Re: QCDN for non Ilford paper?
Peter,
You do not need the Pro version to make curves. QCDN works fine for BW.
Here are some steps that will help, below, but generally the reason why I engage the filter in the enlarger is that it gives me the choice to lower or raise contrast if I want
to on a particular image. I have one profile I have calibrated for each paper (Ilford WM, Reg, Foma, etc.) and any fine tuning is done at the enlarger if I want, but usually not needed since my initial profile was calibrated with the 2 filter in place. I hope
that makes sense.
Chris
When ready to print the negative in the
darkroom, always set up the enlarger the same way
to achieve consistent results.
? The bottom of the enlarger head rests at the same
height (about 25? from lens to contact frame)
? The lens is set to the same f-stop each time, e.g.
wide open or a stop or two down
? The light path is focused to cover the entire
contact printing frame
? The filter pack is set at a 2 filter and the filter
pack is engaged.
Example: with an enlarger raised to 25? from lens to
contact frame, a 50 mm lens wide open to f2.8, a 35
mm carrier in the enlarger head, Ilford MGIV will
expose in 20–25 seconds and Ilford Warmtone in
32–40 seconds. With the same setup, but a 150 mm
lens set to f5.6, and a 4??~ 5? negative carrier in the
enlarger head, Ilford MGIV will expose in 8–11
seconds and Ilford Warmtone in 12–16 seconds.
?
?
?
I would like to start using digital negative for silver gelatin prints, printing on Fomatone Multi-Grade papers which I use for my work.
I have no experience with DN and would appreciate if anybody can help me with answering following questions...
1) I wonder if QCDN could be used to adapt its Ilford starter curve to this, or any other MG paper. Or do I need to consider the Pro version to built curve from scratch since my paper can behave totally different?
2) I try to read up on the whole process of creating DN but I got confused by QCDN documentation on
Establishing Your Base Exposure page with following text:
Start with a grade 0 or even 00 filter to activate the low contrast emulsion and
then use the magenta inks along with the gray and black inks to activate the high
contrast emullsion to reach a full range of tones.
I think I understand the logic behind determining base exposure, blocking density, starter curve and and its subsequent linearisation however I am not clear on -
2a) whether I set my enlarger to grade 2 during the whole QCDN calibration process and then just use enlarger gradation to control the print contrast.?
2b) or whether there is actually no need to play with gradation since any contrast is set in photoshop when making DN and using correct curve it nicely translates to the print and no further contrast adjustments are needed (but still G2
is used for calibration).?
2c) or if I perform calibration using low-contrast grade (as suggested above, 0 or 00) and then somehow combine it with adding magenta into the mix to achieve different contrast?
I am sorry if these questions are out of place or just plain stupid. I feel I need to understand how playing with magenta inks relates to DN curve I assume gets primarily created with K, LK, LLK inks and how it all relates to gradation
of MG papers.
PS: I use Epson P600 and plan to use Pictorico OHP media.
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Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
Kirkland glossy RC paper is not a premium archival material. And, there are MANY similar papers on the market, Kirkland is nothing special... Costco didn't made them, they buy from other real manufactories. Sorry for break your Kirkland myth, but you need to tell others your spec requirement not how you love Kirkland papers.
?
--
Kang-Wei Hsu
download FREE preview：
Effect of Fixatives on Inkjet Papers Preservation and Imaging Quality
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Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
I use this sort of paper for everything from “refrigerator prints” (small prints held by a magnet on a refrigerator or metal door) to laminated prints for kids’ rooms to matted and framed prints of deceased relatives and beloved pets.
OK, but that really didn't answer the question.? Did you want 8 1/2 x 11, larger, smaller sizes?
Kirkland was alleged to be non-acidic, and my experience over perhaps a dozen years or so is that the base color is quite stable (i.e. doesn’t yellow). ?I doubt than anyone will care about my images in 100+ years… but you never know!!
"Acid" is but one part of the equation and every RC paper I know of has some degree of "acid" in it.? Another factor which is more important to yellowing are added OBA's.? Again, every RC paper that I've ever tested has OBA's in it.? The Costco CH paper - which was most likely made by Ilford - was not as white as some.? I would describe the "whiteness" as a bit more "gray clay" colored.? For comparison, I've included a sample of it next to the inexpensive Canon glossy and a fine art (oba free) cotton matte.? The Costco CH does have a lot of OBA's, though it appears to be qualitatively less than the Canon Glossy.
Early Kirkland paper was made in Switzerland, and more recently in Mexico. Were/are those Mitsubishi plants?
The CH paper (which was my favorite) was most likely made by Ilford.? Then it was made in the USA for a while (by ?), and then the Mexico version was most probably Mitsubishi.
