Digital BW, The Print

A couple of posts asked for better alternatives to the Epson gloss and lustre 
papers for the bronzing/differential surface reflection problem.   After 
finding both Epson papers unacceptable for these reasons, I tried the Ilford 
Galerie papers on my Epson 2200 and was blown away by the difference.   The 
Ilford Galerie Smooth Gloss Paper is heavier than the Epson paper, cheaper 
than the Epson paper, and shows no difference in gloss over light and dark 
areas when viewed at an angle.   Honestly, it looks like a paper that came 
out of a wet darkroom.  I took a few images in to show the salesmen at B+H 
who had told me that the 2200 could not print onto gloss papers without the 
reflectivity problem arising, and they were amazed at the results.   It is an 
incredible paper; I am surprised that more people are not aware of it.

Special bonus:   Ilford's US office told me yesterday that the company is 
releasing a set of custom drivers next month for their papers that work on 
the 2200 and other Epson printers, that Ilford believes will produce a more 
neutral b+w image.   Better yet, they are going to distribute it at no 
charge, bundled into their paper packages.

Sanders McNew


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