Digital BW, The Print

Hi All,

I am a photographer that has done B&W in the darkroom for over 30 years and
have recently started using a Nikon LS2000 scanner and a Epson 1200 with
Fotonic inks to print my color.  I have been reasonably pleased with the
results.  However, my real love is B&W.  I have been reading this list for
some time and have been looking for a Epson 1160 so that I can try printing
with the MIS quad blacks and the curves supplied on their site.  I have been
unable to locate an 1160 printer.  I have had one on order at referb.com for
a couple months but when I called them today they said that they had no idea
when or if they would have more.  It has occurred to me that I could change
over my 1200 to print hex blacks.  Is this the way to go?  Or, should I be
looking at a 1270 for B&W and continue to use the 1200 for color?  Or, the
other way around?  My understanding after talking with Karen at Digital Art
Supplies is that I can buy a kit for approx. $150.00 that includes the
Fotonic ink and a chip re-programer or that I can adapt the 1270 to run
Lyson hex blacks?  I'm a bit confused.  I gather from reading this list that
the 1160 with MIS quads and curves seems to be the way to go in this size
and price range, but that's looking like it may never happen with the lack
of the 1160 availability.  At this point I sure would appreciate any advise
that I can get from the list.  I suppose the 3000 is another option although
I think it's out of my price range.  I'm sure this subject has been covered
in the past but I have not had any luck finding it in the Database or Files
on the web site.  Again I would appreciate any help on this subject and
apologize for going over, what must be old ground, for most of you with
extensive experience printing B&W.  Thanks again,

RB Smith
E. Lansing, MI