Digital BW, The Print

Hello Bob,

>I have been printing B&W in the darkroom for years but have only
>recently started experimenting with digital printing.
>The HP 7960 printer had good reviews for B&W printing and seems to
>offer a low cost entry for somebody who wants to have a dabble.
>I've had mine a couple of months and was moderately pleased with my
>output but was struggling to achieve the snap that a good wet print
>gives - however I am still using the printer with out-of-the box
>settings.
>- everybody else around here seems to be using Epson printers -
>Am I limiting my options with the HP ? - I can't seem to find any 3rd
>party ICC profiles or inks - anybody know different ?

I don't use an HP, but from reading posts here I think HP is not used
by serious fine art printers because

- the ink is dye and must be used with certain HP papers to get longevity

- the above combination restricts choice and is very expensive

- the HP printers don't allow using various inks, especially pigments,
and therefore restricts experimenting


...anyone else want to add to this?  Have I left out anything...?


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm