Hi all,
I became a heavy user of QTR in the last weeks with my Epson 3880. I was always interested in (semi)glossy papers, but discovered fine art media some time ago (mostly cotton) and am really facinated with it.
So, after the experience of PK media I started to make curves for MK papers (I use OEM Epson inks). I have selected 10 different papers (Epson Press, Harman, Tecco, Ilford and some rebranded) and made ink separations and linearisation with 51 steps (Color Munki Photo). BTW, I love Epson Hot Press papers!
I was quite dissapointed when got the final curves and made some reference prints. They are washed out, too bright (compared to PK papers), no deep shadows. I know, that MK papers do not have such deep shadows, but I have also uses some Eric Chan profiles for Epson Press in ABW and results were excellent.
So, to the clue. I have realised, that when I linerised the curve, I move it up in the shadows zone, and as a consequence of linearity, the whole curve (stright line) goes up (becomes less steep than for PK). It opens not only shadows but also lighter tones.
My question is: what are the strategies for MK media? Any special shaping in shadows? Escape from linearity? Kind of black point compensation?
As a first step, I have used ink limit = 50, without boosting, the rest as default (or sometimes overlap in gray =15) and of course data taken from ink separation page.
Any help appreciated :-).!