Digital BW, The Print

Hello Alan,

>Clayton - this is basically what I was going to send
you, offlist.

Ok, understood, thanks.


>>>
An unexpected surprise, though, came about when I decided to try
printing on my Epson 1270, on EAM, using the Epson standard dye inkset
for this printer. I chose BO ink, and printed one image at gamma 2.2
(I think this is the value Clayton uses on his 870) and one image at
gamma 1.8. The overall tonality was stunning, contrast was certainly
within any acceptable range, and the prints looked quite neutral.
>>>

Ahhh, I guess the 1160 just can't do it, bummer.  


>>>
The 2.2 print was too dark for my taste, but the 1.8 print was just
about perfect! 
>>>

If you used MIS ink the 2.2 would probably look better.

Did you get close to WYSIWYG?


>>>
OK, what am I trading off, here? Longevity? Since I'm fairly old now
and I don't sell my prints, longevity is not a major concern
of mine. 
>>>

Try an MIS black cartridge...maybe you don't have to do the trade-off.
 You saw the solid black on my "Vase and Pitcher" print, is that an
acceptable black?  It's not as black as the dyes, but I like it, and
there's almost no color shift.


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Gorgeous print quality is! :>) Yes, dots are visible under a
magnifying glass or loupe and, also, to my daughter's young
eyes when examined a very close distance, but, at normal viewing
distances, you would be hard pressed to see any dots. I'm
finally encouraged and "fired up" to continue experimenting with BO
printing. Are you listening, Clayton? 
>>> 

Yes I'm listening <big grin>.


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I'm not saying that BO printing will replace my VM prints, but it
could be another useful quiver in this photog's toolbox. I think that
with certain images--old wooden buildings, stormy landscapes, etc--BO
printing could provide an extra "edge." I wouldn't use it, for
instance, for something like a snowscape; dots in the infinite number
of lighter grays would probably be much too noticeable.
>>>

I'm going to send you some more prints.  I've got a snowscape, fresh
snow in bright sun with dappled shadows over part of it, and a new
portrait I just did with the subject wearing a pure white robe...I
think you'll be impressed.


>>>
Just thought I'd toss out my latest findings playing around with BO
printing. 
>>>

Really good news, please keep us posted.

Regards, - cj