It is an interesting question just how much difference the workflows that use more or less of the color inks really makes. http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com/ has some tests of K3 inks on the same paper where one can compare the ABW mode with the RGB workflow and neutral test patches in the RGB workflow prints. I don't think that database has any QTR workflow comparisons, however.
I was once looking at the RGB v. ABW differences in http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com/ and found that it did make a difference in terms of lightfastness. I think Wilhelm is consistent on this. However, it probably makes less of a difference than one might think because the Epson K3 gray inks are not 100% (or even mostly?) carbon, or so it appears from not only the relative neutrality of the inks but also the MSDSs.
The difference among the workflows that may matter the most might be how well one can control the color of the print. The degree of color constancy in different lighting or "metamerism" if you're trying to match the looks of different types of prints might also be relevant. I have often thought, however, that if our materials and systems were perfect, an RGB workflow might give the ultimate control.
On the flip side, an RGB workflow might also result in lots of frustration and odd looking B&W prints. There is a lot to be said for keeping the workflow a B&W workflow so that we can concentrate on B&W composition and other aspects of that medium that we've come to appreciate over the years, including not worrying about having to get the color "right."
Thanks for the work Richard.
Paul
www.PaulRoark.com
--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, Richard Smallfield <rich@...> wrote:
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>
> Hi all,
> I've just posted on my site the results for fade tests for three
> workflows for K3 inks, at six months.
> <http://www.richardsmallfield.com/tech/>http://www.richardsmallfield.com/tech/
>
> Any feedback would be of interest.
>
> Thanks,
> Richard
> _________________
> Richard Smallfield
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