Digital BW, The Print

Hello zumbergephoto,

>I just started using the Epson 2400 for B&W prints.  Wow!
>Has anyone noticed that there is a bit of cyan even with the 
>Advance B&W setting, using Matte Black etc?

This is because ABW uses color inks to tone the blacks.  If you look
with an 8x loupe you can see Cyan and Magenta dots (I can see them in
a sample someone sent me).  There is often a hint of some color or
another whenever color inks are mixed in as toners, either with mixed
inks or as dots on the prints.  

Since you are using Matte Black, have you tried a Black Only print?  I
have a 2400 BO print done with Photo Black that someone sent me and
I'm very impressed with the smoothness resulting from the tiny dot
size.  An MK version should have better dmax and be not quite so warm,
and will not have the color cast.  I'd be very interested to know what
you think of it if you try it.  I currently make BO prints on my 2200
and am considering trading up to a 2400 for the smoother look.


>Anyone understand the differences in the media types and what will 
>give the  best results with rich blacks?

My favorite blacks come from BO prints using Eboni ink - very rich,
and no color casts.  It's a bit cooler than MK to begin with, and is
rendered in various tone on different papers.  I prefer to not have
color inks mixed in (for several reasons, including the color casts)
and so I use several different papers to obtain the tones I want for
specific images.  Eboni is a very rich black and I get everything from
a cold tone on papers like Condor BW and Kayenta, to medium warm on PR
or Dourian, up to very warm on papers like Innova Smooth Cotton.  I'm
assuming (hoping) that MIS will find a way to make Eboni available for
the 2400.

If you try a BO print please report back about it.  I would also be
willing to pay the expenses for sending me a sample.  If this is
possible please reply via private email.  Thanks very much.

Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm