9800 & ImagePrint with Phatte Black

[Bill_Foote]

I have the Epson 9800 and am considering getting the ImagePrint RIP using the Phatte Black.

Who has this and is willing to share his experiences with (1) the results, (2) the hassle, etc. (3) image quality of very light B&W areas, since you are giving up the LLK ink.

Thanks for your help and input.

Bill/SOB

[MarcHoward]

Bill,

I have ImagePrint on a 7800 which should be the same since the inks, etc are the same as a 9800.

No hassle. I ran 10 sheets of plain paper through the machine to clear the light light black ink line.

The RIP is awesome, with a complete list of profiles for virtually every paper. They even had a profile for the new Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl before you could get the paper!

I've read that the missing light light black is unnoticeable and I must say I saw no difference on high quality black prints.

One caveat: I came from a 7500 printer that made perfect black and white prints, but not as sharp and with less gray scale than the K3 inks. But it never showed gloss differential. When printing on luster paper (or Hahnemuhle Fine White Pearl) there is some gloss differential noticeable as you move in front of the print. BUT, Permier spray cures it!
I should point out that all K3 printeres have that gloss problem.

I bought the RIP from LexJet who discount it a couple of hundred dollars and offer fine telephone support. Good luck.

Marc