Digital BW, The Print

How do Epson drivers handle color profiles when printing in ABW mode?

Do they ignore any embedded profile?
Make a conversion based on the embedded profile?
Assume that everything that comes to it is sRGB or AdobeRGB?
Check to see whether you are using genuine Epson inks and punish you if you aren't?

It might be helpful if we --- the group --- could agree on simple workflows for things like using ABW and put them in our "Files" section.   I'm sure the information I need is somewhere in our archives, but it is not readily retrievable.

The simplest workflow question:  When using ABW with the Mac Epson diver, should I tell PhotoShop (or reasonable facsimile) to control color, choose my color profile for the paper I am using,  and then tell the Epson driver to use ABW?  Or is PS's attempt to control color going to make any difference (or make things worse)?

Thanks.
Myron

Hello Myron,

>How do Epson drivers handle color profiles when printing in ABW mode?
>It might be helpful if we --- the group --- could agree on simple workflows for things like using ABW and put them in our "Files" section.   I'm sure the information I need is somewhere in our archives, but it is not readily retrievable.

I can't answer the profiles question, but there is a simple ABW workflow outlined in article #9 at the link below.  It is focused on using the 2400, but will work with any ABW printer.


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm

On Feb 4, 2010, at 1:33 PM, gochatunbdotca wrote:

> How do Epson drivers handle color profiles when printing in ABW mode?
>
> Do they ignore any embedded profile?
> Make a conversion based on the embedded profile?
> Assume that everything that comes to it is sRGB or AdobeRGB?
> Check to see whether you are using genuine Epson inks and punish you  
> if you aren't?

Here is a link to Eric Chan's web site where he discusses ABW:

http://people.csail.mit.edu/ericchan/dp/Epson3800/printworkflow.html#abw_no_gray_curve

He also has made and posted some ABW profiles for the 3800 with  
different papers and he will create profiles for ABW as well.

Jim

Clayton

I read your articles on the 2400. What curremn model would you suggest instead of the 2400?

Thanks for your helpful info.

Frank

> 
> 
> Info on black and white digital printing at    
> http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
> I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm
>

Hello Frank,

>I read your articles on the 2400. What current model would you suggest instead of the 2400?

If you want to use K3 inks I think the 2880 is the successor to the 2400.  It uses the newer version of K3 inks with the Vivid Magenta, which has even higher longevity ratings from Wilhelm.  I haven't used one of these, but I think the 2400 workflow will work essentially the same.

The other good 13" option is to get a 1400 with the MIS Eboni-6 ink set that works with the Epson driver.  It's a very different approach but will work with a similar simplified workflow.


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm
I-Trak 2.1   http://www.cjcom.net/itrak.htm