Digital BW, The Print

>... What I see happening is ...
> most of the growth in serious B&W will come from the newer, 
> less complex options.

No doubt true.  They are getting good enough to reduce the incremental
improvements relatively minor.

One of the options with the 4K+ approach I'm using now is a 5K+cm ink
arrangement on the 2200 and other k2 printers.  I gave it a try on the 2200
by adding a super-light carbon ink in the 7th position.  I find that the
LLLK (?), super-light carbon ink does improve the highlights.  I'd call it
just perceptible on close inspection.  I'm not sure I would notice the
difference in a blind test if I were not looking for it specifically.  I
think we're at the point where such small incremental improvements will be
significant to only a relatively limited group of users.  But the purists
will continue to show what the limits are.

> I go to the places where galleries prosper, ...
> ... B&W inkjet prints are actually being sold.

Yes they are, thanks in part to all the technical talk here.

> That cheers me up, when it happens.

It especially cheers me up when it's one of mine.

And, from that perspective, few buyers will be insisting on discounts
because the Epson driver was used.  It's the image and general reputation
that will count.

(This will get to sounding like a digital v. film capture debate if we're
not careful.  I know which technology will win, but I still love my film.)

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com