Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Dan 
Honemann" <dan_honemann@y...> wrote:
> Vincent is very positive on the HP 7960 in his interactive review 
> when testing b&w against an Epson 2100:
>  
http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/interactive/HP%207960/page_
5.htm
> 
> ". . . when I saw these prints coming out of the 7960 printer I 
was 
> dumb struck. The only thing that I have seen that matches the 
HP 
> prints is my DeVere enlarger. . . . I thought the Epson was 
good, but 
> the HP 7960 has just changed the rules."
> 
IMHO, Vincent's gushing praise for the HP7960 B&W output 
didn't seem justified, based on the print comparisons he 
published (HP vs Epson 2100). The Epson prints (just using 
graybalancer) seemed very neutral and with good shadow detail. 
The HP prints, by comparison, were extremely warm-toned and 
heavy. He hasn't (yet) explained exactly what aspects of the HP 
B&W prints have caused his enthusiasm.

> It would be interesting to see b&w comparision tests between 
>2200 
> images using the IP5.6 or IJC/OPM drivers, and those from the 
>new HP.

Indeed it would. And some info about relative longevity.

Phil