Digital BW, The Print

Jim,

I'd say it's worth finding someone nearby - but you don't mention where
you are located and whether Fedexing every round of proofs is an issue.
Also, scanning and file prep for that size may not be trivial 
and may be a big factor  in the final print quality.

I would be nervous if I was just starting in digital bw printing and
had a for-real show to print, but depending on your "free time", and budget
there is no reason why you couldn't learn  all this. You specify the
long dimention, but not the short which would indicate what size
printer you may need. You also don't specify any preference for Mac
or PC. 

Assuming you are well versed in Photoshop,
the shortest route with the easier learning curve is to buy into a 
system that offers out-of-the-box functionality, such as ImagePrint 
and a 7600 with Ultrachromes. 

That's not necessarily the overall "best", just the quickest to get
up and running. The downside is that if you really want to get into
the more esoteric controls and make your own profiles etc, there are
other choices, some much cheaper. ImagePrint is a proven solution
with good phone support, but their profiles are proprietary and have
to be made by Colorbyte. You can find lots and lots on all this in our
archives - but then, as I said, it all depends on how much time you
are willing to put into this. Other solutions include StudioPrint (PC only),
QTR (Mac and PC),  IJC/OPM (Mac and soon PC), Piezography ICC and
R9 inks and software. 

For a truly fine tuned exhibit-quality print, remember that there is also 
the matter of ink and paper choice.  That can become quite a project
if you have to try different combinations and want to match ink color
to paper base for a specific "look". An Ultrachrome printer is likely 
the most out-of-the-box versatile in that sense, but perhaps not ideal for
the particulars of your current project. 

I am only trying to outline some of the complexity involved in getting up 
and running quickly - but it all depends on what you expect from
the final prints.  In the end, I don't believe you can substitute an 
experienced  "master printer"  with a quick plug-n-play solution. 

Antonis



--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Jim W" <jwise@a...> wrote:

Can anyone comment on whether there is a system (printer, RIP, inks, paper) that 
> someone with a good deal of photographic and digital experience could master by 
late 
> December(exhibit in March) that might be an alternative to an expensive house 
such as 
> Nash Edition or such, who I am sure could perform the work?