Digital BW, The Print

Hello Scott,

>I am just starting to move into the digital age, have been a 
>traditonal "wet" printer for many years. I am looking for a starter 
>printer to get working with, but with 13" width.I have been debating 
>on an epson 1280, or the new 1400. Any suggestions would be great!

Welcome to the forum.  It's hard to make a recommendation, we need a
bit more information.  Does "Starter" mean inexpensive or easy to use
(or both)?   Are you technically inclined or not? 

If ease of use is important then the Epson 2400 is great, but it costs
more.  If cost is the issue then a 1280/1400/1800 may do the job but
they will require more time/effort/hassle (refilling carts or using a
CIS, using a RIP, using curves/profiles, etc) than the 2400.  Also,
what kind of paper you want to use (matte, glossy, fiber gloss) could
affect the choice.  The 2400's K3 inks are great on the new fiber
gloss papers.

If money is not the biggest issue then the 2400 is a great way to go.
It can do great BW out of the box, and you can move into using a RIP,
experimenting with different inks, CIS, using a densitometer, etc.
later as your own interest/inclination/desire leads you.  Plus, if you
like the gloss papers, the K3 inks are among the best (if not the
best) re low bronzing and gloss differential.  Other than higher cost,
it is IMO the best route for a beginner to get productive right away
with very little hassle and frustration.  Article #9 at the link below
outlines a simple and effective workflow for the 2400.  It will give a
good idea of what it's like to use this printer.

If the technical stuff and learning curve don't bother you and highest
archival level is of top importance, then the 1800 with Paul Roark's
new all carbon methods may be the best route.  

  http://www.paulroark.com 

So you can see there's no simple answer.  All of these things need to
be considered.  I hope this helps.

Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm