Digital BW, The Print

After a few months of tracking postings in a number of forums 
adressing Epson's Ultrachrome(UC) Pigment versus Photo-Dye ink sets, 
I have compiled a list of issues/concerns that I post below for 
further discussion:

1. The "bronzing" and/or "gloss differential" effect of Ultrachrome 
inks on glossy/coated papers which is quite evident as you look at a 
print a various angles.

2. The "hazy veil" that seems to exist in front of Ultrachrome prints 
(obvious when viewed side-by-side to a dye print of the same image). 

3. A "lack of punch" of B&W Ultrachrome images (as compared to their 
dye counterpart).

4. The lower DMAX of the Ultrachrome black ink ( compared to its dye 
counterpart).

5, The fragility - tendency to flaking and scuffing - of the 
Ultrachrome inks. 

As much as I have been lusting for an Ultrachrome 7600 printer for 
the last months, the above issues suggest that it may be wiser to 
wait for yet-another-generation of improvements before jumping into 
the pigmented inks bandwagon. 

In a nutshell, the dilema is how much "fun" one is willing to give up 
for the sake of a "longer life". 

What good is a long life if is dull from the start ?!?!?! 

Miguel Angel Aleman