Digital BW, The Print

Hey,
I've been lurking around here for a couple of days and reading the many
messages through the digest. Unfortunately, I've become overwhelmed.
 
I love the look of Ilford multigrade IV RC (pearl) paper in the chemical
darkroom. But, I'm tired of hunching over my bathtub. Not only that, but I
don't print often enough and have to toss old chemicals and buy fresh. This
becomes time consuming and inconvenient. (mostly 'cause I have to clean the
bathroom before and after)
 
Simply put, I would like to get my Epson 1270 printer to print nice black
and white prints. Currently I have the Epson inks. I have lots of paper
brands, but not the Epson Archival/Matte stuff, just regular matte. Not the
Photo Rag stuff or Somerset Velvet either. I've got Ilford, Epson, Red
River, etc. I'll get what I need with whatever inks that I finally buy. So
let me know if you reply and suggest an ink that would go with my printer
(1270), then mention the paper too.
 
So, to the inks:
The Cones Piezography is too expensive for me. So, I got excited when I saw
Lyson's inks in my price range. Then I read about the MIS Quadtone inks. I
read something bad about Lyson w/Epson (but can't remember now) and was
turned towards the MIS system. I nearly bought the MIS Quadtone, but I made
the mistake of reading more stuff (Ultratone) and am treading water. Now I'm
reading about black only (BO) printing using Eboni. Then I read about UT-2.
It took me a couple of days to figure out UT-2 is the new version of
UltraTone, which will be out in a couple of weeks. Then I got confused about
UltraTone (blacks) and UltraChrome (color?). In which some people are making
b/w prints with UltraChrome.
 
AGH!!!
 
Okay, there must be more than one way to skin a cat. But, I only want to
skin ONE cat and not the whole dang neighborhood!!!
 
Here's stuff I might be confused about:
MIS UT - doesn't do a good job on glossy? But great on Epson Archival matte
MIS UT-2 - might be good on glossy? and matte
Either way, majority of my b/w prints will be on matte. But, I suppose there
will be occasions for glossy.
 
MIS UT (both 1 & 2) is pigment (carbon) not dye and can supposedly be used
w/o buying cleaning cartridges 'cause they are the same alkalinity as Epson
inks...(sounds good, but seems weird if I'm taking dye inks out and putting
pigment in)
MIS UT-2 lasts longer than UT-1 or about the same? Did I read that last post
correctly of 200 years. Heck, that'll work for me!
MIS UT (both 1 & 2) is better than the MIS Quadtone? I don't remember why, I
just read something and stored the basics in my brain.
 
On the Black Only (BO) printing, is that only done with Eboni ink? Who makes
it? Epson doesn't make it for the 1270.
I've tried BO with my regular Epson black and wasn't exactly thrilled with
the results. I tried mixing with colors too and get obvious color (greenish
on semi-matte) in my prints. I like Sepia (sometimes), but would much prefer
a neutral black for most of my printing.
Does this BO work with the MIS system? I don't think they make Eboni for the
1270. Maybe they do? I lost the webpage.
The BO printing last a long time too?
 
Hypothetically if I were to hang these prints in a gallery....what would be
my best option (besides chemical darkroom and Cones Piezo.)?
If I where to sell these prints, what would give me peace-of-mind knowing
that I'm giving my customer a good print?
 
I have Photoshop (and I'm not afraid to use it.)
 
I also have an Epson 785 EPX (but I'd like to keep that one color 'cause I
tend to bring it traveling occasionally)
 
I can't afford the 2200 or 2000 or whatever that thing is. Besides, my
boyfriend would have a conniption fit if I bought ANOTHER printer!
 
So, I'd really appreciate it if I could get some help to clear up my clogged
head. Please keep your reply in non-technical terms - and thanks in advance
for replying. Once I decide on some kind of system, then I'll anxiously
purchase and then delve deeper to learn what I need to know (curves or
whatever).
 
I guess I'm torn between the two systems (MIS UT or BO) and am wondering if
I'm leaving another option out. I'm not to keen on using color to make a
black and white print. But, I can be persuaded (with proof).
 
Oh, the only color calibrating software I have besides Adobe Gamma is
Colorific (I think that's what it's called)...but I can't find the little
blue card thingy...so adobe gamma will be it unless I find that card. I also
have a flatbed (Espon 2450) and a film scanner (Minolta Dimage Dual). I
don't trust my eyes on the color calibrating thing and wish that one day I'd
get that spyder or other color calibrating thingy-ma-jig that sticks on the
monitor.
 
I guess that's enough for now. I think I gave y'all enough info about me so
that somebody can help me out.
 
Thanks,
Barbara
 
 
 
 
 


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