Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Roark"
<paul.roark@v...> wrote:
>
> Frank,
> 
> > ... the Epson R220 can handle (presumably
> > MIS) variable-tone inks.
> 
> Definitely, I use UT7 in it occasionally.  What that means is that I
load
> the UT7 cool inks -- M & LM -- into the M & LM carts that fit a 220.
 The
> UT-R2 warm inks are the same as the UT7 C & LC.  So, you can buy they
> pre-loaded or in bulk.  The UT7 LK is obviously of no use and not
needed.  I
> don't use the UT7 sepia either.  I put a second LC in the Y spot
(for now).
> 
> >  In my search for a dedicated printer this
> > causes me to rank the 220 above the 1280, ...
> 
> If you don't need 13" prints, I'd stay with the 220.  It's a more modern
> printer.
> 
> 
> 
> > 
> > Where, though, is there a description of the usage of
variable-tone inks
> > in the R220?  Or is that all really in the experimental stage? 
> 
> I have some curves, but I have not put together an entire package
(because
> something else going to be in that spot).  However, I'm happy to
share my
> R220 UT7 curves.
> 
> > I would
> > like to jump to variable-tone printing without investing in
monotone, if
> > that is feasible
> 
> It is.
> 
> > (inks, I see, are not cheap),
> 
> Bulk MIS inks are.
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>

Paul--

I've been experimenting with a C86 and then an R220 with EZ inks, and
with a 1280 with UT2 inks.  Haven't done rigorous systematic testing,
so I'm not sure, but when using the EZ inks and Epson drivers, it
seems to me that the sliders have less effect with the R220 than they
do with the C86.  

Using the UT2 inks with the R220 sounds like a *very* attractive
setup, as both the C86 and the R220 have performed better (finer
detail in the prints and with greater ease of use) for me than has the
1280.  

My question is, will using Epson driver and sliders with the R220
provide at least approximately the same amount of control over the
range of tones as that same approach provides with the 1280?

I realize that curves and other approaches are available, but I'm very
pleased with my workflow and with the prints I've gotten out of all
three printers.  Thus, I'm not looking to make any drastic
adjustments, just want to be sure that with the R220 I'll effectively
have the option, based on the subject matter, of cooling off or
warming up the look of the print.

Thanks,
Jim Natale