Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "davedoughman" 
<davedoughman@y...> wrote:
>
> I've been monitoring this group thinking some day I'd like to make
> great B&W prints on my Epson 2200 or 2400 using WindowsXP with or
> without QuadTone RIP or other software. But the more I read the more
> confusing it seems. Can anyone summerize the advantages/disadvantage
> of any or each of the major systems to print great B&W to include
> ImagePrint?
> 
> I'm a hobbist and don't have the instruments to read/create accurate
> profiles.
> 
> Dave
>
Dave, I have WindowsXP and the Epson 2200 and C86 and make (I think) 
wonderful b&w prints with both. (Never made a "perfect" b&w print in 
the darkroom and don't expect to on the inkjet printer).  When I 
first downloaded QTR for the 2200, I was unable to use it (I am not 
skilled with computers), so I bought the C86 and MIS inks and 
produced very nice b&w prints right out ot the box.  Then someone 
told me to try QTR again and how to use it, and that it was quite 
simple.  I downloaded it again - perhaps a newer and more user-
friendly version - and found it to be quite simple indeed. Certainly 
worth $50!  I know nothing about curves or profiles - use what ever 
came with the Epson printers or with the QTR program.  But, as Paul 
says, the C86 with MIS inks is unmatched for economy and simplicity.
But also try the 2200 with black-ink-only; you may find you love 
that.  Try both 1440 dpi and 2880 dpi to see which you like best.
Good luck,   Edward