Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., "Steadman Uhlich" 
<steadmanuhlich@k...> wrote:

 I believe if you are judging ink alone (and not paper/coating/ink 
combinations) you should not state that "Cones inks do not give 
a good rich black" when in fact they do. Of course you have to 
know how to use them, the right papers, and the right profiles.  
That comes with time but is in fact also easy using the Conetech 
profiles supplied with the software.
> 
> Steadman


Well, Steadman, perhaps you have a point. Maybe I have been 
too quick to judge or too limited in my work methods. 

However, I didn't make the statement casually. In fact, I have 
plenty of samples of Peizo black ink. I was one of the first to try 
the Piezo quadtone system when it was originally released for 
the 3000. I've used it on many papers, coated and uncoated, 
including several recommended by inkjetmall. I've printed 
through the Epson driver, which did give slightly more emphasis 
to the blacks. I used the Conetech presets. I experimented 
widely with the manual settings. So did friends, and numerous 
knowledgeable people from the various Epson newsgroups. 
There have been continuous complaints about the blacks 
starting back then, and continuing until today. I myself stopped 
using the inks because of the blacks and banding problems. On 
the other hand, some people love Peizo quads just as they are. 

Inkjetmall's own samples on Somerset Velvet have nice grays, 
but do not have what I personally consider to be a rich black, 
even when compared to what other archival inks can do on this 
paper. If their own samples can't convince me, I really have to 
wonder. 

But, it sounds like you've really optimized your work with piezo 
quads and are getting good results. Would you consider 
sending me a sample on a smooth matte paper (coated or 
uncoated)? I'd be happy to pay you for  your time and materials.  
If you are willing, please contact me off-list.

--David