Digital BW, The Print

Jim -
 
From a functional perspective:  A RIP (Raster Image Processor) is an additional piece of software that "translates" the image file that you would work with in Photoshop, or some other image program, from the image file format to a format that is presented to your printer.  This function is normally performed by the software shipped with a printer.  RIP's however, tend to be more specific in their intent, where the software provided by the manufacture is a more general purpose oriented.  For this reason, if you are doing photographs, certain RIPS will almost always out perform the manufacturer's general purpose software.  This seems to be particularly true if you are doing only b&w.
 
The good news, if you're doing only b&w, is that there are several alternatives to RIP's that range in cost from free to very inexpensive.  That is where the strength of this forum comes in.  (Personally, I print on an Epson 9600 with a RIP called "Imageprint".  An expensive solution for sure.  But, I print both b&w and color.)  Members of this forum are directly involved in developing and originating the type of solution you should be very happy with.  Since I don't use these, I should leave that part of the discussion to others.  Rest assured that there are true experts on this forum that can provide you with all the info you will need to get going, and probably pretty quickly. 
 
Tom Baker

Jim Mooney <jmooney776@...> wrote:
Hi Tom and All,


>First of all, if you want to get the best results and most enjoyment from 
>this, you must be well grounded in the processes of making a photographic 
>print.

I am working on that as we speak and will be taking a class in the spring 
on tractional printing methods.


>  Secondly, try to get a REAL reading on the financial commitment you want 
> to make in this process.

This is one of the reasons I asked for recommendations on setups, because 
I'm pretty clueless as to what all I need.  I guess I'm looking to 
determine the scope of the gear needed so I can make an educated decision.


>Thirdly, you also must understand how b&w printing, and how much color you 
>will do, and for what purposes.  The last two points are key in 
>determining which hardware/software you acquire.

For the foreseeable future my printing will be strictly B&W for the purpose 
of displaying in my home, giving as gifts and sale at craft fairs perhaps.


>  For instance, RIP's can make life much easier, and the printing process 
> can go well right out of the box, but they tend to be expensive 
> ($300-$2500 or so, depending on the printer(s)). But, if you are going to 
> do equal amounts of b&w and color you will probably either need to use 
> the manufacturer's drivers, or buy a RIP.

Could you define what a RIP is?  I'm not quite sure


>  If you're going to concentrate on b&w, there is a tremendous amount of 
> information available on this forum that will help you get into it for a 
> very modest amount of money, but with more work and sweat on your 
> part.  Be sure to
>  keep in mind that spending more money will not guarantee better end 
> results than you can get with the products/processes discussed on this 
> forum that won't cost you your life savings.

I don't mind the work at all, and I would rather invest sweat than money 
:)  Seriously, that is what I'm hoping to achieve: the best results 
possible at a reasonable cost


>
>However you go, welcome to an evolving process that is great fun to work with.

Thank you for your advice and the warm welcome.

Take care,

Jim





>
>Tom Baker
>
>
>Jim Mooney <jmooney776@...> wrote:
>Hi All,
>          I recently found this groups and am intrigued by the idea of
>making B&W prints on my own.  I haven't yet switched to digital capture but
>I also don't have the space for a darkroom so this seems like a great
>solution.  My questions to the group are:
>
>What would you all recommend as an affordable basic setup consisting of a
>printer, inks, papers, software, and perhaps a scanner?
>
>Are there any resources such as a FAQ that go through to get the basic
>concepts down?
>
>I guess I consider myself an impassioned amateur photographer and my
>shooting consists of travel, outdoors, and some people.  I'm a IT person
>who works with MAC's and PC's so I hope that I can contribute to the group
>if anyone has any computer issues.  I'm a total novice to digital photo
>work, so I won't have much to offer in that area yet.
>
>Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.
>
>
>Take care,
>
>Jim
>
>
>
>
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