Digital BW, The Print

Hi Paul,

I am about to switch inks from the original Piezo/Sundance. I am 
planning on replacing them with either Piezotones, or a blend of 
MIS FS-N (80%) & FS (20%) inks. I am concerned with ink/print 
permanence -- also about DSS syndrome (which my current 
1160 now exhibits). I still feel more than disappointed by Jon 
Cone's claims about the original Piezo/Sundance inks, in 
contrast to the "reality" so many of us experienced.

I have read Jon Cone's published accelerated-aging tests of 
Piezotone inks in comparison with MIS FS inks, and his claims 
of under 2% fading of Piezotone, vs. a 17% fading, accompanied 
by significant color shift, for FS inks.

I have noted a potential short-coming of Cone's tests:
That Cone tested Piezotone only against MIS FS, and not against 
FS-N. According to my reading of your own testing of FS and 
FS-N inks, the FS-N seemed more stable than FS.

If I remember correctly, when you did your own fade-tests of FS 
and FS-N, that you found only a 2% fade for FS-N and that FS-N 
is color/tone stable. This is very different than the 17% fade that 
Cone claims he found with FS ink. I recognize that Cone tested 
for a longer time, and perhaps also with a more intense light 
source. However, the 2% print-fade that you found with FS-N 
seems a reasonably acceptable standard for "permanence" to 
me, especially if the  color/tone of the print is also stable. For this 
reason, I'd like your current thoughts on this matter of fade and 
color/tone stability of FS-N ink. Is (in your opinion) FS-N in fact 
less subject to fading, and more color/tone-stable, than Cone is 
suggesting in his published ratings of MIS FS inks? Is Cone 
comparing apples and oranges by leaving FS-N out of his fading 
tests?

I am also concerned that the Piezotone inks may, in the future, 
lead to DSS or other problems affecting Epson print-heads. My 
understanding is that the MIS FS and FS-N inks have not 
exhibited clogging or DSS problems. Are you aware of any 
reports of DSS with the MIS FS and FS-N inks?

[I will be placing my backup/unused 1160 into service with the 
new inks, replacing my current 1160 (with its DSS symptoms). I 
hope that I will not encounter the infamous DSS syndrome in the 
future, so I do have concerns about Cone's inks (old and new), 
and the possible damage that they may cause to Epson 
print-heads in the longer run.]

With all respect to Jon Cone and to you, I am hoping that your 
responses will be helpful in clarifying these questions for me 
and for others, and contribute to our shared understanding.

Cheers,
James