Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Jim" 
<ho_yeah@y...> wrote:
> 
> Check out the Yahoo HP-inkjet group. You may find some info there.
> 
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, JimD 
> <rasterdogs@c...> wrote:
> > I just discovered Mike Johnston's article about these printers
> > and they perform doing black and white at:
> > 
> > http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/sm-03-14-12.shtml
> > 
> > Do other in this forum have any experience, knowledge, or pinions 
> about 
> > these HP printers used for black and white printing?
>

Having read Mike Johnston's article I promptly went out and bought a 
HP 7660 (cheaper version of 7960) and have to say it was a great buy 
as the quality of my black & white prints are now similar to what I 
can achieve in the darkroom.

I started my photographic career as a b&w printer and have never been 
happy with inkjet printing for b&w until now. I have used an Epson 
1200 and 1160 both with MIS quad (or hextone in the 1200) inks for 
some time. The results on all types of matte paper look too flat for 
my taste, althought at A3 size hanging in a frame it's not bad.

I only have the 7660 a week and have run alot of tests with a variety 
of paper types. The recommended paper, HP premium photo glossy has 
been discontinued in Australia (where I live) and it's replacement is 
HP Colourfast Glossy. There is no matte version. That paper has a 
slightly cool look (the paper is a slightly off white colour)when 
printed. Epson's premium semi gloss comes out very warm indeed. My 
preference is Tetenal semi matte. It has a slighly warm appearance 
when placed beside the HP paper and on its own looks just right to 
me. I guess it's a subjective thing anyway. My preference has always 
been a matte look, but not flat, for my black and white prints and 
this printer does a stunning job. 

Of course it's not all perfect. Size is limited to A4, ink cartridges 
(Grey No 59) are $30 a pop, no refills available yet, but hopefully 
soon. It's dye based ink, not sure how long prints will last, but at 
least they look great!! I forgot to mention you can use the grey 
cartridge on its own, but I have found that using it along side the 
tri-colour no 57 gives the prints a nice deep black and they have a 
richer appearance. 

My kids were asking me today "just how many printers do you actually 
need dad" (I've got 5 on the go) and I was thinking well maybe I 
could retire the 1160, but then what about A3...the quest for the 
right printer is never ending.

Paul.