Digital BW, The Print

Hello David,

>The goal is not to use the same profile for both, its to use custom 
>profiles for each, and to be able to reasonably proof the more 
>expensive sheet on the cheaper one

Understood.  Sounds similar to what I'm doing (see below).   All I'm
saying is that in actual experience I've found that these two pairs of
papers (EEM/VFA and Kayenta/Entrada) that have the same coatings are
so different that the fact the coatings are the same becomes
irrelevent.  They are each completely different and unique.  


>... if you are a perfectionist, you won't be happy proofing on 
>anything but the final stock.

I agree, and have a similar goal, but approach it with a slightly
different conceptual framework.  I see it as two stages of proofing. 
The first is for the purpose of getting the image to a final state. 
For that my proofs are done on EEM using Eboni BO.  Once the image is
done, final prints can be made on any paper (and I regularly use 7
different papers).

When I begin to work up a final print on another paper using K3, I
proof with that paper and ink to do any needed tweaks to an adjustment
curve layer which is meant for that paper only.  This layer is never
merged into the image (it's saved with the image, but always kept
separate - this preserves the image in it's "pure" state so it can be
used with other papers, if desired).  Once that paper curve is
perfected it is reused for all prints on that paper and no further
proofing is needed (assuming the paper or ink doesn't change, which
they do on occasion - when that happens I re-tweak the curve).

Using BO on EEM for the initial image proofing saves significantly on
paper/ink costs.  EEM is a high quality paper in terms of dmax,
contrast and density, and is close to the best fine art papers in
those areas.  When an image is proofed on that, it's at a state where
it can be printed on any other good paper with only minor tweaks to an
adjustment curve.  I see no reason to use the more expensive papers
during this early stage.  

This approach has proven over time to be very efficient, in both time
and cost.

Regards,
Clayton


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