Digital BW, The Print

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for the article.

I am using almost 100% rolls. I thought I'd lay out how I got to that 
point.

I am using a 4x5 for film, and a Canon 1DsII for digital. I will 
probably go to a medium format digital back eventually.

Most of my prints are large. I have a 7600, 9600, and a 7880. I am 
printing 100% with Photo Black on "photo" papers now. About 85% of my 
work is color.

I went to using 100% rolls, all 24", to reduce the number of papers 
that I stock. After testing about 30 papers this past winter, I 
dedcided to go to Epson Premium Luster and Semi-Gloss for proofing.  
Epson had those on sale, buy 2 get 1 free. The net cost on the Semi-
Gloss is about $57 per roll, or about $.28 per square foot, which is 
about the same as Epson Enhanced Matte.

I also standardized on the Hahnemuhle Fine Art Baryta, Harman Gloss 
Ai, and Innova Glossy Warmtone for my premium papers.  Also on 24" 
rolls. I am getting rid of all of my matte/"fine art" papers, mostly 
to simplify my printing.

Most of my proofs and final prints have one dimension that is at 
least 24".  If I go to smaller proofs I use Qimage and gang prints. 
One will still have at least a 12" side.  I just don't see the point 
in printing/proofing smaller than that.  

I also use a dye ink set for proofing that costs about $25 per liter. 
So my 24x36 inch proofs on premium Semi-Gloss cost $1.75, about $.30 
per square foot.  But that is another discussion.

Best,
Michael