Digital BW, The Print

Ann wrote, in part:

>...
>I was very taken with chris' idea of using the inexpensive r220 
>with all black inks as i am only interested in learning about 
>printing black and white images. At this time i just can't justify 
>spending money on a 2400 . Ink use is the issue, not using 
>it and having it dry up on me is the major draw back.

>...need to keep it simple for sure.
> If i understand Paul's recommendation. I would just use 
>epson black inks in this printer instead of the color ones?

I would not use Epson R220 black ink for 2 reasons.  First, I'm not a fan of
black only (BO) printing.  I prefer smoother prints and a more neutral tone.

Second, even if I were a fan of BO printing, I'd use a pigment ink, not the
220's dye.  Eboni BO on matte paper or MIS PKN on glossy paper is the better
way to go.

Greg wrote, in part:

>You may want to try the less expensive way with an Epson C88 
> printer, then there are only 4 inks to buy.

The C88 is the easiest.  The OEM inks are also pigment. (The black appears
to be a hybrid pigment-dye.)  I don't know how it does in BO mode.  However,
I'll be getting the latest version of the C88 soon to be sure the MIS EZ
inks still are the appropriate mix.  I'll also check the settings, etc.

If you then want to use the C88 for smoother prints or a more neutral tone,
the MIS EZ approach uses the same midtone inks in all 3 color positions.
So, you can buy, for example, just one $18 bottle of midtone ink and fill
all three easy-refill color carts with the same ink.  While the C88 does not
have the light inks of the 220 and, thus, is not quite as smooth, it's still
the champ from the standpoint of easy to use.  My old C86 Readme file is at
http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/C86-EZ-UT-Readme.htm for more information.



Paul
www.PaulRoark.com