Digital BW, The Print

Hi Doug,

I was in a similar position to you, and decided in the end to go for the
Epson 810 (called the 820 in the US). Here's my reasoning:
http://www.pool-room.com/Personal/Photography/EpsonStylusPhoto810.html

I really didn't mind that I couldn't buy CIS systems for it - it was
relatively cheap to buy, and I'll probably get an A3 printer in the future
anyway. It's cheaper to run than getting my digital prints done
commercially, and most people at my camera club can't tell that my prints
are inkjet (colour and BW). A couple of times I've been complimented on my
darkroom technique!

If you're sure you want a CIS/MIS system, I'd have a good look at the Epson
890. It seems to be supported by several vendors now. Otherwise, think about
getting a second-hand Epson 870 or something. A lot of people are still
quite happy using them.

Darren.

> I'm getting started with digital. I've been scanning 35mm B&W film 
> and getting familiar with photoshop.  I don't have a printer yet and 
> I'm having some difficulty deciding what's best for me.  
> 
> I'm looking to start out with something inexpensive and I'm willing 
> to limit myself to A4 size prints. I'm really surprised that none of 
> the smaller epson printers available today seem to be supported by 
> Piezography, MIS, Lyson, etc.  These would include the C80, 820, 
> 785EPX. I know that the chipped cartridges are most likely the cause 
> of this. I've though about trying to find something used but I really 
> would prefer to save this as a last resort. So, is there any way to 
> get one of these printers working with a monochrome ink set?
> 
> I recently noticed that the Canon printers don't have chipped carts
> and reviews of the S900 and S820 are mostly positive. The price is a 
> little high for these printers but empty cartridges are available.
> 
> If I get a printer that is currently unsupported by MIS, fill the
> cartridges manually, and generate transfer functions using the Nevins
> method, will I get acceptable results?
> 
> Are there any other low cost A4 size solutions?  I'm not looking
> to create large archival prints of the highest quality just yet.
> I'm just looking to get some results now that will help me learn and
> stay interested. Should I just start out with black ink only as
> mentioned in the  Nicholas Hartmann interview?  Would duotones be a
> good starting point?
> 
> Sorry for all of the questions but I've seen very few inkjet prints
> and I'm not really sure what to expect.  Thanks.  
> 
> Doug Santoli
> Waterbury, CT
> 


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