Digital BW, The Print

Hello Steve,

>I'm a b&w fine art photographer looking for a new matte paper to use
>as an alternative to Epson Velvet Fine Art.  I've been using Epson 
>VFA almost exclusivity to make my own prints on my 3800.  It's a 
>excellent paper with good dmax but its textured surface is 
>appropriate for some images, but not all images....
>...the Somerset Velvet dmax paled in comparison to Epson VFA.
>Can someone recommend another matte paper more comparable to Epson
>VFA. I would appreciated hearing your suggestions and ideas.

I've tested lots of matte papers (see article #5 at link below) and
with K3 inks none had better dmax than VFA (HPR has better with
Eboni-based inks).  I haven't tested all papers so it's theoretically
possible there's one out there with better dmax, but I think we'd have
heard of it by now so unless it's brand new it probably doesn't exist.

I use a 2400 with K3 and VFA is also my #1 choice.  My #2 choice is
Innova's STA (Soft Texture Art), a slightly warmer paper color, the
best non OBA paper I've found, really beautiful stuff with K3 inks. 
It's dmax is not as good as VFA, but still better than many others. 
But it's also slightly textured.

As for the texture, it bothered me for a long time but I finally
realized that it's a non issue unless it's hand held for up close
viewing.  At any distance, and especially framed, it's not an issue. 
 I've sold and gifted many prints on it for the past several years,
most of them unframed, and no one has ever mentioned anything about
the texture.  In fact, the few times that anyone has ever mentioned
the paper at all was only with high praise in general and not
specifically about the texture.  I finally let go of my concern and am
living happily ever after.  The gorgeous glowing VFA prints are more
important.

HPR has good dmax, but while it's great with Eboni-based inks I've
found it isn't as "friendly" with K3 for some reason.  I still have
some in stock but have never been thrilled with the results.  I've
pretty much settled in on VFA and STA for everything these days.

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