Any "Specialized Inks" user out there?

[glchua]

Hello all digital people,

Are there anyone who uses "specialized inks"? If so, what do you use and why?

When I say "specialized inks" I mean inks not made by the original manufacturer. I don't mean cheap third party inks you use to save cost. These specialiozed inks have different characteristics from OEM inks like better longetivity, or smaller gamut or true black-and-white. I can't find a better term to describe them.

[megaweb]

Quote: Originally posted by glchua I can't find a better term to describe them.

how abt "3rd party ink" ?

[glchua]

"Third Party" sounds cheap. I always felt that when someone chooses a third party item, it is always due to cost. That doesn't mean that third party stuffs are inferior though, just that most "third party" inks probably are.

These inks I'm talking about can cost upwards of a few hundred dollars for setting up, eg. Piezography systems, and you have to dedicate a printer for that. Lyson and MIS are cheaper though but cost more than the manufacturer's ink sets.

[StreetShooter]

I think a better term would be "specialized inks" The quadtone type of inks used for black and white prints would be an example.

See http://www.shortcourses.com/how/inks/inks.htm

[glchua]

Yes, "specialized" would be more appropriate and I had edited the original post.

Thanks!

[Derrick]

I just ordered a CFS system for my Epson 1160 using MIS VM quadtone inks. Been exploring the whole idea of setting up a B&W digital darkroom for quite some time. Finally settled on an Epson 1160 and MIS VM inks after getting quite a comprehensive demo from someone.

Now trying to improve my photoshop and using Clayton Jones' Black Only printing method while waiting for the CFS system to arrive.

[glchua]

Is that the reason you were looking for the 1160 recently?

I've tried MIS quad black (or whatever, can't remember) some time back, just find the black not black enough so dumped the printer. Maybe its my printer at fault as I used an old Epson 600.

When Lyson announced Quad Black Inks for the newer 2880 dpi printers, I found myself a seoondhand 790 to work on. It was great, nice deep blacks. Initially I had problem with a greenish cast (after 24h) on Epson Heavy Matt, so I tried out the smooth fine art papers from Lyson instead (CP only carries the fine art). It turn up much better, more neutral in tone and quite stable, at least for a month. So it is a problem with the Epson paper. I have a huge problem with the fine art paper though, it was too thick (300gsm) and needed tricky manipulation to get it into the printer. Switched to the softer Rough Fine Art (200gsm) and things are slightly better. However, the fine arts although have beautiful texture, have a poorer DMAX because it is not pure white. Now I'm waiting for my order of Lyson Matt Photo which is hopefully the right paper to work on.

Lots of money spent but I see it as an alternative to the traditional darkroom which I have no room for. At least I can work on an image on and off in-between my other responsibilities.

BTW, Derrick, where did you order your stuffs? I used to get from Inkjet Art or something like that but they stopped shipping to Asian countries. Now I'm restricted to marrutt.com but they don't carry everything. Any shops in Singapore?

[Derrick]

Quote: Originally posted by glchua Is that the reason you were looking for the 1160 recently? BTW, Derrick, where did you order your stuffs? I used to get from Inkjet Art or something like that but they stopped shipping to Asian countries. Now I'm restricted to marrutt.com but they don't carry everything. Any shops in Singapore?

Yes, only bought the printer about a week or so ago. Chose it over the 1290 because the carts were non-chipped and costs of inks would be cheaper becos only 4 inks instead of 6. I could also use the $ saved to pay for the CFS and inks.

I ordered from inksupply.com. I don't think that there are any shops in singapore besides CP selling quadtone inks, but they only carry the Lyson stuff. In terms of paper, someone mentioned that ruby sells some ilford papers. I'll be sticking to Epson EAM paper till i get the hang of the whole process.

For me its worth it cos i love b&w but know nuts about traditional processing and printing. Would not have any space at home anyway even if i did put in the effort to learn. Sending my negatives to the shop for printing is really expensive (especially if i require enlargements).