Digital BW, The Print

Hi All B&W HHeretics :)

I've been using somethings close to this for my 1280. However since 
I am using a digital camera and shoot in color and convert to B&W, 
I've use a slightly different work flow.

 I use the L level from Lab color - never change the image to grey 
scale, keeping the image at 48 bit.  I find that for the 1280 the 48 
bit color Lab L level and the 2880 resolution gives a better 
continuous gray scale than does the 16 Grey Scale. I normally use 
HWM (have tried a few glossy and they are really quite nice but I 
fear the life span). I normally pick glossy Photo paper as the paper 
even though I'm using HWM mat. The 2880 on my printer is vastly 
superior to the 1440, although it literally takes for ever on 11 x 
14 and larger prints. But it would take at least as long (30 
minutes) to get a disply wet print IMHO.

Blacks are black, white are white, and you get a good gray scale 
(depending on the photo). I also find that level adjustments to make 
a good 0 and 100 level improve most pictures.

I can't remember where I read it, but I THINK I read that the new 
1270/1280 black ink has a 50 year or so life. Can anyone confirm 
this?

Regards,

Jeff Lee