Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "djon43"
<djon43@...> wrote:
>
> 
> Tony, re: your comment about "clearing air in lines" ...sounds like 
> you were using something other than Epson OEM pigments in your 4000s?
> If so, clogs and head problems would be expected.
> 
> I'll be interested to hear your further adventures with that Canon
> because it sounds good in other reports and 4800 isn't tempting. 
> 
 
Acutally never used anything but Ultrachrome OEM inks in this one. 
For some reason (maybe hundidity/dryness/elevation ??), when the
nozzles clog, occasionally, it appears that air is sucked into the
lines.. doesn't happen all the time of course, but when it does, it is
a major exercise to get things back to normal (LOTS of cleaning
cycles).  Was a problem with all three of the Epson 4000s I've had.

Regarding the Canon, haven't experienced any nozzle issues yet, but
did have to do one realignment.  The interesting thing with the Canon
is that the need for head alignment isn't readily apparent unless you
are keeping a close eye on the output.  With my Epsons, alignment
problems would usually reveal themselves with some degree of banding.
 With the Canon, there is no evidence of banding, but rather a
"softening" of the detail, lack of sharpness.  When this first
occurred on an extensive multi-hour test session, I couldn't figure
out what the problem was at first.  A quick alignment and everything
was sharp as a tack again.

Surprisingly, I'm finding it easier to get the B&W results I want
using the standard driver and print profiles rather than the feature
rich 16 bit plugin.  Not sure why this is the case, still testing.  I
obtained some dynamite B&W with Entrada Bright 300 and Innova
Fiba-Print Glossy Type F .. was absolutely gorgeous.  The downside is
there are no specific profiles for these papers with the Canon.  I
found through trial and error that some of the Canon profiles worked
well, even though they were not specific to my paper.  The worst thing
about this printer is the fact that it is not an Epson as far as
support and user based experience :-) !

Cheers,

Tony