Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "c1asia" <c1asia@...> wrote:
>
> I'm interested in converting a used Epson 4800 printer to a dedicated 
> B&W printer (using no K3 inks).  My goal is to produce prints that 
> match (as close as possible) to the WARM NEUTRAL tones you see in 
> Lenswork magazine. ...
...
> 1.  inks to use?  (MIS UT-3D vs. Piezography K7 Split Tone)

I use Piezography inks. A dual set of Piezotones warm/sepia/selenium mix in a 9600, and 
a selenium MPS k7 setup in a 7800. There is no K7 setup that will resemble the Lenswork 
print hue right now. Perhaps if/when Jon comes out with a warm K7 mps set that will 
change.
There may be an MIS solution and perhaps someone with experience there will chime in.

> 2.  RIPs to use?  (Bowhaus IJC/OPM vs. Quadtone RIP vs. Ergosoft 
> StudioPrint vs. Colorbyte Imageprint)

THis decision comes after the ink choice decision, as each will have a particular work flow 
dependent on one of those drivers, or in fact the native driver.

> 3.  spectrophotometer to use?  (EyeOne - not sure which model vs. 
> Printfix Pro v2.0)

depends on what is selected above. In fact, you may not even need one.

> 4.  matte/glossy papers to use?  (Hahnemuhle Fine Art Baryta, 
> Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl, Moab Colorado Fiber Satine, Intelicoat 
> Magiclee Siena, Epson Exhibition Fiber, Harman FB AL Gloss, Pictorico 
> White Film, Epson Ultrasmooth Fine Art, Inova FibaPrint, Museo Crane 
> Silver Rag) - which papers/finishes works best under which situations?

purely a subjective personal choice, and also dependent on the ink choice as many of them 
will only print on some of those papers and not others. Few ink sets will allow you to print 
on both. Get a bunch of sample packs.
In fact your only options for that look and choice of surface may be an OEM choice.
It may be worth looking at the HP printers as well.

I don't think the market has a perfect solution for your stated needs right now.
Tyler