Digital BW, The Print

...gmphotos@e... wrote:
> I am trying to decide between Piezo inks or MIS Quadtone inks
> for my Epson 3000. ...

Martin wrote: ...

>According to the MIS website you can use the MIS Full Spectrum ink as
>a replacement for the Piezo inks. ...
> For the 3000 the Piezo driver seems to be the best bet. ...

I use the MIS variable-tone (VM) inkset in my 3000.  The Epson driver in the
3000 is not totally dotless.  However, with the quads in it, it looks very
different than with the color inkset.  The highlights with the MIS VM inkset
are dotless to my eyes.  In some midtones I can see a very fine grain in a
few test strip spots.  However, in my 16x20 prints on Archival Matte, I see
no digital artifacts at all -- no dots and no microbanding.

So, the dots are not invisible in a few places in the midtones, but the
medium format Tmax grain, even when smoothed in Photoshop, etc., is the only
source of roughness I see in the actual 16x20s.  For large prints, I think
the 3000 and MIS VM inks make a great and economical combination.

On the other hand, for small prints, one might see the difference.  When I
compare 4x5s done with the 3000 to the same images done on my 1160, the 1160
is smoother.  But for display prints, I doubt anyone using less than 4x5
Tech Pan is going to see the difference between the 3000 Driver and the
Piezo driver.

As to resolution, an image at 360 dpi for printing can produce a maximum of
7.2 line pairs/mm.  The eye can resolve about 5 lp/mm.  Both my 1160 with
the Piezo driver/ink and the 3000 with the Epson driver and MIS VM inks can
resolve a 7.2 lp/mm test target.  The 3000 with the Epson driver and the
1160 with the Piezo driver appear equal in terms of their ability to print
this test chart.

Of course, the reason to use the variable-tone inks is to be able to control
the tone of the print -- a huge plus in my view.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com