Digital BW, The Print

"gakerby" <graeme@...> wrote:

> ... I want true black and white prints at A4 (I doubt I need A3 - unless I find one at a reasonable price). ...


There are lots of options.  The general consensus is that a black ink and 2 gray inks ("K3" approach) is the minimum for very smooth B&W.  Trying to print B&W with only color inks is hopeless.  The OEM solutions include the Epson 2800 and HP Z3200 (there is a smaller version of this).  I prefer Epson printers due to their piezo heads, which are compatible with the third party, dedicated B&W inks I prefer. 

Some of us think that the very best B&W is achieved with dedicated B&W inksets.  Jon Cone at inkjetmall.com and MIS at inksupply.com are the main suppliers of these inks.

MIS has generally commercialized my various inksets (no royalties), which I summarize at http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/  Scroll down a bit on that page and you'll see links to write-ups by printer model.  

I personally think the 1400 with UT14 is the best place to start to explore B&W because it allows variable tones and both glossy & matte without changing inks.  The 1400 is an excellent printer for the money and one I use all the time (though now with a different inkset).  There are a number of inksets that will run in the 1400. 

Good luck with you B&W.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com