Digital BW, The Print

> It is easy to keep in suspension -- a defect with the Eboni-based 
> inksets.

I didn't know this.. does that mean we should agitate the cartridges
from time to time? I use refillable cartridges and a friend tells me
that their back and forth motion at start-up serves to agitate them. I
know that with CIS you can shake the bottles occasionally.

> And, we at least have Wilhelm tests of the pigments 
> themselves.  
> 
> The bar has been raised big time for B&W types since the large OEMs 
> entered with at least fairly serious systems.  For the top end, I 
> think I can defend third party 100% carbon, but I don't think I can 
> defend third party color, which is used in neutral "carbon" 
> printing.

I've been in touch with the National Register of Historic Places
lately, and sent them a few 3MK prints on Moab Lasal done on my R1800.
It's tough to keep a dialogue going, they're rather busy, but they do
seem interested. After studying Wilhelm's site, I see he approves of
the R1800 with K3 inks and has charts of expected life span which
would easily meet the Register's 75- year requirements. But doesn't
the K3 process, although carbon-based, still use some color pigment
inks, thus weakening their longevity over against pure carbon? (I
should add I'll probably switch over to a non-OBA paper soon, I'd like
to try that Premier Art you seem to use a lot.)

My basic thinking is that since carbon-based 3MK, with touches of
color pigment, easily meet Register standards then pure carbon should
be a no-brainer.

I wish there were some way to get the 3MK process on Wilhelm's charts.
Do you know how to reach him? I didn't see any contact information on
his website.

> Keep in mind that there are no problems for the vast 
> majority of desktop  users, but I'm interested in challenging the 
> best and with wide format.  Right now, I think the HP ink looks the 
> most interesting for this segment, but I don't want to buy a Z3200 
> for the volume of large prints I do. 

I'll be interested to see how your HP work develops. Perhaps that
process will eventually make Wilhelm's list.

Thank you!

Paul