Digital BW, The Print

I saw the 4000 at PhotoPlus.  Epson was not printing any B+Ws for 
distribution with it.  When I questioned 3 Epson reps on the metamerism issue regarding 
the 4000, each seemed unaware that there was a metamerism issue with the 
Ultrachromes even on the 22/76/9600.  None seemed aware of any new profiles or 
drivers for the 4000.  

I was able to get a B+W Rodney Smith print that was done on Epson Premium 
Luster, printed on the 4000.  When I got home and looked at it under tungsten 
light, the print was totally neutral.  Then I took it into daylight, and it was 
very green.  Subjectively, I would say the 4000's metamerism is equal to that 
of the 2200 for B+W printing.  I use my 2200 with ImagePrint.

It's very disappointing because it now seems that the 4000, to be used with 
Ultrachromes, will require an expensive RIP for B+W.  I wouldn't use it "as is" 
for B+W work.

Helene

> Here is an excerpt from the epson site that makes some subtle 
> distinction on the suitibility of these two printers for B &W 
> printing...
> 
> 4000
> Professional Level Black &White Photographic Printing¹ 
> *   Produces a truly consistent image with little color crossover or 
> colorcasts 
> *   Reduced metamerism on 7-color black &white prints 
> *   Depending upon media, produces a black D-max up to 2.1 
> *   Produces sellable quality neutral or toned black and white prints
> 
> 7600
> Professional Level Black and White Photographic Printing
> *   Produces a truly consistent image with no color "crossover" or 
> color casts. 
> *   Able to produce neutral or toned black and white prints to 
> satisfy demanding photographers. 
> *   Depending upon the media used, you can produce a black D-max up 
> to 2.0.
> 
> Draw your own conclusions.... I personally believe that these subtle 
> distinctions in Epson's product literature indicates a difference, 
> for some reason, in the B &W printing quality of these two printers.
> 



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