Digital BW, The Print

Alan,

>... I've a good working 4000 Pro that is about out of ink. ...
> I'm going to jump into the deep end of the swimming pool and
> switch over to MIS inks. 

Potentially suitable MIS inksets would include, from the deepest end of the
swimming pool, the UT-3D (http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/UT-3D_Readme.pdf),
the UT7 (see http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/UT-2200-Readme.htm for general
information and http://www.dirkhobman.com/MIScurves/MIScurves.html for 4000
curves), and the UT-R2 (see http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/R220_R2_Readme.pdf
for general information, as well as the other comments on my general index
at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/index.htm) (While I have not run the R2 in
a 4000, it uses rather universal ink densities that would make it easily
controllable in the 4000.)

>I gather from what I read that I'll need a spectro... 

Not necessarily.  Many use pre-made curves.  Additionally, the R2 inkset can
be like a monotone inkset that may well be reasonably controllable with the
Epson drive sliders.

However, for a perfectionist, you'll want a spectro.  The Print Fix Pro
might be the most affordable one that works well (text output for Roy's
Create ICC), but it does not have a strip reader.  It takes me one minute to
read a 21-step test strip.

>... I'm concerned when I read that QTR won't "see" those custom profiles.

The ICCs made with Create ICC work fine in the Photoshop Print Preview when
using the Epson driver for printing.  That is how I use them.  While the
Create ICC program is in the QTR download, the rip has its own linearization
routine, which I believe works fine with the PFP spectro.  (I'm not a QTR
expert, however.)

Good luck with your B&W.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com