Dmax+Lucia+EX

=What is the Dmax of the Lucia EX inkset on various papers?=


 * Note:** The Lucia EX inkset is the improved version of the Canon inks available in the iPF6300/iPF8300.


 * Dmax measured by Jeff Kohn:**

Here are some of the DMax's I've measured in monochrome mode on the 6300 (as calculated by QuadToneRIP's QTR-Create-ICC.exe):

For matte papers:

Hahn Photo Rag 308 - 1.68 Canson Rag Photographique - 1.64 Epson Cold Press Natural - 1.72

For semi-gloss/baryta:

Canson Baryta Photographique - 2.59 Canson Platine Fiber Rag - 2.46 Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta - 2.57

Having previously used the Epson K3 inks my impression is that Lucia/EX are about the same as K3 for matte, but better for gloss/semi-gloss (I've gotten L* readings as low as 2.25 on some semi-gloss papers).

Make sure to compare numbers that are apples to apples; it wouldn't be hard to get a single spot-reading from Measure Tool that's higher than the result from QTR-Create-ICC (which is from averaging readings for several patches). These QTR numbers correlate to black-points in the L* range of about 14.5 - 17. It may be possible to achieve slightly better DMax numbers on the matte papers with a different media type selection, but it would probably come at the expense of overall tonality and linearity. The Lucia EX seems to be at its best on photo-black papers.


 * Dmax measured by Scott Martin:**

For DMax and Dmin numbers I like to break out an unfiltered EyeOne and use MeasureTool to take some measurements by hand. I take several and average the results. This is more accurate than using the profile for this, especially when a UV filtered device is used to make the profile. Different devices for different purposes.

I just took out some Canson targets from the 8300, 9900 and z3200. On a black patch I'm seeing an averaged L value of 3.1 from the 8300 and a value of 6 from the 9900 and 8.2 on the Z3200. Visually you can just barely make out these differences under bright light. For those that don't know, lower L values are better, and translate into darker, richer blacks!


 * Dmax measured by Realman10:**

From my observations on my 6300 and a friend's 7900 I have found these consistent numbers: All measured with an Eye-one Pro no-UV with Measure Tool
 * Gloss/Baryta color print: L=1.8 for 6300 and L=4.5 for the Epson
 * Same but B&W driver for Epson L=2.2
 * Matte, both around L=15

The depth of Black of the x300 is absolutely stunning and unmatched on color prints.