Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 9/20/06 4:22:05 AM, alanberkson@... writes:


> I recently received my first order of Crane Silver Rag in 8.5x11 and
> 13x19 and tried some test prints on the 2400.  I used the 8.5x11
> sheets and had some trouble getting the printer to load the paper
> normally from the top.
> 
Yes, I've had a bit of trouble loading it in the Canon iPF5000 as well, but 
then, the iPF5000 has trouble with any paper, and this has a curl to it that's 
bound to make it worse.

>   I tried a number of times to auto load then
> printed when I was finally successful.  The first few were ok - used
> the Crane's profile, though my calibrated monitor (with eyeone) was
> quite a bit lighter than the muddy print.
> 
I've been printing on this paper with K3 and iPF5000 printers, and the 
results are far from dark and muddy. I'm using PrintFIX PRO 2.0 profiles and the RGB 
printing mode in the driver, so the prints get linearized and neutralized for 
me, but I still find that using the new Shadow Detail control is useful for 
opening up the very deep shadows on this high D-max paper. This suprised me, as 
that control was added to adjust the clogged shadows on Fine Art papers, and, 
given the coating and black ink used on this paper, I didn't think of it as a 
Matte Art paper, but the same control works wonders, eliminating the 
compression of the deep grays and creating a nearly perfect linearity to the gray 
ramp. Very satisfying!

>  This was disconcerting but
> even more is that the most recent print has an ink splotch at the
> lower corner and some random ink splatters near the bottom 1/3.
> 
That would indicate feed issues that are bringing the head into contact with 
the paper. Try a straight path loading instead.

> Before I commit to any more printing I would like to know if anyone
> has has a similar experience and any help for a solution. I have been
> using the printer fairly sucessfully with ilford galerie smooth papers
> - mainly in ABW and using the ilford profiles for toned images. 
> 
Then you'll find the toning methods in PrintFIX PRO 2.0 interesting, if you 
have the chance to try it out...

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Unit
Datacolor Inc.
CDTobie@colorvision.com
www.colorvision.com


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