing gratefully
received..

Keith Cooper
Leicester, England

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System setup (Mac)

Images scanned from B/W negs using Canon FS4000 @14bit greyscale
Photoshop 6.0.1  B/W space grey Gamma2.2, Colour space AdobeRGB
Monitor calibrated and set to Gamma=1.8
Printer Epson 1160 via Epson driver or PowerRIP2000 V6 running on a Mac
9500/200 used as a file and print server
Papers used
Lyson Pro photo Glossy and Satin (I liked this paper), Epson photo, Lyson
matt photo, Lyson Standard and Rough fine art
(Lyson samples courtesy of Graphicstar in the UK
http://www.graphicstar.co.uk �not affiliated in any way)
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