Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., Alan Zinn <AZinn@n...> wrote:
> At 01:51 AM 8/23/2002 -0000, you wrote:
> >I am looking for a "custom lab" that can give me a straight 8x10 print
> >from a Photoshop bw file. I want to compare results of MIS and Cone
> >Piezo outputs on the same paper from the same file. Does anyone have
> >suggestions of a printer who would do either or both processes?
> >
> >
> 
> D.
> 
> Seems to me you are asking a lot of a lab and will not get much
useful help.
> Why would a lab have BOTH systems working perfectly to make the
comparison?
> Also if they did what good would it do anyone else since the systems are
> notoriously subject to numerous local variables. 
> 
> AZ
> Maker of Lookaround panoramic camera.
> http://www.panoramacamera.us
>          or
> keyword.com lookaround

Perhaps I was not clear. 
1) Background: I have good knowledge in Photoshop with b/w editing,
etc., and coaching from one of the top pro's in town who has been
making a living in digital and Photoshop since the earlier '90s. But
he does color only. I can't find anyone in my rather large city who
does bw piezo, either private or business. I have an Epson 1280 that I
have used for MIS experimenting, but I am not satified with outputs
that have good range but still look "flat."
2) Clarification: I am NOT looking for one lab that will do both
systems. I am just looking for any lab that will run a print from a
file with no editing using either system. What I want is what a
chemical custom lab would call a "machine print" instead of a "custom
print," in essence a "proof" from a best possible.  I want to be able
to compare outputs of my edited digital image without editing
variables by the lab. I have searched the web, and frankly, I cannot
find any lab that advertises MIS process (which makes me sceptical in
spite of the great help and feedback from Roark, et. al.). Before I
make a major investment in $$ and a bigger commitment to a system, I
just want to see the print from someone who already knows how to print
and knows their system is set up correctly. I know how to edit in
Photoshop, etc., but matching and printing are delicate things. I am
just looking for additional data before I make a decision.
3) Motivation: Before I invest in one or the other system I would like
some reference point with a print from the same image so that I can
compare shadow detail, highlight washout, etc. Looking at the Cone
sample does not do me any more good than not being able to find an MIS
sample. So I would like to buy my own samples from the two systems
from someone who is set up to produce about as good an output as they
can get.