Digital BW, The Print

I don't think you are going to get the best results with your colour managed
approach.  Getting this sort of thing right requires a reasonable investment
in time and knowledge.  On this list there are novices, intermediates like
myself and then some real gurus - all able to help.  Personally you might
want to take the time to explore Quadtone RIP (QTR) a little.  It will drive
the UC inks and I believe it works with a 9600.  You should also focus in on
a little module in QTR called QTR Create ICC which will profile the
luminance axis of your output with a greyscale (not colour) ICC profile.
This is arguably about the best way you will "fit" your image into the
reduced dynamic range of rag paper.  I am not familiar with the paper you
mention below.  Are you in a position to measure dMax?  John Dean is correct
to say that what you see on screen without an accurate soft proof (and
appropriate viewing conditions) will be an accurate depiction of what you
can achieve on paper - for starters your display can likely produce a much
better black.  But QTR Create ICC can help with fitting the image to the
reduced dynamic range.  A starting point is to determine whether your paper
and ink are a suitable choice for such an image - this will depend a lot on
what dMax you're getting.  MIS Eboni ink will likely perform better than
your Epson MK (and is a lot cheaper).


> From: William Wilson <wm.wilson@...>
> Reply-To: <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com>
> Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 15:32:45 +0100
> To: <DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: RE: [Digital BW] Re: B/W on the 9600
> 
> Hi Steve
> 
> You're quite right this is the final image, it is a very dark style and
> originates from a digital workflow no negatives or scans.
> 
> I normally print in colour on fine art paper and canvas using Epson
> Ultrachrome inks and custom profiles for colour work.
> 
> Over the last few months I have been reviving my B/W work and have been
> reading this list, so I thought you guy's would be familiar with the
> faithful reproduction of this type of image not necessarily on a 9600 but
> none the less more experienced than me.
> 
> My usual paper is the "Fujifilm Fine Art Photo Rag Paper 300gsm" and icc
> profile printing from CS2 not rip, inks are genuine Epson Utrachromes.
> 
> William