Whatever the manufacturing plant, I believe that the formulas and specifications would have sufficient value and appeal that *someone* would acquire the rights and resume production under some label or other. ? Silver based darkroom papers could certainly be reproduced, redesigned or, I presume, even made to order.
Sure, you can reach out to Ilford, Costco, etc. and see if they are up to it?? I haven't tested any of Ilford's glossy papers in comparison as they are just more expensive and I don't print on glossy other than for calibration or test purposes.? In that case, I use the least expensive possible which is the Canon.
I haven’t tried any of Canon’s papers. $18 per 100 seems so inexpensive as to be… well… *cheap*. ?I wouldn’t trust it for anything except short-time throw-away prints.??
OK, so you're looking for a higher quality glossy paper?? There are dozens depending on your price range and purposes.? Is an RC paper a must or do you want something more archival (cotton based, OBA free, gloss)?
Epson Premium Glossy was my first thought since it is widely available, and seemed to have decent longevity with Epson K3 inks. Or their “Ultra Premium Luster”
Again, it is likely to have OBA's and wouldn't be considered archival.
I have attached some sample images for your perusal.? Image 1 includes a base comparison of three papers, L>R Costco CH, Canon Glossy, and a FA matte.? Image 2 demonstrates the OBA's between Costco CH & Canon Glossy.? Image 3 demonstrates OBA's in Canon glossy versus no OBA's in the FA paper.? Image 4 is just a comparison between the Costco CH & USA.? As a final note, the Costco glossy has minimal stippling whereas the Canon glossy demonstrates more surface irregularities.
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11:37:48 AM EDT, Myron Gochnauer <goch@...> wrote:
Can you be a bit more specific to size/needs??
I use this sort of paper for everything from “refrigerator prints” (small prints held by a magnet on a refrigerator or metal door) to laminated prints for kids’ rooms to matted and framed prints of deceased relatives and beloved pets.
The Kirkland was not archival, it was a RC paper, and was made by Mitsubishi.?
Kirkland was alleged to be non-acidic, and my experience over perhaps a dozen years or so is that the base color is quite stable (i.e. doesn’t yellow). ?I doubt than anyone will care about my images in 100+ years… but you never know!!
Early Kirkland paper was made in Switzerland, and more recently in Mexico. Were/are those Mitsubishi plants?
Whatever the manufacturing plant, I believe that the formulas and specifications would have sufficient value and appeal that *someone* would acquire the rights and resume production under some label or other. ? Silver based darkroom papers could certainly
be reproduced, redesigned or, I presume, even made to order.
If you're looking for inexpensive glossy paper in 8 1/2 x 11 then the plain Canon glossy at 100 sheets for $18 is a clear winner.
I haven’t tried any of Canon’s papers. $18 per 100 seems so inexpensive as to be… well… *cheap*. ?I wouldn’t trust it for anything except short-time throw-away prints. ?
Epson Premium Glossy was my first thought since it is widely available, and seemed to have decent longevity with Epson K3 inks. Or their “Ultra Premium Luster”.?
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Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
Can you be a bit more specific to size/needs??
I use this sort of paper for everything from “refrigerator prints” (small prints held by a magnet on a refrigerator or metal door) to laminated prints for kids’ rooms to matted and framed prints of deceased relatives and beloved pets.
The Kirkland was not archival, it was a RC paper, and was made by Mitsubishi.?
Kirkland was alleged to be non-acidic, and my experience over perhaps a dozen years or so is that the base color is quite stable (i.e. doesn’t yellow). ?I doubt than anyone will care about my images in 100+ years… but you never know!!
Early Kirkland paper was made in Switzerland, and more recently in Mexico. Were/are those Mitsubishi plants?
Whatever the manufacturing plant, I believe that the formulas and specifications would have sufficient value and appeal that *someone* would acquire the rights and resume production under some label or other. ? Silver based darkroom papers could certainly
be reproduced, redesigned or, I presume, even made to order.
If you're looking for inexpensive glossy paper in 8 1/2 x 11 then the plain Canon glossy at 100 sheets for $18 is a clear winner.
I haven’t tried any of Canon’s papers. $18 per 100 seems so inexpensive as to be… well… *cheap*. ?I wouldn’t trust it for anything except short-time throw-away prints. ?
Epson Premium Glossy was my first thought since it is widely available, and seemed to have decent longevity with Epson K3 inks. Or their “Ultra Premium Luster”.?
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Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
Ink Press glossy is inexpensive and has performed well for me.
Try Red River paper, Palo Duro Satin -? or order a sample pack and see what you like.
?
