Digital BW, The Print

Matt,

>Well, I've got a complete set of the EZ inks on their way (both warm 
>and neutral).  Unfortunately, they were on backorder, so I'll hafta 
>wait a couple weeks.  Some questions to pass the time:

>1: Are all 3 warm inks (cyan, yellow, etc) the same as each other?  
>Same with neutral?  Perhaps the ink itself is the same, but 
>the "chip" is different?

Yes, the midtone densities are all the same, but the chips are different.

>2: Paul mentioned swapping the blacks for matte versus glossy.  Is 
>that a big issue? 

Only the newest carts will swap with clean nozzle checks, and cleaning
cycles waste ink.  The new carts are not yet used for the pre-filled inks as
far as I know.  Once you've used up the pre-filled carts, I recommend going
to the new carts and bulk inks if you like the system.

>... a "nozzle check".  Is this a function of the C86?

All Epson printers have a function that prints a nozzle check.  Do this
regularly, especially when changing inks or if the printer has been sitting
unused for very low.  The quality of the image drops significantly if the
nozzles are no all firing.

>3: Does anyone know of recipes to achieve particular tones with these 
>inks.  Specifically, I'd like to approximate platinum prints with 
>these inks.

The warm inks are pure carbon.  I think this might be close to what you're
looking for.

>4: Some folks talk about sprays on here.  I noticed in another 
>current thread that sprays are even used for matte prints.  Any input 
>for Hahnemule Photo Rag?

I use Lascaux Fixativ for PhotoRag.  It is the famous B72 formula that is a
standard for archival purposes, and it will reduce dmax much less than some
of the other sprays. I think PhotoRag's sensitive surface needs a spray
unless it is framed under glass (where I usually use no spray at all).

For Lascaux, see
http://www.dickblick.com/zz217/14/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=4138.

Hope the EZ system works for you.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com