Mon Mar 11 11:46:56 EDT 2013
Aahz Maruch wrote:
> On Mon, Mar 11, 2013, Paul Stenquist wrote:
> >
> > If your monitor is properly calibrated, its display should match
> > the Epson 2880s printout almost exactly. And BW prints, once purged
> > of color in PhotoShop or other software, won't have any color
> > cast. However, I have no idea how that would work using the printer
> > under Linux. Why make it difficult? I would think your best bet would
> > be to run PhotoShop or Lightroom on a Windows machine or a Mac. I use
> > a Mac with PhotoShop CS6 and can produce near perfect prints first
> > time, every time.
>
> Some of us have political reasons for avoiding Mac/Windows; others of us
> simply prefer an OS that feels comfortable. (I find that using
> Mac/Windows is an exercise in constant frustration, particularly when I'm
> trying to get work done. Obviously, there are other frustrations
> involved in choosing Linux, but once they're dealt with, they're *gone*.)
>
> As a worst-case scenario, one can always run a Windows VM.
>
> Side note: Microsoft's latest brainstorm is causing a number of people to
> run away:
>
> http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2012/07/17/valve-steam-linux/
1. OT:
--------
Aahz:
People can make religions/cults out of anything.
Jonathan Swift showed that very vividly.
Even though I might like regular ("flat", "minus", ..) screwdrivers,
I try avoid using them for tightening phillips screws or the bolts
requiring an allen wrench.
I have what I like and dislike in different OSes, but they are tools,
not cults. So, as with any other instrument, whenever possible and
reasonable, I choose the OS that is most suitable for the task.
For this reason, in 90s, my desktop had several (up to 4-5)
OSes/versions/variations installed on them.
I also learned that a proper knowledge of the tool helps
avoiding/minimizing the frustration. While each tool has its
limitations, a lot of screaming comes from the people who expect the
tools to do magic, including reading the thoughts of the owner.
So, if somebody wants to minimize the effort in printing with Epson
2880, the easiest path might be to use Windows (I'd recommend Win 7).
At the same time, I find nothing wrong with somebody who is willing and
has time and energy to experiment with Linux, Android, or whatever.
But that is only if you enjoy the process in itself.
2. To answer the original question:
-----------------------------------
Bulent, I second Paul, - under Windows (XP and 7), I had no problems
printing B&W photos from LR (and an old PS, - CS3, I believe) on Espson
2880.
As Stan pointed out, - you have to keep in mind that (at least under
Windows), - you must have the correct ink cartridge installed for the paper
profile (photo black or matte black). Otherwise, the driver would not
allow you to choose the profile for the wrong paper. I was not able to
find any workaround for that.
Swapping the cartridge results in the initiation procedure on ALL
installed ink cartridges, which wastes ink. (If you swap those
cartridges some 20 times back and force, you'd find that all other ink
cartridges would suddenly become empty. So, plan wisely.)
That's my biggest complaint about 2880. (I believe it got partially
resolved in R3000, in the sense that you don't need to swap cartridges.)
>- Do I have to make a calibration or some purpose driven tests
>"before" using it?
If the screen is calibrated (or close to that) and you are using
the paper profiles, you will have very close results in print.
The only unresolved problem that I have is that under Windows, the
"preview" window from the Epson driver that shows after you send
the print to the printer (if you marked "show preview") does not
show the colors correctly.
Make sure you follow two important steps (described everywhere)
before sending the job to the printer:
1. switch off printer color management
2. enable color-management in the driver, and choose the correct paper
profile.
(The other way around is not accurate but, surprisingly, can produce
acceptable results too.)
>- Any concerns about using this printer under Linux?
No idea. I'd google it, making sure that the proper driver exists
and that you can use the paper profiles with that.
It might be challenging (as discussed above).
>- I care more about monochrome prints. Are there specific, crucial
>settings that you think especially important in this regard?
See above.
>- Most of the comments on books about digital inkjet printing suggest
>that they may fail to satisfy my needs. Are there any other resources
>you may suggest (paid or free)?
Sorry, I am not aware of anything that was useful to me, except RTFM.
But it was simple for me on Windows, so YMMV.
A few random sources of occasional disappointment: Once in a while I
would get a defective brand new (non-expired) Epson cartridge that
would indicate itself as empty within just one or two small prints.
In 2-3 cases that I had those, Epson support, after following some
testing procedure, would send me free replacement for the defective
cartridge. However, the testing wastes all other cartrdiges as well, so
if you are sure it is the cartridge, it might be easier and cheaper
to replace it.
As for your concerns about magenta, I don't think Epson R2880 drivers
(at least in the scenario when the color management is from the driver)
would be using any non-black/non-gray inks for a purely B&W picture.
In addition to Photo Black or Matte Black, it has "light black"
and "light light black" (almost like "late night" and "late late night"
shows). But you know that already, since you have the printer.
HTH,
Igor
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