Berel Lutsky
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Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
Can you be a bit more specific to size/needs?? The Kirkland was not archival, it was a RC paper, and was made by Mitsubishi.? If you're looking for inexpensive glossy paper in 8 1/2 x 11 then the plain Canon glossy at 100 sheets for $18 is a clear winner.? It's slightly thinner than the Costco, but it can't be beat for the price.? If you need larger sizes or want alternatives such lustre, look at It Supplies.? They carry a lot of varieties of papers to choose from and the PremierArt is another lower cost alternative.
On Monday, October 28, 2024 at 04:38:03 AM EDT, Kang-Wei Hsu <beblue.shi@...> wrote:
Costco closed their photo printing business. I don't live in US or Canada, but Mitsubishi could be a good guess for many private label glossy inkjet papers.
?
--
Kang-Wei Hsu
download FREE preview：
Effect of Fixatives on Inkjet Papers Preservation and Imaging Quality
|
Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
I concur - try Red River papers.? I've had excellent results with them.
I might add that I was a fan of 100% carbon pigments on Arches (uncoated) watercolor paper.? I suspect nothing will last longer.
But my gallery customers couldn't care less.? They buy the image, not the technology and multi-century longevity.? Good, modern pigments on a satin paper will last long enough.? (Do not use dyes!? They definitely fade.)
So, now, a 44" roll of Red River satin paper stays in my large printer.? I spray the?images with 4 coats of Print Shield (acrylic spray), dry mount them on acid-free foam core, frame them with frames I cut from 9' lengths, and display them without glazing.? I've had no reports of any damage or other negative issues.
Paul
Try Red River paper, Palo Duro Satin -? or order a sample pack and see what you like.
?
Berel Lutsky
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Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
I don’t think you will find any glossy papers as good as the Kirkland glossy at the Costco PRICE. That paper was an exceptionally good value. ?I used it for many years and still have a couple boxes of it. The closest one from Red River Paper is their Ultra Pro Glossy 2.0. It is a very similar paper, but the price is significantly higher than the Kirkland brand. ?100 sheets 8.5x11 in of the RRP UPG 2.0 paper sells for $50.45 USD.
?
Gary
|
Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
Try Red River paper, Palo Duro Satin -? or order a sample pack and see what you like.
?
Berel Lutsky
|
Re: Kirkland paper alternatives?
Costco closed their photo printing business. I don't live in US or Canada, but Mitsubishi could be a good guess for many private label glossy inkjet papers.
?
--
Kang-Wei Hsu
download FREE preview：
Effect of Fixatives on Inkjet Papers Preservation and Imaging Quality
|
Re: print tool and usb connected printer
Hi Luca
First it’s usually not best to have multiple drivers using different connections to one printer. ?
But It sounds like you have been connected using the AirPrint driver instead of the Epson driver. Apple has been encouraging this for latest operating systems.? You will need to manually need to Add the printer and not take the default - choose a downloaded driver from Epson.?
hi everyone
having a problem when connecting an epson p800 to MacBook with a cable instead of wifi. when I run the program and select the usb connected printer it doesn't give me the printer option drop down menu. if I select the same printer with a wireless connection it does as normal.
this has only happened recently. in the past there was no difference to how the program responded to either.
any idea?
thanks
Luca
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print tool and usb connected printer
hi everyone
having a problem when connecting an epson p800 to MacBook with a cable instead of wifi. when I run the program and select the usb connected printer it doesn't give me the printer option drop down menu. if I select the same printer with a wireless connection it does as normal.
this has only happened recently. in the past there was no difference to how the program responded to either.
any idea?
thanks
Luca
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Kirkland paper alternatives?
For years I have used Costco's Kirkland glossy paper as my day-to-day printing paper for Epson 3880.?
The paper is no longer available in Canada, and as nearly as I can tell it has disappeared in the US too.
1) Has the paper been rebranded (yet)?
2) What would you recommend as a more or less equivalent paper: ?range, surface, archival quality, availability, cost...
?
Thanks!
Myron
?
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QCDN for non Ilford paper?
Hello,
?
I would like to start using digital negative for silver gelatin prints, printing on Fomatone Multi-Grade papers which I use for my work.
I have no experience with DN and would appreciate if anybody can help me with answering following questions...
?
1) I wonder if QCDN could be used to adapt its Ilford starter curve to this, or any other MG paper. Or do I need to consider the Pro version to built curve from scratch since my paper can behave totally different?
?
2) I try to read up on the whole process of creating DN but I got confused by QCDN documentation on Establishing Your Base Exposure page with following text:
?
...
Start with a grade 0 or even 00 filter to activate the low contrast emulsion and then use the magenta inks along with the gray and black inks to activate the high contrast emullsion to reach a full range of tones.
Link:
?
I think I understand the logic behind determining base exposure, blocking density, starter curve and and its subsequent linearisation however I am not clear on -
?
