Digital BW, The Print

Hello Sarah,

>I was quite excited about that possibility with the 3800, due to 
>some previous posts. Guess I'll scrap that idea and consider a 4000.

Don't be so quick on that decision!  This might be something really
good.  Looking at the ramp I can see speckles of paper white quite far
down into the grays, past 50% - not quite as much as BO, but enough to
preserve some real nice luminance.  The ramp is very smooth, without
the obvious grainy appearance of BO.  

If this method (let's call it BGG for short) will print a variety of
attractive cool/warm tones using MK on the various matt papers
(Kayenta, Condor, PR, etc), then it might be a great way to print
using pure carbon for the utmost longevity.  The only thing for
existing BO folks is whether the distinctive "Tri-X look" might be
lost.  It will definitely be smoother.  Whether it will retain a
distinctive enough look remains to be seen.  I just spoke with Steve
and he is willing to switch over to MK in a couple of weeks and let me
make some test prints on a variety of papers.  So hopefully I will
have something to report later on.  

If it looks good, there is always the possibility of using Eboni in
there for a cooler MK (although it doesn't kick in until 55%). 
Anyway, it's too soon to make a final judgement.  It's obvious that
the BO option is being phased out of Epson printers.  The successor to
the 220 doesn't have it.  BGG may be the only alternative.

Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm