Digital BW, The Print

Steve,

While you will get a variety of responses, I have been very pleased
with the 1280 and UT2 inks as a dedicated B&W printer.  I do not print
as regularly as some, so I buy filled carts from MIS. At this point,
there are three relatively inexpensive solutions to B&W prints with
the 1280:  Paul Roark's curves, his profiles (more limited) and QTR. 
Black only prints are also possible with the Epson driver. I print
primarily matte, but gloss is possible with Ebony black although it
requires spraying after printing.  While all three methods produce
very satisfactory prints, using the profiles on Paul Roark's website
results in the best rendition of detail and tonal range, at least to
my eye. (The difference is great enough so that I am convinced I need
to buy the equipment necessary to do my own profiles with QTR.)

The one drawback you will hear a lot about is the dreaded 1280 clog. 
Experience seems to vary from user to user here.  I have been lucky
(knock on wood) and find that any clogs thus far can be easily cleared
with a few cleaning cycles.  (The tendency to clog seems to vary from
cart to cart.  I can go two weeks without printing without a problem
with some carts and need a cleaning cycle virtually every time I turn
the printer on with others.)

I have had the printer for a number of years, as I bought it
orignially for color work and it keeps chugging along (again, knock on
wood).  So, you have one vote from a satisfied customer -- I suspect
you will get some different opinions shortly.

Steve



--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "steveh0607"
<steveh060758@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Everyone,
> 
> I'm thinking of buying the Epson 1280 to use with UT2 inks as a
dedicated Black & White 
> printer. I've done my homework at the MIS site and Paul's site and
like what I read but the 
> opinions of users would be most useful. So, for those who use this
combination:
> 
> What are the pros and cons? Are you satisfied with your results?
> 
> Thanks in advance, 
> Steve
>