Paper Choices and Black and White Digital Photography

[sanyasi]

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I've been doing a lot of experimenting with black and white using the Nik software. I like what I am getting on screen, but have not been thrilled with the printed output--my printer is properly calibrated, at least for color.

 

Coming exclusively from color, I have been using Moab glossy paper. Does anyone have advice on paper and ink choices that are better suited for black and white digital photography? Are matte finishes the way to go?

 

Thanks

 

Jack Siegel

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[wparsonsgisnet]

Jack, i use Hahnemuhle photo rag, the heavier version, and Cone's b/w ink set. This combo is rated for 200-year archival life.

 

I like matte for b/w.

 

In addition. behind glass, I can't tell the difference between glossy and matte papers.

[Jeff S]

I use Hahnemuhle's Photo Rag Baryta and Pearl. Both subtle gloss, reminiscent of my film days.

 

Jeff

[wlaidlaw]

I am a big fan of the Ilford Galerie papers. One of the reasons is that they have a downloadable profile for most photo printers for each type of paper. Smooth Pearl is my favourite.

 

Wilson

[Shootist]

It would be nice to know what printer you are using. Some just don't do B&W that well. Others do it very well. Until we know what make/model printer you are using, dye or pigment inks, it's tough to say what is the problem.

 

I've been using a HP B9180 for about 3+ years and the B&W prints are very good with a variety of papers.

[wlaidlaw]

Even though the B9180 produces very good quality prints, I could not recommend buying one. I had five die or arrive dead during the guarantee period. My last one was better and lasted a further 18 months but that has now failed too. My brother bought one and had 2 fail during the guarantee period. His one has now died as well. They all seem to die with the same error. They fail to recognise that the print heads are installed. There are many posts on Internet forums and on the HP user forum complaining about this. HP suggested that I purchase a full set of 4 new heads at around €250 but would not guarantee me a refund if this did not cure the issue. I think my next printer may be an Epson 3880. The professional level on-site service from Epson is reputedly very good in contrast to their domestic printer service, which in both UK and France is worse than hopeless.

 

Wilson

[Shootist]

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Even though the B9180 produces very good quality prints, I could not recommend buying one. I had five die or arrive dead during the guarantee period. My last one was better and lasted a further 18 months but that has now failed too. My brother bought one and had 2 fail during the guarantee period. His one has now died as well. They all seem to die with the same error. They fail to recognise that the print heads are installed. There are many posts on Internet forums and on the HP user forum complaining about this. HP suggested that I purchase a full set of 4 new heads at around €250 but would not guarantee me a refund if this did not cure the issue. I think my next printer may be an Epson 3880. The professional level on-site service from Epson is reputedly very good in contrast to their domestic printer service, which in both UK and France is worse than hopeless.

 

Wilson

 

Wilson I was NOT suggesting the OP buy a B9180. I too have gone through 4 or 5 of them. They ar now out of production, canceled.

Not sure what I will buy when my last one dies as it is now out of warranty.

[butchhul]

Epson 4000 with Quadtone RIP, Moab Entrada for Matt, Galerie Silk for Glossy

 

Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique is new, tried it a few times, excellent

[Guest WPalank]

It would be nice to know what printer you are using. Some just don't do B&W that well. Others do it very well. Until we know what make/model printer you are using, dye or pigment inks, it's tough to say what is the problem.

 

I'm with Shootist here. What Printer? What software are you using to print with?

 

If you are using an Epson Printer and their Advanced Black and White software you now need to allow the Printer or Epson Driver to control the print rather than having Photoshop manage output. if both are on they conflict without giving an error message. Instead it just produces a crappy print.

 

As I said in the other thread, I like the Hahnemuhle Baryta papers (their FB excluded). I would like to try the Canston Baryta though.

 

I'm also using the ImagePrint RIP. An excellent way to get a neutral print right out of the gate.

 

The Advanced Black and White Driver for Epson Printers works nicely but typically takes some tweaking to get rid of either a slight green or magenta cast. Pretty easy to do within the software fortunately.

 

If you have a newish Epson Printer an excellent way to go would be to buy a custom profile made specifically for your printer through one of the Adobe Senior RAW editors, Eric Chan:

MadManChan's Custom Printer Profiles

 

At $15 per ABW profile, that's a hell of a deal IMHO. The only thing is that you have to be set on a specific paper.

[wlaidlaw]

Having been playing recently with the Epson Drivers/RIP engine on their wonderful wide format printers, I am in total agreement with William as to how good they are. Their uprezzing is way better than any other program I have used. It easily enables M8 images to print to 24" wide and M9 to 36" wide or more.

 

Wilson

[thompsonkirk]

IMO the current paper that looks most like a 'classic' BW print is Harman Warmtone Glossy. The paper base is the same color as Portriga Rapid 111.

 

Kirk

[LuxBob]

Wilson I was NOT suggesting the OP buy a B9180. I too have gone through 4 or 5 of them. They ar now out of production, canceled.

Not sure what I will buy when my last one dies as it is now out of warranty.

I know this is heading somewhat OT but same story here with the B9180. Shame, as the BW prints were good. I use Canson and Tecco papers - more readily available in my area and tend towrds the pearl finishes.

[olivers73]

IMO the current paper that looks most like a 'classic' BW print is Harman Warmtone Glossy. The paper base is the same color as Portriga Rapid 111.

 

Kirk

 

Did you mean Harman FB AL Warmtone ?

 

In future it´s called "Gloss Baryta warmtone".

 

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Harman

 

Regards Oliver