Digital BW, The Print

"tboleyyh" <tyler@...> wrote:

Definitely some things to explore there.  Thanks.


> Some worthy new papers have come along in the last year or so...


> 
> Epson HotPress Natural-
> White LAB= 97.71 0.29 2.84
> 50% AB= 0.62 3.11
> Dmax= 1.678

The delta-b of this paper is the lowest I've ever seen.  I'll have to get some and see if it holds true with dilute Eboni.

> ...
> Epson HotPress Bright-
> White LAB= 98.10 1.45 -1.94
> 50% AB= 1.05 1.78
> Dmax= 1.678

It does look a bit like the PA Smooth BW.  Note the high paper Lab A.  I happen to like that.  It gives the print a bit of a selenium look.

 
> ... I have strong suspicions about the source of the new Epson papers. Add to that the Epson/Premier connections of the past. ...

I'd have to agree. 

> For those looking for more hue variation through paper choice this would be of interest. ...

Definitely.

As an aside, I'm so impressed with Mark's AaI HP Z3100 PK tests that I'm getting fairly comfortable with the idea of using some of that ink in more printing.  So, the initial 7800 setup for 2010 looks like an Eboni carbon core (K, Lk [18%] & LLK [6%] densities), MIS warm carbon M channel (LLK and LK) and HP cool C channel  (30% PK and PK -- which will also be the PK for the warm glossy printing and also help cover the 18% Eboni to Eboni transition if needed).  I'll blend my own dilute HP, probably with some (50%) glop added to the C6c base to eliminate the bronzing.   

The Y position is a bit of a wild card and will depend on where it's needed most.  Initially it'll be part of the Eboni core -- with the EZ density (13.5% Eboni).  This is what worked best in the old 2400 Y = Carbon modification.  I can't say I understand why the EZ in the 2400 Y position was smoother than lighter inks, but it did appear to be.  Helping in the midtone and hiding crossovers is more important that a lighter-than-LLK in my view.

So, I'm pursuing both the paper variations and greater ink tone variations -- sort of back to the variable tone approach, but with a rather more dominant position for a relatively neutral carbon core for my primary matte paper printing.  Also, as usual, while I expect to use QTR for most printing, it ought to be Epson driver compatible for those apps that require that.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com