Digital BW, The Print

----- Original Message -----
From: "voranado" <skobrin@...>
To: <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2002 6:24 AM
Subject: [Digital BW] PS Quadtones vs. a dedicated system


> I have been lurking on the list for a while and have a relatively
> basic question that I have not seen discussed.  (If it has been well
> covered in the past, I would appreciate it if someone would let me
> know off-line at kobrins@....)
>
> I have been scanning negatives (typically Ilford fp4 or 5) into PS
> for a few years and printing PS tri- or quad tones, most recently on
> an Epson 1200.  While I am reasonably satisfied with the results, I
> am about to upgrade the printer to a 1280.  Most of the discussion of
> dedicated quadtone inks such as MIS or Piezio on the list seems to
> revolve around longevity.  I am a rank amateur and the print's life
> expectancy, while not irrelevant, is not my primary concern at this
> point.  Now the question: is there a significant difference in
> the "quality" of the output between a well produced PS quadtone using
> the standard Epson inks (1280) and one of the systems using dedicated
> quadtone inks?

Steve,

Yes! Especially if you want a neutral or close to neutral print free of
unwanted color crossovers. This assumes a matte paper. For glossy paper then
the grayscale pigment inks are not appropriate.

> In short, is it worth dedicating the 1200 to B&W and
> installing either MIS or Pieziographic inks?

I had terrible luck with the 1200 and the gray scale inks. I really cannot
recommend it for that purpose. My two 1280s have been quite good.

> I certainly have a long
> way to go in improving my PS workflow and a lot of experimenting to
> do with papers before I am even near getting the best possible output
> from Epson inks.  On the other hand, as I will have a spare printer
> after the upgrade, this is an opportunity to move to a dedicated
> system.  (I have also thought about a 2200, but given the 1280
> rebate, that is a lot more money at this point.) I realize this is a
> very subjective issue, but any help would be appreciated.  Again, I
> apologize if this has been covered previously, and if so just aim me
> in the right direction.

It is very subjective and the odds are not high that you will get exactly
what you want on the first try. The opinons are still out on the 2200 though
so keep that in mind. A 1280 for B&W would be a good way to go at today's
pricing.

Martin Wesley