Digital BW, The Print

Hi,

I am new to the group and I realise this is a vintage piece of equipment so running the risk of getting laughed out of the forum...

Can anyone offer an ICC profiles or advice on papers that I can expect to get good results with using my Epson 1520.

I am particularly interested in mixing my own photo black pigment inks and using QuadToneRIP or similar.

Please keep the sniggering to a minimum :O)

Bill

"bgrahamuk" <enquiries@...> wrote:
>
>... this is a vintage piece of equipment ...

I think it's like the old 3000, but with a smaller image size limit and an 1160 type of cart.  (Correct?)

> I am particularly interested in mixing my own photo black pigment inks and using QuadToneRIP or similar.


I'd probably mix Eboni-6 (http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Eboni-6.pdf) or Carbon-6 (http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Ink-Mixing.pdf).

You could also use or mix a Pk-based inkset, but the matte might show the printers age less.

For dilutions I'd use 30%, 6% and 2% for a first effort.

Photoshop curves in an ICC via QTR's Create ICC-RGB can control such an inkset.

Paper transport with the old 3000 was a challenge, but many of us overcame those challenges to make very nice prints.

Good luck & have fun.


Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

Thats right, thanks Paul.

My tests are very much based on the information from your website. My A4 prints will be done on an Epson R300 but I would also like to try some A3 or as close as I can get (margins permitting).

I will try these dilutions as a start point and see how it goes. I have already had my patience tested with the paper feeding on this printer. It does seem to feed some papers better than others and struggles with the better quality 270+gsm in the auto feed tray. I have yet to try manual feed from the back of the printer. I am hoping this will be better. I am an optimist (spelt N.A.I.V.E)

Initially I am starting with an image specialists pigment matte black. MIS was just too expensive after shipping to the UK. I have also substituted Kodak PhotoFlo with Ilford wetting agent.

I would also like to try some subtrates printing on pearlescent painted art papers but that is one for the future.

At least I don't have to worry about damaging an expensive printer or voiding a warranty so it is going to be an experiment.

I have everything I need now so the fun starts tomorrow.

Bill

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "pr_roark" <roark.paul@...> wrote:

>
> "bgrahamuk" <enquiries@> wrote:
> >
> >... this is a vintage piece of equipment ...
> 
> I think it's like the old 3000, but with a smaller image size limit and an 1160 type of cart.  (Correct?)
> 
> > I am particularly interested in mixing my own photo black pigment inks and using QuadToneRIP or similar.
> 
> 
> I'd probably mix Eboni-6 (http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Eboni-6.pdf) or Carbon-6 (http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Ink-Mixing.pdf).
> 
> You could also use or mix a Pk-based inkset, but the matte might show the printers age less.
> 
> For dilutions I'd use 30%, 6% and 2% for a first effort.
> 
> Photoshop curves in an ICC via QTR's Create ICC-RGB can control such an inkset.
> 
> Paper transport with the old 3000 was a challenge, but many of us overcame those challenges to make very nice prints.
> 
> Good luck & have fun.
> 
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>

"bgrahamuk" <enquiries@...> wrote:
>
> ...I have already had my patience tested with the paper feeding on this printer. ...

I softened Epson Enhanced matte by placing it between lightly dampened blotter paper (misted with distilled water).  This allowed it to be fed from the front tray and wrap around the roller nicely.  I think maximum contact with that roller made the difference.  I used 2" borders top and bottom.  It worked, but may be limited to paper closer to 200 gsm.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com