Digital BW, The Print

>I am getting black blobs in the darkest areas again with my 
>C86 and the EZ inkset on EEM. I'm using eboni black ...

>I just got the Roark Paper sampler pack from inksupply.com ...

I'm not even sure what is in that sample pack.  One paper that may be there
is an "Alpha" that was the Innova version of Permajet "Alpha."  The Innova
version is not the same, however, and mottles badly.  Look at my web pages
to see what papers I've used for the various printers.  For the C86, see
http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/C86-EZ-UT-Readme.htm 

> ... the local Ritz Camera had an Epson 220 last time I was there ...

The 220 does better matte printing.  The c88 does better glossy.

> ... I could end up spending so much on a printer and supplies ...

The C88 and 220 carts are the same.  The chips and inks are different.  You
can use the same EZ-yellow position, where I like the warm.  The 220,
however, needs the 2 level C and M positions.

>... the traditional darkroom is starting to look good to me again.

The main reasons to go digital are NOT cost.  Photoshop is the main reason I
prefer digital.  Once digital, however, the cost and ease of inkjet output
makes it the current technology of choice for me.

> If I was sure the Epson 2400 would work for me I could save up for it ...

For B&W, I actually prefer my 2200.

> but I could equip a really nice wet darkroom with that kind of money ...

I wish I'd invested the cost basis of my drawer full of Apo-Rodagons in
Google stock.

>.... The Epson 1400 is out so I could wait and see ...

I expect it to be a super printer, but I'm often disappointed.


>Help-I'm snowbound and want to make prints;)

Grab that 220 if you like matte paper, or a good refurbished 2200.

Good luck.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com 
http://home1.gte.net/res0a2zt/photos.html