Printer vs Darkroom (Black & white)

[P1505]

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I’ve only just started printing my own work, using a cheap Canon 8750 with third party inks from StinkyInk. I “calibrated” my screen by holding a test print next to it and adjusting the settings to match.

The only part I don’t skimp on is the paper, using Fotospeed exclusively.

Im use the ICC profiles in Lightroom, adjust to suit, and hope. And I’m now (after not many tests) getting a print quality that is 95% as good as I was getting went I sent it for a £80 C type print.

Once framed and on the wall you can’t see the difference. 
 

It’s a diminishing return on investment. Get stuck in, don’t believe all the hype, and have fun. You’ll surprise yourself.

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[Guest Nowhereman]

On 5/25/2020 at 7:51 PM, GRBrown said:

I started using Red River papers because the backs are plain and the papers cost less than the equivalent from Epson. To me,  the papers' quality is as good or better than those from Epson. The Red River web pages have listings of its papers and other manufacturers' equivalents. I have no connection with Red River, just a satisfied customer...

Haven't printed myself for a couple of years but, when I had the Epson 3880, was interested in the fact that Red River had 17x25 inch sheets — and liked the idea of printing full-frame, 2:3 aspect ratio, at 16x24 inches with a ½-inch border. As I recall, at that time, Red River had only one paper in the 17x25 size, but apparently now they have it for for (all?) their papers.
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Frog Leaping photobook 

[Ouroboros]

On 5/25/2020 at 12:45 PM, Mikep996 said:

...OTOH, I've looked at the P800 Epson info and half-choked on the replacement cost of ink!  

You don't have to use OEM inksets, there are cost-effective alternatives.  Ink is where printer manufacturers make their money, it's liquid gold. 

I was an Epson beta-tester for several years and there will always be those who shriek in horror and fear at prospect of using 3rd party consumables,  but my experience after extensive testing Epson inks and papers against 3rd party manufacturers led me to settle on Fotospeed inksets and papers for aesthetic, economic and practical reasons.

For black and white prints I really like Fotospeed Legacy Gloss, it is a good approximation (all that any inkjet paper can be at it's best, regardless of manufacturer) to traditional unglazed fibre-based paper with a nice 'rattle' (print term!) and subtle texture.  I also use Fotospeed Platinum Etching 285 for black and white and occasionally baryta for colour prints. 

These are my three choices for printing, based on my experience and requirements.  You'll have to find your own preferences and a good starting point is to try sample packs from Epson, Fotospeed, Marrutt, Canson etc, but the key to success is to properly colour manage your workflow.

Be prepared to invest time and money, there are no shortcuts and no silver bullets.  

 

 

[pedaes]

On 5/25/2020 at 10:07 PM, adan said:

Now I use Epson Exhibition Fiber Gloss

I also use this paper, but in the UK and Europe it is called "Traditional Photo Paper". Same spec. A lovely paper but not to be confused with cheap.