Which Printer for Black and White?

Been using the epson r2400 without complaints, the new baryta papers are great on this, been using a lot of harman gloss fb al. and appartently the ilford gold fibre silk is just as good, a bit warmer white and s#@tloads cheaper.
 
I have been using a lowly HP8050 with the black (96) and gray (100) cartridges and been surprised by the results - considering the low buy-in. I'm not printing over 8x10 so the small size is not a limitation. Prints on glossy paper show even tones wiht very little bronzing. When I (or the kids) want to do color it is easy enough to switch cartridges, but costs some ink to re-align and clean the cartridges.
 
I struggled with the aftermarket inks for a number of years before Epson and HP started offering b&w options. From the R2400 on Epson pigments have done great b&w, all HP's using a gray cartridge do great b&w prints as well. The HP + HP Premium Plus papers last longer than the Epson pigments (go to Wilhelm Institue for the details). Epson allows you to choose many nice fiber based papers while the HP requires HP papers only for archival prints. I have a HP 8750 now (cost $299)... otherwise I would have bought a R3800 (which my friend has). We have had many print-off contests between the two systems and neither comes out the clear winner... since I personally like the HP Photo Satin... using one paper keeps things simple. My friend likes his endless search for "the best" paper so he enjoys the Epson... both are capable of beautiful b&w prints out of the box.
 
Update...

I got my 3MK inks in from inkseller.com and am printing on the R1800 using the Quadtone RIP program to control things.
All I can say is "Wow." Those are the best black and white prints I've ever managed. Far better than what the R1800 can do with its own inks and better, I believe, than I got out of a borrowed R2400.
I'm happy with the results, even on the relatively cheap Epson Enhanced Matt paper I'm using. I'm looking now for a better paper and I've already ordered more ink. (I'm not running out yet, but I know I'll be printing more since they look so good.)
 
Steve,

Good to hear. Did you try this sight-unseen or had you seen samples beforehand?
I'd consider something like this but would sure like to see some real world results first.
Is anyone interested in providing or exchanging samples with others?
I would be happy to send anyone a sample of one of my prints with the HP.

Paper choice is probably worth a thread of its own. I like Epson's Ultra Smooth Fine Art myself. Also using some Hanemuhle Photo rag.

Cheers,
Gary
 
gns said:
Steve,

Good to hear. Did you try this sight-unseen or had you seen samples beforehand?
I'd consider something like this but would sure like to see some real world results first.
Is anyone interested in providing or exchanging samples with others?
I would be happy to send anyone a sample of one of my prints with the HP.

Paper choice is probably worth a thread of its own. I like Epson's Ultra Smooth Fine Art myself. Also using some Hanemuhle Photo rag.

Cheers,
Gary
Click to expand...

I just found a write up and went for it. The inks are cheaper than the epson inks they replace and I did not have to invest in a continuous feed system. The simplicity of just swapping out three carts and giving it a try for $35 in ink was pretty compelling.
I've read so much on the finicky nature of aftermarket systems that cheap and simple seemed worth a try.
I should note that I also picked this because I already had a R1800. I'm not supposing that this is the best absolute system, just a very good option for R1800 owners.
Now, if I could just work out how to make toned prints.
 
I have been asking this question for a couple of years now. After reading the photo-i review comparing the Epson 2400, HP8850(?) and the Canon 9500. I previously had a Canon ip5000 and was very happy with it, just like an earlier poster, but it stopped feeding the paper, so... Anyway, I chose the Canon 9500 and I am absolutely delighted with the results. I know you have made the choice for Epson, and I am glad you are happy with it. But, as this thread shows, right now, there is probably no definitive answer. Any printer will take some time to sort out, but with a little patience I think any of the printers mentioned can give someone a good b&w print. Remember too, the printer is only half of the equation. The paper you use also has an enormous impact on the quality and appearance of the final print.
 
The Epson 2400 produces very good BW. I find I prefer printing with the ordinary driver, rather than 'Advanced BW' because it is easier to get a match between screen and print. You have the option of printing BW or colour without swapping inks, and you can do glossy by switching black inks.

I have been using the ConeColor continuous inking system for a while and am very pleased with the results. The 2400 absolutely guzzles ink...

Cheers,
Kirk
 
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