Digital BW, The Print

Yesterday I took delivery of a new R2400.  By the end of the day, I had managed to 
produce a very acceptable print using the ABW mode, with guidance from Clayton Jones's 
very valuable essays.  Although I didn't time the printing of a full page (8.5x11) image, it 
was very fast compared to my old workhorse, the 1160.

I examined the print with a 10x loupe.  There were no dots, none.  The tonal gradations 
were very smooth everywhere.  After I clean up my ABW workflow, I expect even more 
impressive results.  I then expect to switch over to QTR and MIS inks in the near future.  
For now, I'm having a lot of fun with very little effort.

I have two dozen prints (made on the 1160) matted, framed and ready for an exhibit in 
August at the Catamount Arts Center in St. Johnsbury, VT.  After seeing the results from 
the 2400, I'm going to scrap the lot and do them over.  A labor of love.

Added notes:

The R2400 is a rather expensive printer, but as I mentioned in a previous post, Epson has 
a "loyalty" program for repeat customers: 25% off in the case of the R2400.

Also, a previous post mentioned Bill Kennedy's book, "The Photographer's Guide to the 
Digital Darkroom."  I'll second the recommendation; it's an excellent book that cuts 
through much of the arcana associated with getting a good print, either color or b&w.  
Check for reduced prices on Amazon.com

Now I've got to get out there and take more pictures!

Harry Lockwood