QTR-Quadtone RIP

Perhaps the 3800 doesn't need matte ink for matte paper, but I found 
that on my R2400, using the right ink for the matte paper - and 
adjusting the image while soft-proofing in Photoshop - things work 
splendidly with Epson Enhanced Matte.

On 6/20/2010 10:39 AM, Frank wrote:
>
> I just bought a 3880 also. My experience is much like yours. My first 
> prints with QTR on Epson Enhanced Matte had a nice tonal range. Whites 
> were white and blacks were deep black. My problem is in the lower 
> Zones. Areas in shadow were solid black with QTR. Printing the same 
> image via the Epson ABW was much better.
>
> For comparison, I looked at an older print I made on an Epson 2200 
> with custom printer profiles. It had better separation than the 
> 3880/QTR print but not as good as the 3880 ABW.
>
> I do not have the equipment to measure my own test strips. I am asking 
> for help in improving separation in the shadows.
>
> What should my next steps be to get better shadow separation? Ink 
> Limits? Something else?
>
> Thanks
>
> Frank
>
> --- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com 
> <mailto:QuadtoneRIP%40yahoogroups.com>, "Troy" <colorworks@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi folks:
> >
> > Just recently purchased an Epson 3880. I'd like to say that I 
> absolutely love Quad Tone Rip. Really, I would. I'll try to keep 
> things factual, as it's not my intention to purposely take a stab at 
> the program.
> >
> > I installed the program without a hitch. I tried some Epson enhanced 
> matte paper using the neutral settings, and have to say I wasn't 
> terribly impressed. The Epson advanced black-and-white mode produced a 
> much more realistic result to me, albeit a little low in contrast.
> >
> > I went about creating an ICC profile. The first attempt did not 
> work, but my second one did and I had my first ICC black-and-white 
> profile--nice! Great to be able to soft proof a black and white.
> >
> > I went to create a second, using the exact same procedure, but the 
> profile would not install by right clicking and choosing "install 
> profile". I then manually placed it into the color folder, but it 
> would not show. I repeated the entire procedure, but QTR refuses to 
> allow me to make any additional ICC profiles.
> >
> > I went about trying some various profile combinations using the 
> stock profiles, but each and every time I sent an image to the 
> printer, I got an error message and the program crashed. Don't know if 
> that's a memory issue or what-- I have four gigs of RAM, and a 
> brand-new dual processor CPU. The system is actually state-of-the-art.
> >
> > Once I close the error message " do you want to send this report to 
> Microsoft, etc." the print would finish. After using about five or six 
> different profile combinations I came to the conclusion that nothing 
> looked as good as the stock advanced black-and-white mode using the 
> Epson driver. I have to say that I'm super impressed with what Epson 
> has done. It's hard to imagine much improvement. QTR, for me has been 
> nothing but problems. Seems loaded with bugs. (okay, one opinion 
> here!) The rest is factual.
> >
> > I would really love to be able to produce some additional ICC 
> profiles. What a great asset to have, but it would seem that QTR is a 
> one-hit wonder! If anyone has suggestions I'm all ears.
> >
> > For me, I will concentrate my efforts on the advanced 
> black-and-white mode of the 3880. This is by far the best printer I've 
> ever used for black-and-white. I'm truly amazed. It's actually renewed 
> my interest in black-and-white photography after nearly 20 years.
> >
> > Troy
> >
>
> 


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