Digital BW, The Print

Perhaps I lack the eye or the standards of others here or maybe I 
need to
> see more prints by people who are better printers than I am but 
FWIW I've
> been completely satisfied with the blacks I get using matte papers 
and Eboni
> black ink with QTR and my 2200. I don't know who it was who first 
said that
> we don't need the blackest possible black, all we need is a 
convincing black
> but I certainly agree.


Hmm, some good obervations/thoughts to the original post.  I for one 
have decided to set aside this need for higher DMax, at least for 
now - and go back to making prints which have satisfied me just 
fine.  Epson velvet Fine Art is a current favorite.

Perhaps I could make the prints on a non-glossy RC paper like Epson 
Semi-Matte, or such.  But I have lost the urge anymore.

I still remember the first time I held a well made b/w inkjet print 
(from one of the founders of this forum - Martin Wesley).  It was on 
308 gsm Photo Rag.  It elicited an almost orgiastic response in me; 
the tonality, detail, and most importantly the tactile feel of the 
paper.  William Turner has a similar effect on me.  Yet a few of the 
people I have shown/asked to hold prints made on these venerable 
papers have reacted "what sort of cardboard is this"!!  Just goes to 
show you that there is no accounting for personal taste and 
preference.

Regards.

Shilesh