Yahoo Groups archive

QTR-Quadtone RIP

Index last updated: 2026-04-28 23:12 UTC

Thread

Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks

Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks

2014-03-31 by <dkosiur@...>

I currently use either QTR or Epson ABW driver to print B&W images on my Epson 3880. (I find selecting between QTR or ABW dependent on the image.) I'm thinking about raising my B&W prints "to the next level" and am therefore consideringt buying a second printer (R2000?) for use solely with a Cone inkset to make prints up to 11x14".

But before I do that, I'd like some input from users of Cone inks concerning the quality of the prints, esp. when compared to QTR using just the Epson inks. I understand theoretically the difference btw. the inksets and what they should be able to produce, but I'd love to see some examples. I don't know anyone could provide digital photos of the prints that would show the differences, but -- if they don't -- I'd be willing to pay someone to print and send me a sample of an image printed with Cone inks and with Epson inks.

Comments?

Thanks,
Dave

RE: [QuadtoneRIP] Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks

2014-03-31 by m venz

I contacted cone inks (inkjetmall) and they were very obliging and sent me an example print (I was interested in the carbon) at minimal cost.

Mike

To: QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com
From: dkosiur@...
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 14:28:45 -0700
Subject: [QuadtoneRIP] Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks

I currently use either QTR or Epson ABW driver to print B&W images on my Epson 3880. (I find selecting between QTR or ABW dependent on the image.) I'm thinking about raising my B&W prints "to the next level" and am therefore consideringt buying a second printer (R2000?) for use solely with a Cone inkset to make prints up to 11x14".

But before I do that, I'd like some input from users of Cone inks concerning the quality of the prints, esp. when compared to QTR using just the Epson inks. I understand theoretically the difference btw. the inksets and what they should be able to produce, but I'd love to see some examples. I don't know anyone could provide digital photos of the prints that would show the differences, but -- if they don't -- I'd be willing to pay someone to print and send me a sample of an image printed with Cone inks and with Epson inks.

Comments?

Thanks,
Dave


Re: [QuadtoneRIP] Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks

2014-03-31 by mrjimbo2

Hi Dave,
If I may.. and this is totally meant to be a positive thing ok..but in my wildest dreams I couldn't imaging a more credible process.  So if you get a different images off each process and your job is to evaluate them to determine a move forward print process ...Well I have no cue how that would be a credible event. Just not the same image...

That being said.. if you send your own image ..no matter how good or bad it is.. if sent to the right place you should get a proper process comparison.. So what I'm trying to say is keep it apples to apples and you'll be able to see which way to go.. No biggy.. To post for which is better is like beating a rug in the wind..to many opinions..  Seek out two sources that your comphy with.. pay the money, compare the prints and move forward based on what you want to see in a print.. No rocket science necessary..  Just so you know .. we all don't see images the same.. I might not like what you see and you might not like what I see... I don't count.. you do!!! Choose what you like to see ..that's a great start... just cause it's from the heart.. 

Anyway to get a totally different print as in their personal favorite off different processes doesn't really mean a hoot.. Send both the same file .. and lets the games begin..

Just saying 
jimbo
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: dkosiur@... 
  To: QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 3:28 PM
  Subject: [QuadtoneRIP] Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks


    
  I currently use either QTR or Epson ABW driver to print B&W images on my Epson 3880. (I find selecting between QTR or ABW dependent on the image.) I'm thinking about raising my B&W prints "to the next level" and am therefore consideringt buying a second printer (R2000?) for use solely with a Cone inkset to make prints up to 11x14".



  But before I do that, I'd like some input from users of Cone inks concerning the quality of the prints, esp. when compared to QTR using just the Epson inks. I understand theoretically the difference btw. the inksets and what they should be able to produce, but I'd love to see some examples. I don't know anyone could provide digital photos of the prints that would show the differences, but -- if they don't -- I'd be willing to pay someone to print and send me a sample of an image printed with Cone inks and with Epson inks.


  Comments?


  Thanks,
  Dave



  
  No virus found in this message.
  Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
  Version: 2014.0.4355 / Virus Database: 3722/7276 - Release Date: 03/31/14

Re: [QuadtoneRIP] Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks

2014-04-01 by <dkosiur@...>

Good advice. You're right in pointing out that my own perceptions of a good print are likely to be different from someone else's. So using someone else's image may not meet my own taste.

I just ran across a better way of making the decision about using piezography - take a workshop! I just found out about Jon Cone's workshops in Santa Fe and signed up for the one he's teaching this Fall. I can't think of a better way of learning just how good piezography can be...

Dave

Re: [QuadtoneRIP] Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks

2014-04-01 by Catherine Costolo

Dave, I took Jon’s workshop last year and had a wonderful time. I learned so much! Several printers were set up and we got to print with all the different ink sets. It was well worth it and there were people from all over the world attending.
Catherine


Catherine Costolo ;

Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics(404) 252 -2181

(404)291-2181 (cell)

Visit my website 24/7 www.marykay.com/ccostolo

Happiness is like jam.....you can't spread it around without getting a little on yourself.

On Mar 31, 2014, at 8:07 PM, <dkosiur@...> <;dkosiur@...> wrote:



Good advice. You're right in pointing out that my own perceptions of a good print are likely to be different from someone else's. So using someone else's image may not meet my own taste.

I just ran across a better way of making the decision about using piezography - take a workshop! I just found out about Jon Cone's workshops in Santa Fe and signed up for the one he's teaching this Fall. I can't think of a better way of learning just how good piezography can be...

Dave



Re: Cone inks vs. QTR or ABW with Epson inks

2014-04-01 by <tracy@...>

I'm a fine art photographer who works in both color and B&W. I have a 3880 devoted to color, and a 3800 devoted to piezography ("Cone inks".) IMHO, the difference is stunning. First, a gray-scale ramp chart will print all the way from 0 to 255 with piezo inks, whereas with ABW the best I can get is about 11 - 254. If I seriously tweak the image in the shadows, I can get to about 4 or 5 with ABW. So if you want shadow detail in your prints, the choice is obvious.

Second, the 7 shades of ink allow for a much more realistic presentation. This is difficult to describe, but I usually say (and some perceptual collectors also note) that the whole image looks like you can reach into it (where as a "normal" B&W looks like... well... er... a photo.) In fact, after 50+ years of looking at B&W photos, this takes some adjustment to realize how much better it is.

If you've ever seen Edward Weston's Pepper #30 as his own actual print, you'll have a sense of what I'm talking about.

All that said, there is not only a "viewing curve" but a learning curve in Photoshop as well. The distinction is that now you're dealing with a full range of tones instead of just setting the black and white points, and letting the rest fall. At first, you'll think the images are too "flat" but that's not the fault of the inks... that's the amount of learning you need to do to get the kind of print this stuff produces.

I've had a number of photographers come up to me at shows and express their delight that I'm continuing the tradition of selenium printing... only to be stunned to discover it's a piezography / inkjet print.

I've been doing this for about a year or so now. At first I cringed at the mess of refillable carts; and the expense (although cheaper in the long run). Clearing out the old color inks was "non-trivial" and time-consuming. And I've come to develop my own curves to apply to the final image to make the print "just-so."

But for me, and in my business of selling my own photos, I would never trade back to ABW. I'm a very happy piezography user... and my prints sell. :-)

hth
Tracy Valleau
aperturef8.com

Move to quarantaine

This moves the raw source file on disk only. The archive index is not changed automatically, so you still need to run a manual refresh afterward.