Digital BW, The Print

Antonis/Martin/Group:

I just spent some time looking through the FILES section of this 
board. Some very good resources there. But unless I've missed 
it, I'd love to see one database of paper qualities, dmax ratings, 
pros and cons, etc. Have I overlooked it?

If not, I think we could create something that would be very useful 
for many people. Could we actually get close to determining the 
"best" paper for various applications? I have no idea what this 
would look like; one big database, or several small ones, listed 
by inksets (quads, 6color dyes, Variable quad, etc). Or by final 
applications (proofing, fine art output, etc).

I tried to build something like this months ago on the Epson9000 
list, but it fell flat pretty quickly. But this list seems to have a bit 
more energy, and a bit more people willing to invest the time to 
figure this out.

I've been following Paul Roark's comments about EAM. And now 
I wonder about Legion Matte. And now about this new 
Hannemuhle paper.

These would be some of the things I'd like to see in a database:

* Paper Type (watercolor, glossy)
* Most compatible inks
* Paper surface (smooth, rough)
* Brightness/whiteness
* DMax numbers
* Any optical brighteners?
* Acidity rating
* Paper weight
* Sizes available
* Street prices
* Available sources

It would be great if this could be set up where each member 
could add his/her own comments to it. Maybe a PDF format with 
Annotations? Or a separate database for each paper, and then 
people just add new entries?

------

I'll help out however I can. Personally, I'm looking for a smooth, 
very heavy, watercolor paper to print warmtone B/W photographs 
on. Something with rich blacks. Right now, I'm printing with 
6-color dyes, but I'd be willing to switch to variable quads if there 
was good evidence to switch. And something with relatively long 
expected life, but I know that's a whole other conversation.

-Mark Tucker
Advertising Photographer
http://marktucker.com