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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Printer for B&W
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 11/01/2005 08:14:19 AM · #1
I still can't get the search function to work here so I'm sorry if this has been answered already.

Every time I look into printers it's always all about the colour, I was wondering if anyone has had some good results printing B&W and what printer you were using.

Thanks.
 11/01/2005 08:16:45 AM · #2
one thing to remember when printing b/w using a color printer is you will usually get greenish/blueish blacks unless you tell it to use pure black for black. Most mix all the colors to get black and it is very rare that it will be a pure black. I use (well my wife does since she stole it from me) the Epson R300m and love it. I'd like to go wider format for her scrapbooking but just isn't in the cards yet.

Good luck
 11/01/2005 08:20:33 AM · #3
There are only a couple of consumer printers that print true balck and white. Any HP Photosmart printer that uses a Gray cartridge prints b&w with no color cast what so ever and they look fantastic. There are also some Epson printers that do the same but I've read in some reviews that the HP 8750 is the best on the market right now for it's b&w performance. Most people seem to choose Epson but I'm a big fan of HP.
 11/01/2005 08:21:46 AM · #4
I have an HP photosmart, and it has an option in the printer settings to print in grayscale and that seems to produce better B&W prints than just printing in normal mode.
(I wouldn't recommend the printer though... go epson)
they may have a similar feature though?
 11/01/2005 08:24:40 AM · #5
I am satisifed with the results from Epson's 2200. 7 individual cartriges plus 2 options for Black (matte or glossy). Have had very good responses to prints made from this unit.

Another option is your local lab. Many metropolitan areas will have pro labs that primarily do the weddings and portraits of the local photographers. Setting up an account with them can be easy. My local lab, JD Imaging, allows me to send files electronically and pick up the results in a day or so. Very reasonable costs. Color or B&W. Literally any size. Multiple choices on paper and finish.
 11/01/2005 09:06:20 AM · #6
I have the Epson 2100/2200 and It's good, but I've heard that the Epson 1290 gives better results in B/W .
 11/01/2005 11:13:54 AM · #7
Whatever printer you decide upon make sure it uses dedicated black/gray cartridges. Selecting gray-scale more gives "okay" results but will always have a color cast. You need the black/gray cartridges for true b&w.
 11/01/2005 12:43:32 PM · #8
I use Epson 2200 and I'm quite happy with the black and white prints. I have a calibrated monitor and use the profile for ink and paper provided by Epson.

I've had some issues with the gray tones having a greenish tint but I've found a workaround to that. So basically I desaturate from raw and in the calibrate tab I do the same for each color. In PSCS2 I make an adjustment layer Hue & Saturation and desaturate the master and each color. Another adjustment layer of Channel Mixer to get the white and black levels I want for the image. Works for me well.


11/01/2005 01:06:40 PM · #9
Thanks a lot for your feedback guys and galls. I might actually try a photo lab since then I wouldn't have to pay out for the printer or buy paper in bulk.
At least that way I can see what my prints will look like before buying the whole shabang and printing my own.

Thanks a million.
 11/01/2005 01:15:36 PM · #10
Lyson B&W inks for Canon and Epson printers. These cartridges replace all colors for black, grey and shades of dark tones.

I think most of the printer models they produce for are pretty old by now. Perhaps getting a dirt cheap second hand and using those inks might be interesting. Never tried it myself.
I am sure there are others who also produce black and white inks. But it might cost a bit of money.

Here is another one with quadtone inks:
MIS B&W Ink Products
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