Digital BW, The Print

Ken,

Does the Harman Gloss FB have the same glitter/sparkles when held
under light as Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy?

Helene





>>Just finished printing 4 different B/W images on this paper. Printed
with an Epson 7800, K3 inks, Advanced B/W mode, 1440 dpi, paper set
for Epson Premium Glossy (250).

The gloss and surface of this paper is indistinguishable (to my eyes)
from my wet darkroom Ilford Multigrade IV prints. The paper is a
slightly cooler white than my traditional prints but warmer than Epson
Premium Glossy (now called "Premium Photo Paper Glossy"). It is
noticeably less glossy than the Epson inkjet paper.

I don't have a way to make quantitative comparisons but a visual
comparison among the 4 Glossy Harman FB AI prints and 4 Epson Premium
Glossy prints indicates they are very very similar in terms of
contrast, max blacks and white tonal range and transitions and image
detail.

Both the Epson and Harman glossy papers have the same minor gloss
differential (shows up in the clouds and white water in my landscape
photos). In diffuse lighting (vs. harsh specular lighting the GD is
not noticeable in either paper).

Application of PremierArt Shield is very effective in removing any GD
from either paper. However, based on one try so far, it is probably
easier to get a smooth coat on the Harman paper (less liklihood to get
blotches or streaks).

I suspect dry mounting the thicker Harman paper will be somewhat
easier compared to Epson Premier Glossy (i.e. less likely to show a
slight orange peel effect)

I think most people would prefer the thicker and more 'artistic'
tactile feel of the Harman paper over Epson Premium Glossy. I do.

... and here's where I will probably loose a lot of readers... I
prefer the Epson Premium Glossy over the Harman FB glossy. I try to
shoot and print dramatic landscapes, I like contrast (but always want
to retain subtle shadow and highlight detail)... both papers allow
this, but the whiter (cooler) Epson whites and the glossier surface
are more attractive to me. I mat and frame my prints without glass;
tactile paper feel is not a concern. Having spent over 20 years
making air dried, selenium toned glossy fiber based prints that were
never quite glossy enough for me I am probably coming from a different
place than many who are currently trying to achieve the darkroom paper
look.