Digital BW, The Print

"KentB" <philip@...> wrote:
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While I have spent considerable time testing and printing the Ftype papers, I keep coming back to matte papers...despite the lower dmax...If the goal is an lovely object, a print with depth and luminosity....I have a very subjective notion that the best matte papers are more beautiful. 
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Same experience here.  I've tried numerous Fiber Glossy papers over time (2400/K3/ABW), looking for one that would ring my bell and trigger a switch from matte.  They all had good qualities, but in every case there was something that killed the deal for me.  It especially brought home how much I dislike the glare.  I finally stopped testing, it was just a waste of time and energy (and cost) and a distraction from the really important work.  When I finally let go of it the feeling of freedom from a burden was significant.

It reminds me of my experience with film back when TMax and other "modern" B&W films were emerging.  I spent over two years testing various new films with different developers, and I always ended up coming back to Tri-X with either HC-110 or D-76 (mostly medium format 6x7, some 4x5).  Nothing could beat it's combination of qualities and at one point I realized it was futile and quit testing.  It was a huge distraction from what was really important and I felt a big burden dissolve when I finally was able to let go.

Back to the present, the best matte papers are really lovely and the latest offerings show that more of the makers are figuring out how to get the dmax up into the 1.7s.  We now have a bigger selection than ever and I'm heartened to know that the makers haven't given up trying to improve it.  Apparently matte sales are good and they're listening to us.


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