Digital BW, The Print

David,

here is the picture I am seeing for now:

The 2200 is not yet a known entity. People have tried the technology 
(Ultrachromes) and reported that the monochrome is OK but not a match to a 
quad or hex print. What is not clear yet, is stability and metamerism. It will take 
time for that dust to settle.

Pondering the purchase of a 7000, however, is a whole other kettle of... inks.
Consider the following:  

(a) that a refurb 7000 costs the same as a new 7600
(b) if you "buy into" Epson OEM, you are largely also buying into their papers 
as far as archival and other claims made for these inks. Never mind profiling 
issues, as well.
(c) factor the cost of OEM inks vs other known entities currently available in 
bulk. The 7600 is cheaper for a reason.
(d) if you get a 7000 to print with a hex monochrome set you will need a PC to 
run it (for now).

My situation and choices go like this: 
Like you, I have a very solid 1160 that continues to work well. It will soon have 
PiezoTones in it and will act as a convenient proofer for smaller sizes. I have 
added a 7000, not so much because I need 24" wide prints but because of  its 
mechanical integrity and accuracy in dot placement.  Larger prints will be nice 
too, but the smoothness of tone from the 7000 will not be matched by the 
1160.
Then, I am very much waiting for reviews of the 2200 and if all goes well that 
will make sense as a printer for color or for the occasional "toned" bw print - or 
whatever other funky things one can do with 7 inks and a grayscale! By no 
means an "upgrade" or replacement of my main quad or hex monochrome 
solution. 


Antonis



--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., David Myers <dmyers@m...> wrote:
> If you were sitting there today pondering the purchase of an epson 7000
> would you think you should wait to see about what can be achieved with the
> epson 2002 for b&w printing at the highest level?  I am not particularly
> interested in "toned images." Instead, I want neutral images with great tone
> and transitions. Right now, I am working with piezo b&w and an 1160. Also,
> most of my images fit easily within an 11x17 paper. Thanks in advance for
> any tips and thoughts.
> 
> David