QTR-Quadtone RIP

--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "David Keenan" <ausdlk@...> wrote:
>
> I certainly wonder this too...
> 
> I have made many prints on an Epson R2400 using ABW mode and now 
that I have > a 3800, I continue to rely on ABW.
> 
> With my new 3800, I profiled all my papers using the "extended 
gray" feature of the latest version of PrintFix Pro and did some 
print comparisons. The ABW prints were better in my (and other) 
opinions. The shadows were cleaner
> for sure.
> 
> I haven't used my copy of QTR since my 2200 died and I replaced it 
with a
> R2400.
> 
> Still for some reason I feel inadequate even though I am quite 
happy with
> the prints I make especially on Innova F-type paper...
> 
> So,  back on topic -- why do other printers find using ICC profiles,
> dedicated inksets, and/or QTR valuable? Are their prints that much 
better
> then what the Epson driver can do in ABW to make all the extra work 
(hassle,
> in my opinion) worth it?
> 
> Or do this printers have an inherent "tinkerers mentality" (that I 
clearly
> lack) that makes this fun for them and that's why they choose the 
extra
> effort?
> 
> Bottomline -- does this effort show up in the prints?
> 
> Dave.
> 
Although I have tried QTR and went back to ABW I can see several very 
good reasons for folks to have used, and to continue to use, QTR in 
addition to liking to "tinker."

1. Until recently the quality of ABW wasn't available.
2. They can't afford or don't wish to purchase a printer capable of 
ABW and aren't getting satisfactory results on their printers without 
QTR.
3. They don't like what they get from ABW, although others may find 
it completely satisfactory.
4. They feel compelled to control every aspect of the creative 
process.
5. They feel that only through QTR can they maximize the archival 
life of their prints.
6. They had developed a comfortable work flow with QTR and even 
though ABW is now available and could substitute, having an 
established workflow avoids the "hassle" with newly developing 
profiles and new work flow.

To each his or her own. It is all about enjoying what you do and 
achieving a level of satisfaction. What is hassle or tedious to one 
person is enjoyable to others. I don't mind cutting my own mats, 
while I know others who just want to be out taking pictures amd don't 
want to "bother" cutting mats.