Digital BW, The Print

(snip)

>
> If anyone has any insight into this before I buy a new printer I would
> really appreciate it.
>
Kevin,

I never did have any luck getting rid of the fine banding on my 1200. Most
of the time you needed a loupe to see it but occasionally it became visible
at normal viewing distances. I had perfect nozzle checks on mine, with no
defects like you are showing in the nozzle check you posted. If that offset
does not clear up with cleaning or is present with the Epson inks then it is
a printer defect.

If you do decide to switch printers (as I finally did) try the 1280.

I also want to note that virtually all printers seem to be subject to some
type of linear artifact in very smooth areas. It sometimes comes and goes.
It is so slight that it can only be seen under magnification and is one of
those things we live with. The 1280 with MIS VM inks gives me a dark banding
pattern on some prints that I can see under magnification but it is in the
darker 3/4 tones and is less objectionable than in the lighter tones.

Also keep in mind that even with a given model there seems to be printer to
printer variations. I share your frustration with this and hope you work it
out. Remember if you can't see it at normal viewing distances, don't worry
about it or you will drive yourself craze!

Martin Wesley