Digital BW, The Print

Hello Steve,

>In the same vein, I've seen custom color printer profiles using 
>Gretag equipment which provides quite neutral B&W prints, 

From reading reports in this forum I get the impression that any
system that mixes color inks in with the black will have some degree
of metamerism, with the least going to systems that omit the yellow
ink.  Some people aren't bothered by the slight shifts or color casts.
You'd have to decide that for yourself.

Another concern is whether there will be some shift over time due to
the color inks changing sooner than the black.  I am not convinced
that it won't be a problem, and is one reason I prefer to stick with
carbon ink only for now.  Some people say "Well, it won't happen in my
lifetime".  Maybe so, but then again I have seen a Septone print,
supposedly of the newer generation of carbon inks with just a tiny bit
of color pigment used for toning, show signs of fading on my
windowsill test after 125 days, while right beside it is an Eboni BO
print with no signs of fading at now over 180 days.

It's also a matter of principle with me that I don't want to sell
someone a print that might self-destruct after I die and am not able
to replace it.  I don't have delusions of grandeur that my photos will
become valuable art works, but I do portraits and it is quite possible
that a portrait will be handed down for generations in a family.  I
want to be confident and truthful in saying that my photos will last
at least 100 years with proper care.  Right now using carbon ink
without any color pigments is the only thing that gives me that
confidence.  

Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm