Digital BW, The Print

Jim -
 
Ultrachrome inks have only two blacks.  It seems that systems with additional gray inks should be able to produce a better b&w print than the Ultrachrome inks.  However, in practice, this doesn't seem to necessarily show up visually..
 
The best thing to do is to download Imageprint and give it a try.  Many people, including me, believe that the visual quality is equal.  One photographer who did see the Imageprint Ultrachrome b&w with MIS prints made the same comment that you made.  That he had been led to believe that the Ultrachrome inks were not capable of high quality b&w.  He got a demo two days later, and ordered Imageprint the next day.  He had also been through the problems you note with two previous printers and was about to give up on the whole idea of digital printing for now.
 
Keep in mind, though, that there are many people using the other systems without too much hassle and with great success. 
 
Check out the demo and evaluate all of the systems against your needs.  All of the currently available systems seem to have trade offs in the areas of blood, sweat, tears, time, money, and aesthetics.  Everyone has their own mix that is acceptable.
 
P.S.  Apparently at least one person on this forum took exception a day or two ago when I said that there are those who think that the Ultrachrome b&w look as good as the alternative ink prints.  So, keep in mind that there are vey strong supporters of the alternative b&w ink systems.  And, most with good reason.  They're getting good results.
 
Tom Baker


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