Digital BW, The Print

The problem with EEM is that the paper will yellow as
the OBA's burn off, not fade.  If you were to try a
matte paper a good test would be Epson's Heavyweight
Matte, as it is a more robust paper than EEM without
such severe burn-off or yellowing.

The problem with inkjet printing is that we are still
in the medium's infancy - or at least the terrible
two's.  Take an "archival" ink and print it on an
untested base or a paper not matched by the inks
manufacturer, and usually the results will be quite
bad.

For some reason, hobby printers have rallied for
accurate proof or level of archival output.  That in
and of itself is a misnomer, as archival deals with
storage conditions and not long term display. 
Consider that Cibachrome/Ilfochrome prints that were
once believed to be the pinnacle of archival color
methods.  Most tests have given that specific paper a
29 year fade rating.  This fade rating is exactly what
is achieved with Epson dye inks printed on Epson's
Colorlife paper.

Every print made is not going to be on long term
display.  Also, all prints hanging on the wall are not
under fade test lights; so how reliable are the
independent longevity ratings?  A friend that I shoot
weddings with had a customer return an extremely faded
print, made on Premium Glossy Photo Paper from the
Epson 1280.  The excessive orange fade gave it a 70's
Kodak color print vibe, and was returned 3 months
after printing (it was hung with direct sun exposure).
 I have a print that was made immediately after that
one, on the same batch of paper from the same
printer/ink.  It has been stored in a notebook and is
still as vibrant as the day it was printed in May
2000.  The point being that non-ideal dark storage
adds considerable longevity even to volatile or
fugitive materials without spray or sleeving.

Statistically, everyone on this list is not the next
Ralph Eugene Meatyard and will not be discovered after
their death; so lighten up about archival ratings. 
Make prints to the best of your ability, and store
them under ideal conditions; sleeved or sprayed if
possible.  They will last and your family will be able
to enjoy them.  Besides, your prints are like your
children - nobody cares about them but you.

Don

--- Mark Hahn <markhahn2000@...> wrote:
> I've read that it gives pleasant warm tone prints,
> but I've never 
> tried it because anything you print on EEM with the
> printer will not 
> last... and I don't like wasting time making prints
> that I *know* are 
> going to fade within my life time.
> 
> mark
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com,
> "lancscott" 
> <lancscott@y...> wrote:
> > Anyone using EEM with HP 9760.  What are the
> reults like?
> 
> 



		
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