Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "dmdctusa"
<dmdornctusa@...> wrote:
>
> I think that after a week of testing I have found Nirvana (or maybe 
> Near Nirvana, time will tell).  

I can't believe that I'm so late getting this done, but I finally got
my sample of the Harman MATT FB Mp paper tested. The number on my
packet above the UPC bar code is 27C2F1T44.

I'm comparing directly to HPR, printing with a 7600 using PiezoTones
with portfolio black, driven with StudioPrint, 2880, bi-directional. I
printed the same image with the same settings on both HPR and Harman.

I agree with you that this is an excellent matte paper. It's
beautifully smooth and beautifully sharp. It's also beautifully white
giving a more neutral print compared to the warmer HPR print.

Unlike others, I find the printed surface fairly robust, at least as
scuff and flake resistant as HPR if not more so. I couldn't get the
ink to come off at all, and had to resort to fingernails to scratch
it. When I rubbed with the pad of my thumb I got more scuffing from
HPR than Harman.

As to Dmax, I find the HPR and Harman about equal. I lost access to a
densitometer so I can't give numbers unfortunately. But visually I
wouldn't give a nickel for the difference. 

I think this paper holds promise and would be a welcome addition to
the marketplace. I suspect that it could give HPR a serious challenge,
especially for photographers. I agree with what Tyler said weeks ago,
with this paper it's all about the image. For that reason alone,
photographers are going to like it.