Digital BW, The Print

Dan,

> 
> I'm just getting started using a new 1280, a UT2 ink set including
> Eboni in the black slot.

At this point in our B&W progress I don't think one should start with a 1280
and variable-tone approach.  The problems of the hardware and partitioning
curves make the chances of success too low compared to starting with a R220
and UT-R2 inkset.

> I have been using two of Paul Roark's
> recommended workflows - specificly the Epson driver/slider workflow
> (latest driver) & the Image editor workflow (PS CS2 in this case)
> created specificly for the 1280/UT2 combo.  Paper is Epson Enhanced Matte.

If the system is working correctly, the 1280, UT2 and curves work.  There
are lots of things that can go wrong, however.  The newer approaches offer a
much higher rate of success.  The more modern Epson printers are more
consistent and easier to deal with and support.
 
> In both cases, the fine detail is muddy and the contrast is poor
> compared to other "black only" prints I've gotten off a lower end
> Epson machine (785EPX) using both matt & satin papers.

I've put some test files at http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Test-files.htm
that might help you determine if the system is working normally.  Assuming
the nozzle check is perfect, using the posted purge pattern test to check
the inkset would be next.  Also, printing the 21-step file provides a much
more accurate way to pinpoint the problems and communicate what you're
seeing.  If your system can't produce a well-separated 21-step with no curve
and driver set to Color Controls, something is definitely wrong with the
system -- hardware, inks, workflow, or operator error.

In general, I recommend people start simple with an easy, cheap but modern
machine like the R220 and the R2 inkset.  The 1280 is getting too long in
the tooth.


Paul
www.PaulRoark.com