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Inkjet printingIlford, Harman, inkjet paper |
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Inkjet printing by F H Tong Inkjet printing has been with us long time ago. Although the improvement has given photographic quality higher then traditional photos, yet it requires certain technique to control and therefore not yet taken as major output for digital photographers. However, the traditional D&P services face serious threat due to the drop in business. The coming output of digital imaging must be inkjet, laser or thermal (dye sublimation) printing. Laser remains with the quality of printed matter and suitable for documentation only. Thermal costs higher and is not likely to be popular. Inkjet has advantage of cost and quality and will most likely be the major output choice in the future, if not today. In fact, I have started to test inkjet printing since Epson came out with the true 720 dpi and had presented some prints to local masters to comment. Most agreed that the quality was close to photos. The samples in Digital Application--Knowledge of this site were printed with the true 720 dpi printer. Since then, inkjet printer has been improved to a very high standard. The inkjet papers technology has made them even superior to the traditional photo paper. As for Ilford and Harman that I have involved with, they are originated from the Ilford that we know for years. It is said that after the end of Cibachrome and the fallen demand for B/W photographic materials, Ilford had financial problem. A group of executives bought the B/W photographic section to become Harman Technology. The original Ilford concentrates on inkjet paper. Now, due to the expansion of digital photography, Harman begins to produce inkjet paper too. According to information, Ilford and Harman have different technology. Ilford inkjet papers are easily to control and with good photographic quality. Harman inkjet papers require image sublimation to reach the expected superb quality. The price difference is up to three times. For inkjet printing, we have to solve the following issues. Selection of inkjet printer Inkjet printer setting Selection of inkjet paper Image sublimation Selection of inkjet printer dye or pigment These two types have advantage and disadvantage. Dye is not stable and easily affected by light especially ultraviolet light and water etc., but the photographic quality is better. Pigment is great for stability, but somewhat lower in photographic quality. To analyse with scientific facts is a waste of time for us, because we are not working in the profession. Moreover, the technology changes so fast that any conclusion will be outdated instantly. Basing on various information, Museum would prefer pigment as standard. This is similar to tradtional photography where normal color photos are not accepted. Museum requires Dye Transfer prints (produced by exposing three times for primary colors on three separate tissue and transfer to the paper base one by one, difficult and costy). I have seen some Dye Transfer prints, the color is too strong and not suitable for any moody or natural light photos. For general use, the most important is the photo quality, lifespan about half to one year is good enough. One good thing about digital imaging is that we can produce exactly the same photo easily whenver required. Of course, each one has different favor, personal choice is the best way to go. Ink colors In theory, more colors for inkjet printer will be better, the choice may rely on our application. If we rarely use and may keep it out of use for a long time, more colors would mean more loss. For consumption, it will not be significant increase with more colors. Certainly the price for more colors will be higher and we have to keep more ink in case of need. The most concerned is what we want to print and what is our expectation. If the images are catalogue style or taken with flash etc., they are normally higher contrast and less gradation, this does not require more ink colors. If images are taken with natural light and require mood and rich gradation, then we must consider printer with more ink colors. (We cannot prepare testing for this because we do not have the budget and with such test we have to give the name of printers that would lead us to face various argument or confrontation. The best advice for users is to visit showroom or related shows. Ask for test prints with those chosen models. It would be great to carry one's own image files and hopefully, they would accept to print such test. Then it is easy to choose. However, if one has observation experience, one can base on the official samples to select.) Original ink Both Ilford and Harman insist to use original ink. It is because the inkjet technology has come up to a specialized stage, any difference in ink would not give the expected photographic quality. To save a few dollars will turn the printed photo into rubbish is just to fool your self. Unfortunately, the original ink cartridge might have been refilled by unknown ink that makes users confused and be cheated. Therefore, one must choose a reliable supplier and the best way is to check with the company or agency and ask them to give the list of reliable dealers. Inkjet printer setting Both Ilford and Harman have experts' advice for printer setting that save users time and unnecessary waste. For Ilford inkjet paper, please check www.ilfordinkjet.com.hk(Chinese) For Harman inkjet paper, please check www.harmaninkjet.com.hk(Chinese) For Ilford inkjet in English, please check the www.ilford.com For Harman inkjet in English, please check the www.harman-inkjet.com It is advised to read the following first. If you will use Harmn inkjet paper, you must read Image sublimation before starting to work with. Selection of inkjet paper Image sublimation |