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Digital BW, The Print

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Comparison of Ultrachrome K3 Advanced B&W and Cone Neutral K7 Inks

2007-01-13 by John Hollenberg

OK, thought I would provide some feedback after the help I received in
choosing the Cone Neutral K7 inkset.  I did a comparison on Epson
Enhanced Matte, using a Canon 5D image which was down-rezzed slightly
to produce a 7X10 image at 360 PPI.  The image was of a cherry orchard
with lots of fine detail in the grass, tiny branches and blossoms. 

1) Epson 2200 with Cone Neutral K7 inks, using Quadtone Rip and the
supplied NK7 profile

2) Epson 2400 with stock Ultrachrome K3 inks (matte black), Advanced
B&W mode with setting Normal

The K3 print was just a bit lighter, but generally quite close. 
Making a B&W profile using QTR would even out those differences. 
Without using a loupe, I couldn't reliably tell the difference.  Under
a loupe, I discovered the "dotless highlights" of the K7 print. 
However, the K3 print appeared more "luminous" (very slight) in the
highlights and was preferable in this regard.

Bottom line: some of you guys must have damn good eyesight!  I don't
regret trying out the K7 inks, and obviously need to do more
experimenting, but with results like this why bother?  Please tell me
what I am missing (if anything).

Thanks.

--John

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