2a) whether I set my enlarger to grade 2 during the whole QCDN calibration process and then just use enlarger gradation to control the print contrast.?
?
2b) or whether there is actually no need to play with gradation since any contrast is set in photoshop when making DN and using correct curve it nicely translates to the print and no further contrast adjustments are needed (but still G2 is used for calibration).?
?
2c) or if I perform calibration using low-contrast grade (as suggested above, 0 or 00) and then somehow combine it with adding magenta into the mix to achieve different contrast?
?
I am sorry if these questions are out of place or just plain stupid. I feel I need to understand how playing with magenta inks relates to DN curve I assume gets primarily created with K, LK, LLK inks and how it all relates to gradation of MG papers.
?
Regards,
Petr
?
PS: I use Epson P600 and plan to use Pictorico OHP media.
?
|
Re: Newbie standing over P900 with hammer
Thanks much. I will keep this in mind. I’m using Toyobo KM95 plates so there might be a slight difference in settings for the platen gap (I’m guessing). And, I haven’t yet tried using the sled. Cheryl Hanna-Truscott www.HannaTruscott.com
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On Oct 18, 2024, at 16:21, altstephenrudy via groups.io <altstephenrudy@...> wrote:
? Cheryl:? so on the basis of now three first prints, none of which have been through the press yet, I haven't seen any mechanical scrapes on the plates.? This is my media installer profile for the carrier (and if anyone has ideas on the set up please join in.) <Screenshot 2024-10-18 at 5.17.39??????PM.png>
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Re: Newbie standing over P900 with hammer
Hello,
As someone with a new P900, I can feel your pain...10 years with a 3880 with very few problems ( until it died), it has been one issue after another with the P900. Mine works OK with print tool, with respect to centering, however I did have to go through the whole custom Media file set up thing and learning to load it into the printer so it shows up on the media list.?
Anyhow - just for the record I can make mine print a DTP in a carrier ( 1.5mm thickness) with a platen gap of 2.1 mm (I found someone who was printing on 4X matte board).not sure if this give better print quality but it works for me.? Also I have stayed with Sonoma 14.2.1 given all the issues people seem to have with QTR and upgrading. As it is, I get messages from my OS whenever I add a profile to QRT regarding "driver depreciation"...
Hang in there with the P900 once you get all the quirks sorted it seems to be a decent printer.
Dave
On Fri, Oct 18, 2024 at 7:21?PM altstephenrudy via <altstephenrudy= [email protected]> wrote: Cheryl:? so on the basis of now three first prints, none of which have been through the press yet, I haven't seen any mechanical scrapes on the plates.? This is my media installer profile for the carrier (and if anyone has ideas on the set up please join in.) 
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Re: Newbie standing over P900 with hammer
Cheryl:? so on the basis of now three first prints, none of which have been through the press yet, I haven't seen any mechanical scrapes on the plates.? This is my media installer profile for the carrier (and if anyone has ideas on the set up please join in.) 
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For Sale: Full new set of Piezography Pro 220ml + Piezo Flush
Hi Folks, I have an unopened set of 8 Piezography Pro 220ml matte set for sale if anyone is interested. $600 plus shipping, save $100 of retail. Here's the link to the new version from inkjetmall for reference:
I also have several 4x 700ml bottles of piezo flush cleaning solution for $60 each. Retail is $81 each.
Andreas
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Re: Newbie standing over P900 with hammer
Dear Newbie (altstephenrudy) and ALL-? Do you get any scrapes/gouges on your plates? That’s what I am dealing with on my p900. I finally made a carrier, 17”w by 14” l but haven’t tried it yet. I’m gathering up my courage. Thanks, Cheryl Hanna-Truscott www.HannaTruscott.com
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On Oct 18, 2024, at 10:03, altstephenrudy via groups.io <altstephenrudy@...> wrote:
? Hi all - I found a workaround in case anyone else encounters this problem.? I cut a new carrier board that is 17" wide and which fills the entire feed space for the P900.? The height is 16" but I don't think that matters.? Now the printed image is centered on the carrier and thus on the plate.? I have exactly no idea why this works, but I have two successful runs this morning.? I'm securing the plate to the carrier with a piece of double sided scotch tape.? I still have load failures but more than half take on the first try.??
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Re: Newbie standing over P900 with hammer
Hi all - I found a workaround in case anyone else encounters this problem.? I cut a new carrier board that is 17" wide and which fills the entire feed space for the P900.? The height is 16" but I don't think that matters.? Now the printed image is centered on the carrier and thus on the plate.? I have exactly no idea why this works, but I have two successful runs this morning.? I'm securing the plate to the carrier with a piece of double sided scotch tape.? I still have load failures but more than half take on the first try.??
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Kang-Wei Hsu
Cheryl Hanna-Truscott