R1800 & R800 NOT for B&W Out of the Box...?
2005-03-06 by Tony Bonanno
Hi Group, Most of my B&W is on the Epson 4000 (now using QTR) and it does a fine job. I use an R800 in the studio for 5x7 and 8x10 color work and glossies. The R800 is the best color machine for color accuracy and detail I've ever used. I've not used it much for B&W and have had mixed results. I've found that B&W on matte papers to be especially lacking. If Roy is sucessful in getting QTR to work with this high gloss UC ink set, I'll be thrilled. I'm concerned though that these printers may be inherently problematic for B&W. I just noticed this text on Red River Paper's web site regarding the R1800.... quote.. "Drawbacks - Black and white printing will suffer under the new UltraChrome Hi-Gloss setup. The loss of light black ink means neutral mid-tones are harder to reproduce. Prints on watercolor media also seem to fare worse with the new ink. The Epson 2200 (we understand it will continue to be available), will be the ongoing choice for users that require good black & white prints, as well as compatiblilty with art and matte papers...." So maybe we should be holding on to those 2200's ! I'm dissappointed that Epson still seems uninterested in B&W. Let's hope Roy figures out a way :-) Tony Bonanno Santa Fe, New Mexico http://www.bonannophoto.com