Digital BW, The Print

>I'm in the market for a good photo printer. I'd like to spend less
>than $800. I typically print black and white, but sometimes do color.
>I'd like relative permanance and as close-to-silver-as-possible for
>the money.

...

The best printer or at least best printer for the money depends on what size
prints you need to make.  

The best relatively neutral prints I've made recently have been, first, at
13", from a 2400 with MIS carbon pigments not only in the LK and LLK
positions, but also in the Y position.  Second, if 8x10 is OK for you, the
C88 with MIS EZ inks.  The paper in both cases was Crane Silver Rag.

The 2400 configured above would require you to re-place the yellow for color
prints.  The C88 is so cheap you can just buy another for color, or do as I
do and replace the B&W inks with color when needed.  They swap in and out
easily.

Many Epson 13" printers will make excellent B&W with dedicated B&W inksets.
Currently the only other new printer of that size that could be appropriate
is the 1280.  It's getting a bit old, but for a new 13" printer it's cheap.

Matte papers can also be printed by all these printers with the appropriate
black in installed, but if you're coming from the darkroom and not
accustomed to a matte finish, the Crane Silver Rag will probably look more
like what you're used to.  Under glass, however, matte paper looks about the
same.

As you might guess, there are lots of variables.  So, reasonable people can
certainly differ.  The 2400 is the best out of the box solution to B&W and
color.  The C88 for glossy and 220 for matte, fitted with appropriate MIS
inksets, are the wild bargains for 8x10 dedicated B&W.

Good luck with your B&W.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com