Digital BW, The Print

Ken,

>... Epson 1270 ... VM-S inkset, since sometimes I like a warmer print ...
> However, clogging has become a major issue ...   CIS problems ...

One of the main reasons MIS switched to the Eboni black is that it is not a
co-solvent black like the vm-k.  The co-solvents and CISs clogged a lot for
people who did not use them regularly.

>... I'm probably not a candidate for a CIS

I agree.  I don't use them either, but a big part of that is that I like to
switch inks.  With a UC or MIS Ultra Tone ("UT") inkset that can print on RC
papers, you might find you'll want to try those papers with a photo black.
Switching black carts on a desktop printer is easy.

> and I'm a few printer generations behind also.

The 1270 with a quad inkset will still match the best there is.  If you have
a good unit that does not band, it is worth keeping.

>My main interest is b&w, usually neutral,
>though I do like some toning - I have a "platinum" duotone that is really
>nice.  I don't print that large, so a 13x19 printer is fine for  me.

Before you spend a lot of money, why not try the Ultra Tone in some carts.
The warm end of the range is considerably warmer than the MIS VM inkset,
although not as dark as the vm-s will go.  I'm replacing the vm-s sepias in
my show with UT warm prints because the lightfastness of the UT warm is the
best there is (pure carbon), and it is warm enough to give that platinum
look.

>I'm thinking that a 2200 with a RIP may be the way to go ...

You'll have dots in the highlights.  The 2200 output I've seen cannot match
your current 1270 vm-s output.

>... I don't want to compromise on quality,

Then consider saving the money on the 2200 and RIP.

> but I really don't want to waste time purging cartridges ...

Why not use new virgin carts and fill your own.  I never re-use carts due to
the foam issues.  With the 1270 and UT inks that should work very well and
be reasonably easy.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com