Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 4/22/2004 8:21:34 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
mike_nunan@... writes:

> Ok, you lose a bit by having three rather than four tones, but with a 
> suitable driver and avoiding the toner inks, there's no reason why a 
> print created on a 2200 using Paul's workflow shouldn't be very 
> smooth indeed. Of in practice the Epson driver might well NOT be 
> doing the "right" thing -- anyone know from firsthand experience what 
> the case is? Steve M, if you're reading this would you care to 
> comment?
> 
> TIA
> 
> -= mike =-
> 
Mike, my only comment is don't get too hung up on dots. From my persepective, 
keep in mind how much work knowledge and time you want to spend 
getting things tweaked. This can easily add up to a years time and maybe even 
a couple thousand $ in paper and ink. Thats what I went through.
Things are much more advanced now with many more users and workflows and 90% 
of them make great prints. In my own experience If seen great results with RGB 
curves and other images that RGB curves didn't print so great. You would need 
to know how to make these curves yourself, understand them, and be able to 
make adjustments to them. Me? No thankyou, I need to make great BW prints 
predictably and as simply as possible.  
First thing for me is to simplfly. No color inks, A program like Studio print 
for many control options, and thats it. Simple tools but expensive, but I 
spend my time making prints for sale. I don't print other peoples work, so I only 
need my own look.
If I have time and want to play, QTR, and image print look like wonderful 
options. I would use some sort of RIP software for control even on these new 
ultarchrome printers for better than standard epson output. If I wasn't making 
prints for sale I wouldn't worry about it because there seems to be all the time 
you want in a world like that.  The differance's are not obvious. Even Nash 
editions uses 9600's for there black and white work,  neutralized color  
ultrachome inks I believe. 
It has been stated that 3 inks(tritone) printing is enough for smooth BW 
work, and these statements come for those way more expert than I,so I believe 100%
There is a large range of acceptable quality on this list, and its boiling 
down to a 1% gain hear and there, and what you can see with a loupe. 
I wouldn't doubt for a minute that Guys like Paul Rourke and Roy Harrington 
have at least 1000 hours in working up thier workflows. It wasn't exactly 
childs play figuring all this stuff out.
I started these topics just to point out that there are very good simple pro 
options out there, starting with the non chipped 7000-9000 series printers. 
And also to point out that those who skimp and try to save money usually don't 
in the long run.
Best thing to do is jump in somewhere and get started. Great results are 
everywhere. 
I plan to spend free time learning how to change out the heads in my 7000 for 
3 more years of printing.
Steve M.



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