Digital BW, The Print

Don,

Both QTR and IJC/OPM are capable of perfectly neutral prints without 
any crossovers at all using the UC inkset.  It is really a function 
of the profiles used to print, and the time and care taken in 
building those profiles.  

I use IJC/OPM on a WinXP platform and build my own profiles using a 
spectrophotometer.  I can measure any hint of color throughout the 
tonal range.  I always build a "neutral" profile for every paper I 
use, either for direct printing, or for blending with cooler or 
warmer profiles for subtle shading effects.  I intentionally design 
my "neutral" profiles so they tend to mirror the color of the paper 
stock.  So, if the paper base is slightly creamy yellow, I tend to 
have my grays retain this slightly creamy yellow bias throughout.  I 
think it creates a more congruent image and works better with the 
paper.  You can, or course, blend in just a little coolness if 
desired.  I do the same thing on ultra bright "blueish white" 
papers.  I tend to keep them slightly on the cool side so they work 
with the paper.  

If I was willing to invest the time, I could build profiles that are 
totally neutral throughout the range, with no measureable color 
cast.  IJC/OPM has the capability to add just the slightest amount of 
color even in the "white" areas, so you are in effect toning the 
paper (similar to using absolute colorimetric rendering with color 
ICC profiles).  I ususally do not use this feature, but it nice to 
have it available.    

I haven't dabbled with dedicated quad inksets yet, so cannot compare 
directly, but the results I am getting with my 2200 and UC inks are 
excellent.  No complaints about color casts or crossovers.

Regards, Lou


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "hill14701" 
<hill14701@y...> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> While contemplating my next printer, I'm interested in subjective 
responses here.  With the 
> 2200 and epson inks, are QTR images truly neutral?  I realize that 
you can tone images, 
> but are the results comparable to a dedicated quad inkset?  I am 
not looking for 
> perfection, but I would prefer the ramp from black to white showing 
no color casts or 
> crossovers.  Warm, neutral, or platinum tones are great - as long 
as the tone is stable 
> from black to white.  I like the idea of one printer for color and 
black and white - and I 
> only print on matte papers.
> 
> Don