Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "alistair_owens" <owens@...> 
wrote:
>
> I use an Epson 2100 with Epson UC inks and have been experimenting 
> with QTR to see if I can optimise the print quality. I have ordered 
> some Piezography inks so while I am awaiting their arrival I want to 
> establish a benchmark of what the Epson inks can achieve if 
> optimised. 
> I like the warm tones I get by just using the Mk and Lk inks but like 
> the smoothness I get when I add a little LM and LC to cool the print 
> a little. To see if I can improve smoothness in warm prints I have 
> been trying printing at 2880 dpi. I built some linearised curves 
> using my newly acquired Printfix Pro 2 (I love that little toy) for 
> 2880 printing (ink limit ended up at 37!). I used Epson Archival 
> Matte paper (called Enhanced Matt I believe in most countries) for 
> the experiments discussed above together with Epson Mk and Lk.
> 
> After a lot of time, ink and paper expended I have to report that I 
> cannot see any appreciable difference compared to the prints made at 
> 1440 dpi.
> 
> Also, to validate the linearity of my linearisations, I printed a 
> radial gradient. Again I was a little disappointed to see some 
> distinct steps that make my radial gradient look a little like a 
> bullseye target.
> 
> My questions of the group are:
> 
> 1) Are my findings regarding 1440 vs 2880 printing consistent with 
> the experience of others or should I persist?
> 
> 2) Can I reasonably expect a smooth radial gradient from just K and 
> LK on an Epson 2100?
> 
> 3) If so how do I "tweak" the linearisation to achieve the smooth 
> radial gradient? Bear in mind I have already linearised using the the 
> tool in QTR.
> 

Hello Alistair, I don't print with a 2100 so I can't comment on the 1440/2880 issue but I 
have a comment on the radial gradient and this has come up before in other forums.  What 
is the source of the radial gradient?  I have made them in PS and they will show banding 
on their own.  I have also moved a radial gradient from one monitor to another and 
watched the banding change.  Everyone assumes the gradient is perfectly smooth and any 
banding is the result of the printer but I am not convinced of that.  Many think the 
algorithm used by PS for gradients is the culprit.  Others suggest different blurring 
techniques when making the gradient.

Somewhere inside QTR you can find a document: Ideal Densities for Given dMax Values for 
a 21 step wedge.  I think this is a more useful tool.  You can also add your own curves 
before linearization to smooth the gradient allowing the linearize function to have to do 
only the fine tuning.  Creating the Curves, I believe, differs between Mac and QTR GUI.  I 
have only a tenuous grasp of the concept myself for Macs creating them in text mode, but 
the info is out there and perhaps others can give you a better direction.

Robert