Digital BW, The Print

Don,

>I've been using the VM inkset for a few short weeks now with an Epson
>1160 printing on Epson HWM paper and I consistently get a "solarized"
>effect in the very low tones of the image.

To pin-point the problem, use the 21-step test file/step-wedge to see where
the problem is.

The curves for the 1160-PC were written for Epson Archival Matte, but I
would assume HW Matte would be similar.

Check your settings very carefully.

Try AdobeRGB also.  It gives more shadow separation.

>I am doing a nozzle check prior to printing to make sure
>everything is printing properly.

Try a purge pattern (from MIS website).  Sometimes nozzle checks don't show
all the problems. (I'm having one now, in fact.)

As a last resort, your printer may be just enough different that you'll need
to tweak the curves.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com

>Don,
>
> >I've been using the VM inkset for a few short weeks now with an Epson
> >1160 printing on Epson HWM paper and I consistently get a "solarized"
> >effect in the very low tones of the image.
>
>To pin-point the problem, use the 21-step test file/step-wedge to see where
>the problem is.
>
>The curves for the 1160-PC were written for Epson Archival Matte, but I
>would assume HW Matte would be similar.
>
>Check your settings very carefully.
>
>Try AdobeRGB also.  It gives more shadow separation. [snip]

Is this feasible with the Sepia-Neutral inkset too? Are any related 
adjustments routinely needed? I have a lot of pre-SN scans in 
AdobeRGB so it would be a convenience for me.

Thanks.

Sam

> To pin-point the problem, use the 21-step test file/step-wedge to 
see where
> the problem is.
> 
I did that last night and it was quite revealing. Only the warm tone 
curve, vmqw, does not show a discernable pattern in the steps 
starting at 70% and below.

> The curves for the 1160-PC were written for Epson Archival Matte, 
but I
> would assume HW Matte would be similar.
> 
> Check your settings very carefully.
> 
> Try AdobeRGB also.  It gives more shadow separation.
> 
> >I am doing a nozzle check prior to printing to make sure
> >everything is printing properly.
> 
> Try a purge pattern (from MIS website).  Sometimes nozzle checks 
don't show
> all the problems. (I'm having one now, in fact.)
> 
> As a last resort, your printer may be just enough different that 
you'll need
> to tweak the curves.

Thanks for the input, I'll struggle on.

Don Bryant