So, I did some landscapes and I wanted to use my Z3100 (24") to print some limited editions.. but there are SOOO many papers out there. I'd like something HEAVY. 300gsm+ slight texture, no gloss.. just something that feels like normal heavy paper... I take that back about the texture, I don't care what kind of texture it has really, as long as it prints well. It's going to have to have a high DMax too... I have some pictures that are all over the place and will test papers that don't have a decent dmax.
Preferably roll too.. since I found sheets are much more $$$$ per sq ft than rolls are, typically.
Thanks![attachment=9359:sTurret2.jpg]
I also use a Z3100, mostly for landscapes. I've tried lots of different papers, and have settled on a few favorites that really "sing" on this printer. None are completely ideal in every respect; everything is a compromise.
My current favorite is Hahnemüle photo rag pearl. No OBA's, slightly warm paper base, excellent color accuracy, and photo rag's subtle eggshell surface texture. It uses photo black ink; d-max is good but not fabulous. Hand-feel is great, the traditional heavyweight photo rag fiber base. It also does a good job with reds, certainly better than matte papers on this printer.
Hahnemüle photo rag satin is another favorite. I profiled it using the ">250 gm fine art" preset, which uses all 4 blacks. The surface looks matte before ink hits it, but provides a subtle sheen in the inked areas that seems to improve tonal separation in shadows. Reds aren't quite as vivid, but blues and greens have a 'crystalline' appearance that works beautifully for skies. I like this paper for black & white images that don't need a deep d-max for impact.
Crane silver rag is another choice. On the Z3100 it provides the darkest d-max I've ever seen, just pitch black. The paper base is rather warm. The surface texture can look a bit too artificial or machine-like, especially in smooth areas like sky.
Finally, HP's professional satin provides the best absolute image quality I've been able to coax out of this printer. D-max is very deep, color gamut excellent, and the surface texture is a very nice soft gloss. The only problem is its unpleasant plastic hand feel. I just received a roll of HP's 'baryte' satin paper today, and I'll be trying it out tomorrow. If it matches HP's pro satin image quality with a fiber paper's hand feel, it's my new best friend.
