Digital BW, The Print

Carl 

Are you still running with this setup?  Were these figures out of the
printer without spraying etc? Have you tried coating these prints with
Renaissance Wax and if so what was the impact on dMax etc?

(What is the dMax range that is typical of a traditional wet process?)

And finally, do you notice a massive improvement having switched away from
the Epson UCs to a dedicated B&W setup?  I know this question is loaded but
I really like what QTR has been able to produce with my 2200 and I am
wondering if there is another quantum leap to be achieved or just a small
step up.  If it is a small step I will stay where I am but if not
then....maybe....

Cheers

Steve

> From: Carl Schofield <scho@...>
> Reply-To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2004 11:01:43 -0500
> To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Digital BW] Re: Glossy printing with Eboni -- who needs a 4000?
> 
> Paul,
> 
> I didn't experiment with adding Eboni back in the profiles because the
> results were so good without it.  However, the initial trials I made by
> reducing 100% output suggested that eboni did reduce dmax beyond
> 90-92%, but I don't know how much Eboni was actually being used in
> those tests.  I did some more trials with my "K-less" UT1 curves on
> several other RC papers, using the neutral 50:50 blend of the cool:warm
> curves that were developed for Epson Photo Paper,  and got the
> following results:
> 
> Epson Photo Paper - dmax 1.932 no bronzing
> Epson Premium Semi-gloss - dmax 2.337 slight bronzing
> PermaJet Oyster 271 - dmax 2.194 moderate bronzing
> Oriental Graphica FB - dmax 1.529 slight bronzing, but mottling, very
> weak blacks, scratches easily
> Pictorico Dualside - dmax 2.347 moderate to severe bronzing, warm grays
> Ilford Smooth Pearl - dmax 2.328 very, very slight bronzing
> (essentially none)
> 
> Despite the lower dmax, I liked the appearance of the Epson Photo Paper
> prints.  This was the only paper with zero bronzing and the soft gloss
> did not produce distracting surface reflections - probably the closest
> to an air-dried glossy silver fiber print .  The Ilford Smooth Pearl
> would be a close second choice for me, particularly where a higher dmax
> is needed.
> 
> Carl