Digital BW, The Print

on 2/15/02 7:50 AM, DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com at
DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com wrote:

> Hello,
> Firs of all I feel bad for only asking questions on this great forum.
> It seems that I only want to find something out and don't want to
> contribute myself.
> Well, the main problem behind this, is that I myself am struggling
> with the basics still.(last night was sleepless again. Many,many
> testprints) 
> I have been using now the MIs VM set on the EAM paper for quiete a
> while. I am very pleased with the results.
> However I am considering to try some of the fine art papers that can
> be used with the Quadtones.
> My problem is that in my country(Poland) it is virtually impossible
> to get any of these papers. I will have to order them just like my
> inks from the US.(or maybe there are some readers in Germany? Any
> links where I can order these papers there? Is much closer)
> My question therefore is; what would You recommend as very good thick
> fine art paper for MIS VM? I'd rather order one or two different
> papers than spent money on shipping of samplepacks(I am sure the
> costs will be more than the samplepack itself)
> So, let's say I would like to order 2 or maybe even 3 different type
> of papers?( I hope my wife doesn't read this.)
> What would be Your choice??
> Any advice on that will be appreciated.
> 
> Another question.
> I know it is not a fine art paper, but I just got the Kodak Ultima
> Satin. It feels like a RC, which I personally don't like but
> sometimes people ask me if I could print something for them on that
> kind of paper.
> What paper settings do You use? Is spraying essential?
> I read some time ago on the list that people had positive comments on
> that paper. I tried the Epson Semigloss and that was a disaster.
> (bronzing)
> 
> Greeting to everybody
> 
> Piotr Janowski
> piotr.janowski@...

Peter,

I agree with Steadman; my first choice would be Hahnemuhle PhotoRag 308 or
Royal Renaissance 309 gsm from MediaStreet.com.  I think that Royal
Renaissance is re-branded Hahnemuhle PhotoRag.  These are great papers, as
they have a wonderful tactile feel, as well as producing a image that is
both sharp and rich at the same time (a very subjective judgement, but you
will know what I mean as soon as you print on some and hold it in your
hand).  I had both papers side by side, inspected them, printed on them and
I could not tell the difference between them.  Make sure you brush the
surface before printing to avoid any flaking.  Royal Renaissance is sold at
a much better price than the Hahnemuhle PhotoRag branded paper.  Here is a
useful link  
<http://www.mediastreet.com/cgi-bin/tame/mediastreet/art_media.tam> A photo
paper that I really like (also sold by MediaStreet) is Legion Photo Matte,
which I believe is a no acid, archival grade pulp paper.  EAM and both of
these papers work very well with MIS VM and Paul's curves.  Someone posted
on this board lately indicating that they had some problems with Hahnemuhle
PhotoRad warming after a short time in the sunlight.  I am of the opinion
that this was a isolated case and perhaps a batch of bad paper.  I have had
nothing but good luck with Royal Renaissance 309 and Hahnemuhle PhotoRag 308
and during my limited full sun test they both seem to hold up well, other
than some initial slight warming.  This slight warming is OK with me, as I
find myself preferring the warm curve most of the time anyway.  Good luck.

Roger