Digital BW, The Print

Scott,

You wrote, in part:

>My old Epson 1160 has finally died. I'm going to be deciding on
>another printer and I think I'm going to try a different inkset too.

I would recommend a 1280 at this point.  I'm working on more and easier
inksets for it.

>I use my printer almost exclusively for proofing before going into
>the conventional darkroom. I also use it for small run promo
>mailings.

>I used to use the original MIS quadtones. They were fine for
>proofing but much too warm for the promo mailings in that the
>images didn't match my darkroom prints in tone.

The FS-N would match the tone of your darkroom prints better than the
original MIS quads.

Do you need RC/glossy papers?  Like the original MIS quads, the FS-N is not
RC compatible (unless sprays/fixatives are used).

>Then I tried the MIS Variable Tone inks. The tone matched my
>darkroom prints well enough but the workflow was needlessly
>tedious for unimportant proofs.

I'm addressing that issue now.  The 1280 is so good partitioning with RGB
curves or otherwise is not necessary.  The driver does a great job of it
with no more workflow needed.  So, we'll have inksets that will print from
any application, while in grayscale mode, with no curves at all.  I'm aiming
the inksets at a wider audience -- in particular the people like my wife who
are deep into genealogy -- who have no interest in Photoshop, curves,
workflows, etc.  Of course, the more particular printers (like most of us on
this forum) will also be able to apply all the usual tools to perfect the
print to a higher level than the average printer cares about.

>Now that I'll be starting over with a new printer, I thought I'd give
>the MIS Full Spectrum Neutral Tone inks a try. Based on my
>stated useage, will the FSNT inks meet my needs?

I agree with Bob Michaels, who wrote:
"You can use the FSN-E inkset which is the same other than the having
the  two dilutions necessary to use the Epson driver thereby
eliminating the Piezo need. Then you can use a number of curves
downloadable for free from MIS."

You can also just make a simple transfer function so that the inkjet print
will match the darkroom print.

This is a good solution, and if you need RC, that solution will be out in a
little while.

Good luck with your printing.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com