Recently, Epson has provided another PDF about the DuraBrite pigmented inkset used in the C80 and C82 printers, which we have also converted into an HTML page:
*** The above Web page will help one better understand Epson's pigmented inks -- whether you use UltraChrome (2200 or 7600/9600), the original Archival inkset (2000P, 5500, 7500, 9500, 10000), or the DuraBrite inks (C80/C82). ***
The Epson C80/C82 is basically a 4-color 2200 printer, using "Matte Black" ink (with no light black, light cyan or light magenta inks). Its three color inks (CMY) are micro-encapsulated with a polymer resin, just like all of Epson's pigmented inks, but the pigmented particles of its black ink are not encapsulated --just like the optional Matte Black ink in the UltraChrome system. This is why the C80/C82 printers are such great plain paper printers.
The UltraChrome pigmented inkset in the 2200, 7600 and 9600 printers has three advantages over all the other pigmented ink systems in the world:
Its yellow pigment has a very wide gamut. This increases the inkset's gamut range in the yellow, red and green colors -- areas where Epson's original "Archival" inkset were lacking. To do this, Epson gave up some light fast longevity. The UltraChrome inkset has only about 1/2 the lightfastness of the Archival inkset (50 - 100 years vs. 100 - 200 years, depending on the media). But most would agree that having great color for an average of 75 years is better than having mediocre color for an average of 150 years.
Its Light Black ink produces greater neutrality (allowing for better black and white prints), and greatly reduces metamerism.
The "black" ink position is interchangeable with either a "Photo Black" ink (micro-encapsulated with a polymer resin) or a "Matte Black" ink (non-encapsulated). The Photo Black ink is basically the same ink that is in all the original "Archival" ink printers (2000P, 5500, 7500, 9500, 10000). It's the most versatile black because it will adhere to glossy, luster or matte finish coated papers, as well as coated canvas. It will give you the highest D-Max (2.0) on glossy or luster papers. Its only failing is that the resin encapsulation interferes with giving one the best D-Max for matte or fine art papers (coated or uncoated). The Matte Black ink fills this bill. On a coated matte paper, the Matte Black ink can hit a D-Max of about 1.7, whereas the Photo Black would be close to 1.5. (NOTE: The Matte Black ink cannot be used on glossy, semigloss or luster coated papers or canvasses because the lack of micro-encapsulation causes the matte black ink to rub off when handled.)
None of the 3rd party pigment inks are micro-encapsulated, so none of them (at this time) will adhere to the glossy, semi-gloss or luster medias. These inks perform somewhat similar to the UltraChrome inkset with the Matte Black ink.
CHANGING THE BLACK INKS: The ink cartridges on the Epson 2200 sit directly over the print heads, so switching the black ink cartridges wastes only the ink that is in the print heads. An automatic cleaning cycle performed by the printer when switching the black inks, purges and wastes less that $2.00 worth of ink.
However, switching the black inks in the 7600 or 9600 costs about $100 in purged and wasted ink. Why? Because these wide-format printers use seven lines or plastic tubes (about 30" to 50" long) to carry the ink from the cartridges to the print heads. The ink in all seven lines has to be purged, not just the black ink. (Some have complained that Epson should have better designed these printers so that only the black line would have to be purged. This would have required seven separate pumps instead of just one pump -- greatly increasing the cost of the printer. Remember, before the 7600/9600 printers, changing the black ink was not even an option. The printers are so inexpensive right now that some studios have two printers -- one dedicated to Photo Black ink, and another dedicated to Matte Black ink). For more info about changing the black ink, go to:
EXPERIMENTING WITH UNCOATED PAPERS: More and more of our clients are starting to experiment with the UltraChrome inkset (using the Matte Black ink) on uncoated fine art papers, something that was virtually impossible with the encapsulated Archival inkset. Using dual Matte Black cartridges (replacing the Light Black ink as well), can produce even better results on uncoated papers. While printing on uncoated papers will produce a lower D-Max than coated papers, the tactile nature of some of these papers are incredible to behold, not to mention the lower cost of uncoated papers (compare Somerset Velvet Radiant White with its coated version, Somerset Photo Enhanced). Printing on uncoated papers allows UltraChrome users to more closely emulate the original Iris prints that started the whole "giclee" process!
We've lowered our prices again on the 220 ml UltraChrome ink cartridges. Our new prices will allow you to save at least 20% (in cost per milliliter of ink) over the smaller 110 ml cartridges. We can't publish our new price, but you can receive a "Quick Quote" via email, when you go to our Web page and click on the the "Quick Quote" button:
Remember, the 220 ml size cartridges are totally compatible (you can mix them with the smaller 110 ml carts) with both the 7600 and 9600 printers.
SEE RESULTS OF OUR POLL - VOTE YOUR OPINION
You don't have to register with the Inkjetart Forum to vote your opinion or view the results of our poll. Even if you don't have an opinion, you can still click on "View Results" right under the poll questions. But why just be a lurker? Take the plunge and vote!
