Digital BW, The Print

Thanks to the comments of several people in this group
I purchased an Epson C84 and the MIS EZ BW inkset (the
neutral set with the ebony black) and am pretty impressed 
with the results.

Using the "stepwedge" images provided by Daniel Staver
(thanks) and the "Migrant Mother" image referenced by 
someone else I printed images using the Epson cartridges 
in both the color and black only modes and compared them
to the images printed using the MIS EZ inkset.

My opinion is that as far as smoothness of tones, the EZ
inkset places between the Epson BO and the
the Epson color print.  With the BO print you can see
the dots in the mid tones where you can't with the
color print.  With the EZ inkset you can just barely
see the dots in some places when looking very closely.  

Colorwise, the EZ neutral inkset is quite consistent 
and seems pretty neutral.  The Epson BO print is somewhat
warmer whereas the Epson color ink print is a bit cooler
but inconsistent with the darker tones having a magenta
cast and the lighter tones having a green cast. 

Overall, I am pleased with the prints using the
EZ inkset especially considering the price ($120 for the
printer and ink) and that you don't have to do anything
but print the image, no curves no nothing.  You can't make
it much easier.

So far I have only printed on Epson matte paper, so I don't
know how it looks on glossy paper, but they suggest a 
different black for the glossy paper.

I am planning to put up scans of the different prints
for comparision in the near future, but I am not sure my 
scanner can really do justice to the prints.

Derry