Digital BW, The Print

Quentin,

thanks so much for this review. This comparison across drivers and inksets is 
on many people's mind, and I believe this is very helpful to us.

First, I'd be glad to upload the two images. If you prefer, you can scan relevant 
areas of the prints for direct comparisons. The idea would be to scan a small 
area that would fit at 100% on a 15" monitor or thereabouts. If it's too much 
trouble, a small jpg of the file would do too.

Second, if you have a densitometer, can you tell us the maximum density on 
PhotoRag for either inkset/driver? My initial tests with the 2200 and Epson 
driver showed the PhotoRag to be less dense than EAM using the matte 
black, and that surprised me.

Finally, as you know, the extra punch of the Piezotones is due to fugitive dyes 
contained in the black and is good only for prints carefully kept in dark 
storage.  In that sense, the jury is out as to which system works best. Giving up 
some dmax for greater stability seems to be the inevitable conclusion. Not just 
between Piezotones and Ultrachromes but other inks like MIS-FS.

I'd be curious, though, to hear your overall, non technical take on the "look" of 
the Ultra bw - besides dmax and such: Does it have the luxurious look and 
feel of the piezo prints (or quad black prints in general)? 

Thanks again!

Antonis