Epson 7000 and NIJ
2001-07-30 by Adrian Joyner
Nij I see that you have recently bought a 7000. I got mine together with PiezoBWPro24 about a month ago. Its a wonderful printer isn't it. The quality of construction makes the 1160 seem like a toy somehow. Not that the Piezo output from the 7000 is much different from the 1160. It just shows what how much a bargain the 1160 and its Piezo software is. But look closely, especially under a loupe, and there is no evidence of banding or screendoor artfacts or whatever with the 7000. It is remarkable. Suddenly the onus is put back on to the quality of the original image as you don't have to make any allowances or excuses for the output. I'm sure that you have got over your initial teething problems with the paper curl. I had the same experience- I found that I had to get used to put a bit of curl on any sheet fed paper. I've just ordered a reel of the Epson 24" Smooth Fine Art Paper so I shall be interested to see what its like. I know that Crane have said that its not Museo but I hope that something from the Museo heritage has rubbed off. I liked Museo a lot but importing papers from the US is so expensive. These days I suppose that Somerset Enhanced has my vote. I do love the mid-range and the blacks are adequate. My stock of Wells River seems to be the sandpaper version and I don't really like the texture - but the blacks are as good as everyone say they are. EAM - I just read John Brownlows comments. I agree with him, to my tastes EAM seems just a bit boring and to lack the sensuousness in the midtones that Piezo is capable of. I've got a Polaroid Ultra 45i for my medium and large format negs and like it very much. Since I have access to a machine toolmaking facility I have got them to make me up a negative carrier that I can insert glass mounts. Initial trials with anti-newton glass is very encouraging and my next trial will be with plain optical glass and Kammi fluid. Nij Is anything happening with the UK Piezographers list. Have I missed something. Things seemed to have gone very quiet. If you can arrange a meet sometime email me offlist. Adrian Joyner Clevedon England