CLIENT ACCEPTANCE OF INKJET PRINTS? While this poll is part of our "Portrait and Wedding Photography" exchange, one poll question is universal (whether you're into portrait or fine art photography): "Overall, do your clients accept inkjet prints as well as they do your silver-based prints?" We thought Dee Ross had an interesting response to this question:
"My portrait clients will not accept inkjet prints. They equate inkjet prints to their own inkjet printers they use for home use. It doesn't matter how well you educate them, clients are hesitant...
"I keep examples in my studio of inkjet and silver based photographs, framed, side by side, in a panel, for the purpose of clients being able to visually see inkjet vs. traditional. When asked to choose the inkjet prints, they invariably choose the traditional as the inkjet. I've always found this interesting and contradictory to their feelings about not wanting an inkjet print."
Remember, you don't have to write feedback like Dee did, but in order for these polls to be useful, we do need your VOTE! Go to:
Like furniture and appliances, inkjet paper packages come to us sometimes with dents. Many times these dents are only cosmetic and just effect the outside packaging, but make it hard to sell. In most cases the paper inside is just fine. Upon opening the package, you may find that the corners of all the sheets are also dented, but the paper is still very usable for some projects where the paper can be trimmed. Either way, you've saved 60%. And if for some reason, you find the damage is too great to make the paper usable, just return it within 30 days for a full refund. Sorry, there are no "rain checks on these items, this strictly on a first-come basis. Here are the sale items:
Epson Archival Matte, A3 (now called "Enhanced Matte")
Epson Matte Paper Heavyweight, Super B (13 x 19)
Epson Matte Paper Heavyweight, A3 (11.7 x 16.5)
Epson ColorLife, Super B (13 x 19)
Somerset Photo Enhanced Velvet, 17 x 22
Somerset Photo Enhanced Velvet, 11 x 17
Mitsubishi Dual-Sided Semi-gloss, 8.5 x 11
To buy, go to: http://www.inkjetart.com/news/dent_sale.html
MORE FREE IMAGE DOWNLOADS - IF YOU WANT THEM
Last week, hundreds of you took the opportunity to download one of our high-resolution vintage Valentine images:
Offering high-resolution downloads greatly increases our bandwidth usage and our Internet charges. This is not an expense we want to incur if our subscribers do not find this service useful. Here's an example of some of the future hi-res downloads we may offer in the future:
Some of our downloads, like the vintage images will have "personal use only" restrictions. Others, like the "earth from space" and select Ansel Adams images will have "unlimited use", allowing you to print (up to 24" x 30") and sell the prints to others. (These last two image groups were scanned from originals in the National Archives, and are in the public domain.)
FEEDBACK NEEDED: However, we will not offer any more of these downloads, unless we receive some feedback from you, i.e. "Was the last vintage Valentine download useful? Would future download selections like the ones above be useful?" Send your comments to: download_feedback@inkjetart.com
LOCATION OF THE BILL ATKINSON 7600/9600 ULTRACHROME PROFILES
Last week we told you that the popular Bill Atkinson 7600/9600 UltraChrome profiles are now available on the Epson "Pro Graphics" web site. But we forgot to give you the URL!
Click on the bottom right corner where it says "New Premium ICC Profiles Available Now".
HUGE DISCOUNTS ON CANON POWERSHOT CAMERAS & DIRECT PHOTO PRINTERS
The prices on these cameras are so low, we can't publish them. In fact, they are so low, we cannot offer or normal free shipping, but boy, will you save! Sale ends Tuesday, February 25. Call (1-800-777-2076) for a quote on the following sale items:
During the next two weeks, we will participating or visiting two trade shows and conventions:
RMPPA (Rocky Mountain Professional Photographers Association) Convention: Saturday, February 22 and Sunday February 23, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm both days. We'll be exhibiting in booth #74, at the David Eccles Convention Center, 2450 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT.
PMA (Photo Marketing Association) Convention & Trade Show: March 2 - March 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Although we will not be exhibiting at this show, we will be at the Epson booth often during March 3rd and 4th.
HELP WANTED
If you live in the Salt Lake City area, here are our current hire needs:
Inkjet sales and shipping person. Full or part-time. Photography background needed to take orders and answer questions for inkjet products.
Inkjet printing technician. Full or part-time. This person is needed in our expanding BairArtEditions.com division, and will be printing with Epson 7600, 9600 and 10000 printers. Good Photoshop experience is required. Some background in color management, digital retouching, scanning and general inkjet printing is helpful. Internships for college students will also be considered.
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"Inkjet NEWS & Tips" is published by
Royce Bair, Editor royce@inkjetart.com
Inkjet Solutions for Photo-realistic & Archival Fine Art Printing
http://www.inkjetART.com/
Inkjet Art Solutions
8100 s. 1300 w., Suite A
West Jordan, UT 84088
Phone: 801-256-0360 Fax: 801-256-0369
(c) Copyright 2005 The Stock Solution, All Rights Reserved
No portion of this publication may be reproduced or re-published
without written permission from Royce Bair or his stock photography agency, The Stock Solution.
Send your comments to Royce Bair royce@inkjetart.com.
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All longevity estimates should be treated as such, Inkjet Art Solutions is not liable for pre-mature fading of prints or damage to printers through use of our products. Be sure to properly research your purchase and follow the directions given. If you need help, please contact us.
For more information regarding our policies, including our return policy, please visit our Policies Page
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