Digital BW, The Print

>... I have to ask myself why did I waste so much time on 
> those matte papers?
> The Innova F test print is so much sharper, deeper, and richer.
...
> Assuming that $$$ is not the reason, why would one ever choose
> to print on matte paper?

Lack of reflections is one reason.  Sometimes people talk about being able
to "see into" a matte print.  (What I like to see in a good B&W print is a
window to a B&W reality, not a piece of paper.)  I think this translates
into lack of reflections that distract from the image. (Of course, if one
uses glass, that introduces reflections there also.  So, I'm looking into
coated glazing -- expensive.  AR True Vue looks like a winner and there are
sample packs.  See
http://www.mmdistributors.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=m
mdist&Category_Code=Tru+Vue+AR )  


Lack of reflections also affects mounting.  I really don't like to have to
dry mount prints.  All of the older inkjet and wet process glossy (even air
dried) prints needed this.  Matte inkjet prints look fine without dry
mounting -- due to no surface reflections that show any small waviness.
With the new inkjet glossies, I've found up to 11 x 14 will stay flat
without dry mounting.  I'm told this holds true also for 16 x 20.  I have
not tried this yet.  However, at some size point I'd guess even the new
glossy papers will require dry mounting or similar treatment.

So, I still use matte paper, but these new glossy papers are getting really
good.  If money were not an option I might have Silver Rag printed and
mounted, perhaps on a self-adhesive, aluminum substrate.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com