Digital BW, The Print

Robert,

>I'm wondering how much testing you've done using the new inks
>with the photo black on gloss/semi-gloss papers.

The MIS webpage has spectrophotometer (X-Rite) readings of the 50% patch of
a neutral (generally "nc" curve) test strip for most of the papers I tested.
The papers included in the list are:

50% Patch (C,M,Y) "nc" curve --

EAM/EEM - .64, .65, .64
Epson UltraSmooth - .60, .61, .60
PhotoRag - .59, .61, .61
Epson Premium Luster - .58, .58, .58
Epson Photo Paper - .65, .66, .66
Ilford Smooth Gloss - .59, .59, .58
Museo - .55, .55, .55
Eclipse Satine Bright White ("mw" curve) - .56, .58, .56

(The MIS webpage for the Ultra-Tone B&W inkset is at:
http://www.inksupply.com/index.cfm?source=html/ultratone.html

>I know you've said that they work...but
>I'm wondering how good the existing curves are for use on
>these types of papers?

Most of the 1160 curves I've used on most papers work surprisingly well.
The one exception is the "warm" curve.  On at least some papers the shadow
ramp is not as linear as it should be.  So, some of them could use some
tweaking.  (Of course, I think everyone should know how to tweak the curves
and optimize their printing systems.  The "canned" profile is just the
starting point for the fanatic.)

I might add that the RC papers can be less forgiving than the matte papers.

>Apparently, my inks are on their way...and I will start with testing on
>Epson Pro Glossy...which is currently my paper of choice with the
>Ultrachromes/photo black for a silver print look.

I'd like to try some of that Epson Pro Glossy.  Is it readily available?
How does it's price compare to the Ilford Smooth Pearl and Glossy?  Those
papers have some nice characteristics.

When I saw Epson Photo Paper available at Costco for cheap, I had to include
that paper in the testing also.  I hope this might be a quick and easy route
for many people.  Also, some cheap, readily-available paper is needed for
drafts and volume prints like cards.

>I'll use inkjet control and the new quadtoneRIP option for
>OSX to try things out, but I'm wondering
>how much work is in front of me to get from your
>EEM/Ebony Black curves to
>something that will work with EPG/Photo Black.

I don't know.  I'll be interested in how that RIP works.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com
____________________________________________


On 3/11/03 2:28 PM, "Paul Roark" <paul.roark@...> wrote:

> MIS has a new page that talks about the new vm 4.3 ink.  See
>
> http://www.inksupply.com/index.cfm?source=html/ultratone.html
>
> MIS needs beta testers for those who are interested.
>
> Paul
> http://www.PaulRoark.com