Digital BW, The Print

> So what is this desire of so many of us (myself included) for glossy 
> high DMax print?  Are we conditioned purely by the numerical value of 
> DMax?  Is it really worth it?  Am I trying to rationalize the 
> limitation of my 4000?

I've experimented a lot with PKN and GLOP in my 2100 lately and have 
done some thinking on this issue.

The only thing I actually like about glossy papers is their high dmax. 
Besides that one issue I much prefer matte papers in every way. I really 
don't like the reflections, and the texture and feel of the glossy 
papers I've tried just doesn't come near a good cotton rag paper.

My ideal print would be on Photo Rag with 3.0+ dmax and no flaking. To 
me the whole glossy thing is just an unfortunate compromise that you 
have to deal with in order to get high dmax.

Several non-photographer friends have also specifically preferred matte 
papers when I've printed pictures for them and given them a choice of 
paper. They've also commented on how much they like the paper, and that 
it looks "different" from ordinary photographs. I've gotten comments 
like this with both EEM and Photo Rag.

--
Daniel Staver
http://daniel.staver.no