Digital BW, The Print

on 11/17/01 5:32 AM, Adrian Joyner wrote:

> Paul
> 
> I think that you may be right about printer variation. You may recall that I
> have discussed with you in the past how VM handles low value detail compared
> to Piezo and how the latter resolves, IMHO, this much better. The image that
> Tim asked me to print had easily discernable detail that VM, unlike Piezo,
> just did not satisfactorily print. The VM 1160 is the same as I have always
> used and passes the usual nozzle and alignment checks perfectly.

I've noticed that my separation of lower values had diminished recently. I
used all 4 of Paul's VMM11 curves (for Mac and 1160) to print out Tyler's
Zees not long ago (in the files section. No better test I know of for tonal
separation) with very good success. Today, with no changes to ink, paper, or
workflow, I have less separation of my lower tones.

So, I know it's not the quality of the curves that is at fault, or a
difference between printers, or materials. The only changes that are coming
to mind is climate, and printer usage, neither of which has altered that
dramatically in the month or two since my excellent results with the same
test.

I find so much of this so terribly frustrating. The mysterious
inconsistencies. Sometimes in smooth tones areas my prints will have a
corduroy patterned banding (running perpendicular to the travel of the head)
and sometimes microbanding or sub-microbanding (not real sure about what
either of these terms really means, but what I get is fine white "etch"
lines which run parallel to the print head movement. Very tiny, like little
grain lines, which gives a mechanical feel to the print. Need to look pretty
close to see it (but how close to subconsciously perceive it?)). Then other
days these things are NOT present.

Do other people get minor variance with their systems day to day or week to
week, or do I just make my printer moody with my demands? (I think that
would be my wife's guess)

Todd