Digital BW, The Print

Art,

You wrote:

>I'm interested in making the move to digital output,...
>I do most of my traditional printing with warm-tone papers
>and toners. I'm looking for
>an ink/paper combination with very good longevity that will allow the
>same effect. I thought an Epson 2000 would be the solution but I ran
>some warm duotone test prints and the metamerism was horrible.

>...Can anyone suggest an
>ink/paper combination that they are happy with when printing
>warm-toned images?

I just mounted a 16 x 20 sepia-tone that I printed with my Epson 3000 and
the MIS VM-sepia inkset.  I've been very pleased with the outputs I'm
getting from that combination.

MIS has two variable-mix/tone inksets.  The standard MIS VM goes from
cold-tone to medium-warm.  The MIS website (www.inksupply.com), quadtone tab
has a sample prints that show the range that inkset can achieve.

The MIS VM-sepia goes from neutral to sepia.  So, if you like more than
medium warm, the VM-sepia would be something you might want to consider.  I
have posted a scan of an early sample print that shows the range of this
inkset.  It's in the Files section of this forum, which is at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint/files/

From there, follow the thread to
> Message Related Files > 11_2001 uploads, and see image
"VM-Sepia3-N3.jpg."

The MIS website has a list of printers for which there are pre-written image
adjustment curves that control the tones of the variable-tone inksets.  The
vm-sepia inkset needs some tweaking of the standard curves to deliver the
best results.  I've done this for the 1160 (PC) and the 3000, and will do it
for the 870/1270 printer soon.

The MIS FS inkset, which is designed to use the Piezo driver, is medium
warm.  It is not as warm as the warm end of the standard MIS VM inkset.
Some prefer the Piezo driver because is has numerous paper profiles, which
are helpful.  It also can do an excellent job of delivering a nice, smooth
grayscale print.  I prefer the Epson driver due to better blacks, more
versatility, and it allows me to continue to use my computer, whereas the
Piezo driver does not.  However, the Piezo driver is considered more "plug
and play" by some.

If you are interested in a warmer ink with the Piezo driver, I've published
the mixing instructions (draft) for an FS-sepia, which can either be used
straight or mixed to any warm between sepia and the standard FS by mixing it
with the FS inks.

All of the MIS pigmented inks have very good longevity.  MIS has posted the
RIT tests of its standard color archival inkset.  The inksets I've mentioned
above either use the black of that inkset or a black that, in my tests, is
better.  The only inkset I've tested that has a slight advantage in fade
resistance is the Epson 2000P/7500 inkset.  But as you've discovered, it has
other problems.

I use Epson Archival Matte as a standard because of its good blacks and
image fade resistance.  The only paper line I've seen with better blacks is
the Hahnemuhle line (about 2% better with the MIS quads).  The only paper
that I've tested that (barely) beat the EAM in fade resistance is the
Eclipse, but it's blacks are not as good as EAM's with the MIS pigments.

Good luck in your search.  I think you'll find the pigmented quads are
currently the best way to go if fade resistance is important to you.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com