Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Steve Kale
<stevekale@b...> wrote:
> Thanks Tyler.  I wish I could see some of your prints.  The reason I was
> asking is that I just finished printing the last 3 images on this
webpage:
> 
> http://homepage.mac.com/stevekale/Photography/PhotoAlbum39.html
> 
> on Ilford Smooth Pearl paper with the 4800 at 2880dpi.  I have been over
> them with my 6x6 loupe and honestly can't see any dots anywhere.  I
scoured
> the highlights and still nothing.  I see the texture of the paper very
> clearly but no dots.  And that's on a photo paper where I would
expect dots
> to be more obvious.  Given the nature of the images and their smooth
> transitions I thought they would show the limitations of the printer.

And if they were in front of me here I might say they are really
great, can't imagine any better. Who knows, for that exact look, maybe
there is no better right now.

>  I'm
> wondering how much more there is to play for with additional inks to
make up
> the greyscale.

I think Jon's reply is revealing. It's more about trying things and
seeing what happens, than necessarily addressing a percieved technical
shortcoming (well, that too if course). I've seen lots of prints I
thought were amazing, can't get any better, until I saw a better one.
I can't imagine anyone at Epson thinking... "hey, let's see what 7
blacks look like, just cause we can, and we got back from lunch early.
Let's push the h**l out of it and see what happens".

>  I guess I simply need to see some true "pro prints" to see
> what I am missing out on.

Well don't give "pro" more status than it deserves, could be some bad
pros out there.

Arriving at the place you describe, not being able to percieve any
quality limit with the process you are using for your particular work,
is a great thing. When you are there and can really turn your
attention to the other aspects of making great images and prints, it's
a bit scarey, but what we were after all along.

Tyler