Digital BW, The Print

Ernst,

After I saw your post I looked up the Canon iPF 5000 on the Canon site, and
it does look interesting, especially on ink cost.  I would like to ask you a
few questions, or perhaps you could point me to a source.  Most of my
printing is b&w (neutral or toned), but I would like to print color also, on
both matte and semi-gloss paper.  I was thinking of the Epson 4800, but
decided against since my schedule is unpredictable and I may go for 2-3
weeks without printing, hence possible clogging problems (with more plumbing
in the 4800 than in my 2200).  Also, it appeared I would need the IP RIP and
their phatte black cartridge to print both gloss and matte in the 4800.  The
latter is not that big of an issue since I use IP now.  

Can you comment on the b&w prints from the iPF 5000?  Are they neutral and
free of metamerism as compared, say, to the 2400 or 4800?  Is a RIP needed
to accomplish this?  How about profiles, say if I want to print on Innova
Smooth White Cotton matte, or Silver Rag semi-gloss?  Sorry for the barrage
of questions, but if I had a printer that could do all this it would be
great.  I like the 17" size since I could then replicate my 16x20 darkroom
prints.  My only experience with a Canon printer is an older i950 for
snapshots.  I was never able to get good color from it, and b&w was a flop.
Thx for any insight or resources!

Regards,

Ken Carney
www.kencarney.com


> 
> Compared to the 50$ prices of the new HP Vivera 130 ml carts
> and 75$ for two 130 ml carts I have to say that I find the
> 3800 carts 80 ml expensive, and compared to the K3 110 and 220
> ml carts they are expensive too. Looks like you have to pay
> the price of a cheaper 17" printer in cart cost.