Digital BW, The Print

Thanks Paul, that is very helpful.

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Roark" 
<paul.roark@v...> wrote:
> > 
> > > 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