Digital BW, The Print

Hi Group,

Most of my B&W is on the Epson 4000 (now using QTR) and it does a 
fine job.  I use an R800 in the studio for 5x7 and 8x10 color work 
and glossies.  The R800 is the best color machine for color accuracy 
and detail I've ever used.  I've not used it much for B&W and have 
had mixed results.  I've found that B&W on matte papers to be 
especially lacking.  If Roy is sucessful in getting QTR to work with 
this high gloss UC ink set, I'll be thrilled.

I'm concerned though that these printers may be inherently 
problematic for B&W.  I just noticed this text on Red River Paper's 
web site regarding the R1800....

quote.. "Drawbacks - Black and white printing will suffer under the 
new UltraChrome Hi-Gloss setup. The loss of light black ink means 
neutral mid-tones are harder to reproduce. Prints on watercolor 
media also seem to fare worse with the new ink. The Epson 2200 (we 
understand it will continue to be available), will be the ongoing 
choice for users that require good black & white prints, as well as 
compatiblilty with art and matte papers...."

So maybe we should be holding on to those 2200's !

I'm dissappointed that Epson still seems uninterested in B&W.

Let's hope Roy figures out a way :-)

Tony Bonanno
Santa Fe, New Mexico
http://www.bonannophoto.com