Digital BW, The Print

Now I'm happy to agree with you Paul, finally I've got nice prints using combination BO and UT14 cool and warm curves. 
Also you are probably better printer than I am, I would take lessons from you if you were in New York. 

Jacob


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "pr_roark" <pr_roark@...> wrote:
>
> "Jacob" <jacob@> wrote:
> >
> > ...
> > So BO with 1 ink which is less warm and more luminous is fine.
> 
> Black only printing can make fine prints in a 1.5 picoliter printer.  Still, however, I prefer to blend it with Eboni-6 even in the 1400 for better smoothness.  While my film grain comparison shows, I think, that compared to the old film days our expectations have become very high, that does not necessarily mean that our drive for maximum smoothness is not worthwhile.  Given the grainlessness of good digital files, why not go for a totally smooth output?  
> 
>  
> > Now tell me please somebody - when couple of weeks ago I was asking if dedicated b&w printer will give better image quality, I was told by many people "Yes!" and now I'm confused - why 3 black inks (K3) in my Epson 7900 were suggested to give worse image quality than 6 Eboni inks when we see that even 1 ink used in BO only mode gives comparable  with 6 inks quality?
> 
> The 1400 black only is not as smooth as the Eboni-6.  Also, in a wide format printer the 3.5 picoliter drops do not, in my view, allow photo quality black only printing.  I wish there were a 1.5 pl 24" printer, but I gave up waiting and bought a 7800 for Eboni/Carbon-6.
> 
> As to the quality of a K3 B&W, I think they satisfy most people.  I, personally, don't want any color inks in my images.  However, if the 3 levels of black-gray were neutral and if the printer did not microband with only 3 inks, I do think a k3 system could make an excellent print.  Those are big "if's" however.
> 
>  
> > Actually I like to play with this stuff and I know why - all these inks, bottles - I feel like in old good times - I can play with chemicals again.
> 
> Ah, a true darkroom worker -- there is a satisfaction in making your own.  You'll have to get into the C6 trip.  
> See http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Ink-Mixing.pdf
> 
> > Just don't tell me about better image quality, I'm still trying to make print on dedicated printer with MIS inks which will have the same quality as print from 7900, may be some day...
> 
> I don't have any hesitation in saying I think my 100% carbon prints are better than K3 prints in terms of image stability, including lack of metamerism.
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>