Digital BW, The Print

David,

>1280 vs 2000p

For the UT2 -- or any inkset -- I'd go with a printer that is supported by
pre-made curves unless this is something you've done and feel comfortable
with.

The 1280 and UT2 have a number of such pre-made curves; I do not support the
2000p.  I know of no one else who has made the control curves.

>* 2000p is a pigment printer, may be less clog-prone?

The only real differences between printers made for pigs and those made for
dyes is that the pigment printers do more cleaning cycles automatically --
like longer ones when they are turned on, etc.  Many people have been
printing pigs with 1280s for a long time with few if any problems.  I would
not favor the 2000p over the 1280 because of this.

If you are going to print glossy paper, do remove the pizza wheels from the
1280.  (See for example http://www.inkjetart.com/pizza/ -- it's easy.)

>* The main advantage of the MIS ink is that you can tone prints the way you
>like them, correct? Vs. the 'one ink = one tone" Piezo plan.

The obvious advantages of the UT2 inkset that occur to me are: 

(1) Control over tone.  This is not just to get different tones in the
overall print, but also to profile specific papers.  Some papers print cold
in the shadows, some don't.  With the variable tone you can even out the
printing tones.  With a monotone you're stuck with what the paper delivers.


Using Photoshop curves to control tones also allows split-toning within a
single print.

Because the control method is open and free, you can profile a new paper or
change the tones yourself immediately without paying or waiting for anyone
else.  

(2)  Print on glossy paper.  UT2 not only allows this, but it does so
without the need to change black inks.  The glossy papers (I especially like
the Semigloss or pearl surfaces) with a protective spray that reduces the
surface differential reflections & "bronzing" made a dramatic and washable
medium that can be very good for certain display purposes.  Piezo ink is not
glossy paper compatible.

(3)  MIS bulk ink is cheap -- a great bargain.

And, of course, I am totally unbiased.  ;-)

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com 

For UT2 information, curves, and settings see:
http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/