Digital BW, The Print

> 
> > I've just started using this software and wanted to hear from others
>  > what the advantages for printing b&w versus other methods. I use an
>  > Epson 2200 and I normally print on Enhanced Matte, Premium Luster,and
>  > Ilford Smooth Pearl papers. I use PS CS for all my b&w processing
>  > using a combination of methods.
> ...


I strongly encourage the development of affordable, competitive rips like
QTR and IJC.  I think they and the Epson driver can make excellent prints,
and are the competitive systems I now see as most important.

My interest is to convert my B&W negatives into the best, most archival
prints I can, in the most efficient, easiest and cheapest way.  In some
respects, less is more for me -- software issues are included.

For me -- and the decision as to what system is best is very much dependent
on the circumstances and individual preferences -- Photoshop curves and the
Epson driver are what I use.  I wish those curves could also run on the
affordable rips, and I will continue to experiment with the rips.



Here are some of my thoughts as to the features I like best about the
competing approaches -- and competition is a necessary element for me:


Photoshop curves are the easiest for me to write, and I (and others) can use
those curves with Photoshop, Picture Window, and PS Elements (if the curves
are on layers).  My curves are not limited to a specific piece of software.


The most important feature of QTR, IJC, and the other third party rips may
be the ability to print metamerism-free B&W prints from the Epson
UltraChrome inkset.  

(That said, I'm a B&W printer, not a color printer.  So, the UC inkset is of
little interest.  The advantages of the dedicated B&W inksets, on the other
hand, include having smoother highlights (having ink dilutions that are less
than half the concentration of the UC LK); being more lightfast; being able
to print on glossy and matte paper without changing the black ink; and lower
cost, among others.)

For dedicated B&W inksets, the feature I think may be most important for
these rips is the semi-automatic linearization capability for those who have
and can use the equipment required.  

(For visual manipulation, a grayscale PS curve may be easier.  These can be
part of a curves layer set in PS.  In fact, the print can also be matched to
standard monitor calibration with such a curve.)



This is not an exhaustive list of factors, but just the ones that currently
strike me as most significant.  

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com