3000 & dmax
2003-12-24 by Paul Roark
In the course of making some curves for the 3000 and the UT-FSN (which MIS will not get to until January) I've found a couple of interesting things. First, the relative dmax of ink/paper combinations is affected by the dot size. For example, the relatively large 3000 dots give a much better dmax on PhotoRag with Eboni than does the 1280. With the 3000 & Eboni, I get a consistent 1.7 - which is outstanding. Second, Epson may have changed the formula for EEM again. I was getting a consistent 1.68 with the batches purchased 6 months ago. The latest EEM now is giving me only 1.63. Of course, this is better than most of the new cotton papers, which can be in the 1.58 range. (And the old Piezo driver lowers them even more. I do not recommend the Piezo driver; the new curves and the Epson driver give a better overall image.) Third, the good news is that Premier Premium Matte (http://www.photowarehouse.biz/premier.html) gives an outstanding 1.69 dmax, is acid-free and about as cheap as EEM. It prints a bit cold (0.02 cold for the UT-FSN). (There will be a warm version of this inkset also, so people cam mix to whatever warmth they want prior to loading the carts.) Premier Imaging reps say that there could be minor changes in the Premium Matte coating. I sure hope they don't wreck what is now a wild bargain for the 3000. Paul www.PaulRoark.com <http://www.paulroark.com/> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]