Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 11/12/06 11:39:20 AM, BKPhoto@... writes:


> My point is: if one really wants to see what a given system is capable of, 
> they have to control the basic variables that determine how the printer is 
> applying ink to paper. This includes ink limiting, linearization, and 
> accurately authored print profiles. This requires a LOT of time and money. And love. 
> And a good sense of humor. And time. And money.
> 
Thats certainly a perceptive view of the process. What I see happening is 
that this level of involvement, commitment, and cost will continue to draw about 
as many users as it does now (and as it has over the last few years); while 
most of the growth in serious B&W will come from the newer, less complex 
options.

I go to the places where galleries prosper, look for galleries, look in 
galleries, and look at what type of prints, (and especially B&W prints) galleries 
offer. In the last few years I've been able to consistantly find a few places 
where specialty B&W inkjet prints are actually being sold. Thats cheers me up, 
when it happens. Much more often I hear the song and dance about silver being 
the only medium to consider etc... but I hardly consider a Lightjet print to 
be preferable to a serious B&W inkjet print. 

What I expect to see with the new printers and tools becoming available is 
about as many specialty B&W system prints as I've been seeing, but a whole lot 
more inkjet B&W in general, some of it excellent, much of it good, and (like 
the opening of any field to a larger public) much of it inferior.   What I'm 
still digesting at the moment is that prints done with OEM ink processes can be 
displayed on the same wall with those from proprietary ink systems, and not be 
automatically inferior.

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision Business Division
DataColor Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com


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