I switched 3 months after 30 years of darkroom and am extremely satisfied. After trying 3 printers. 3 different ink sets and tons of paper, I have reached a point where I much prefer my ink jet results. Negatives that were unprintable are no longer. I scan my 30 year accumulation of 4x5 and 5x7 negatives using epson v750 with better scanner holder and silverfast, use silver efx pro and adjust tonal range, then print using epson 3880 with Cone Pro inks and ABW setting. After a day, spray lightly with MOAB desert Varnish
Since I don't print larger than 16x20, the v750 gives more than enough resolution. The blacks with Cone inks on Canson or Ilford Bartya papers measure 2-4 luminance, very deep black and are very neutral. The papers measure 97-98 luminance white. I much prefer the ink jet prints. I have calibrated the monitor and printer so what I see is what I get.
I don't miss
-retouching each print, now I basically retouch the digital file once. After going to digital editing, I could never return to old practice.
-print smaller size to adjust print contrast/time to save paper then readjusting time again for larger print
-working hours in the darkroom to get a print I think is just right and realizing after drying it is off and have to redo it again
-the chemicals and working in the basement in the semi dark
I had taken the Sexton darkroom workshop when it was in Snowmass, plus numerous workshop with Sexton and McSavaney. I considered myself a decent photographer and careful worker. I was just about to give up photography, too much frustration in the darkroom. I started to sell my lens, camera and darkroom equipment but decided to give digital process a try. I made a last try at photography using digital and have a renewed enthusiasm.
The only downside I see is the prints are much more fragile.
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