Inks and paper for Epson 7600

[Gordon_A_Aitken]

This question will be obvious to the 7600 owner, but I can't find the answer online anywhere.

I'm about to order an Epson 7600 and some media. Its a 7 colour printer, but there are 8 inks available, so which 7 do I choose for portrait work. I'm sure that the answer must be to do with the black inks and perhaps I should buy all 8 and then swap one around as required. But I don't know the answer. Can anyone advise please.

While I've got the attention of Epson users, I have a question about the best papers to use. I know that its a matter of taste for many, and I usually prefer a gloss to make the most of the tonal range. But are there any Epson papers to avoid or any which are outstanding.

Thanks Guys

Bury [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[EdHahn]

Inks:

There are alternate black inks:
1) Photo Black, and 2) Matte Black. You can use one or the other in the printer (OK, you *could* use two photo blacks, but that doesn't make much sense for photo printing).

Matte Black is darker and richer on uncoated media (e.g., Epson Enhanced Matte), but doesn't stick to coated media (e.g., Premium Glossy).

Suggest you look at Ethan Hanson's recommendations for paper at Dry Creek Photo. BTW, glossy isn't a great strength of this printer.

ed

[DonLashier]

> I usually prefer a gloss

If you're really set on gloss you might consider the option of ordering the 7600 with dyes rather than pigments, and the tradeoffs (longvity) that are involved with this. I used to be a 50/50 (gloss matte) but after seeing the gorgeous rag matte prints with ultrachrome I don't care that I can't make a decent glossy.

- DL

[Ed_Foster_Jr]

Its true, the ultrachromes and gloss stock are not the best combinations. However, if you are looking for a really wide and smooth tonal range, you might take a look at Hahnemuhle's Photo Rag paper AND have a really good custom profile made for the combination of matte black and the PR stock.

Good Luck,
Ed

[Gordon_A_Aitken]

Thanks to all who contributed.

Its invaluable to have a resourse like this forum for great advice. Sounds like this Hahnemühle paper is worth looking for. Does anyone know a North American distributor? Canadian would be even [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]better

Thanks

Bury

[DonLashier]

> Sounds like this Hahnemühle paper is worth looking for. Does anyone know a North American distributor?

inkjetart and lexjet are two good sources. Also check out the Premier Art from inkjet art. I'm personally not a fan of hahnemuehle papers for several reasons (optical brighteners, flaking) but really like Arches Infinity (touchy with blacks) and the above mentioned Premier Art, even though it doesn't have quite the gamut of Arches.

- DL

[Jeroen]

The fine-art papers of Hahnemüle are great.
I like Photorag and German Etching a lot.
Before you buy some expensive profiles try the free profiles of Bill Atkinson.
I think they are very good. Wait till you see the results in B&W. Wow !

Jeroen