Questions on Canon Pro 4000 chroma optimizer

[BernardLanguillier]

I am considering a Pro-4000 too to replace my aging Epson 9900.

I read various reports about the CO resulting in gloss differential on Photorag papers which are pretty much the only papers I use, as well as reports of inferior greens.

- What is the latest view on these?
- Does Image Print help with these issues?
- are there other issues I should be aware of relative to my current Epson?

Thanks.

Cheers,
Bernard

[Mark D Segal]

Hi Bernard,

If your Photorag papers are of matte surface and referenced to a Canon Matte Media Type, CO does not coat the paper surface so there can be no issue of gloss differential. CO only coats PK papers, where you have two options: total coverage or default coverage. The default covers all areas of the print where there is some ink density. So depending on the angle at which you view the print, you could perhaps see some difference, as only highlights would remain uncoated. Looking at prints from normal viewing angles there is no problem. If you use total coverage it consumes a lot of material for no good reason. Be aware also that the Canon Pro-4000 has no straight through paper path, so you cannot use it for printing on inflexible media.

You may wish to look at my review of the Canon Pro-2000 (same printer but 24 inch) as well as Keith Cooper's review of the same printer. Between the two reviews you will have a quite comprehensive understanding of how they work. I think they produce excellent prints and have numerous attractive features.

Cheers,

Mark

[BernardLanguillier]

Thank you Mark!

I am using Ilford Gold Silk and Hanhemhule Photorag baryta, that I have been managing as semi gloss papers on the Epson.

Regards,
Bernard

[MHMG]

I am using Ilford Gold Silk and Hanhemhule Photorag baryta, that I have been managing as semi gloss papers on the Epson.

Regards,
Bernard

Canon calls it chroma optimizer rather than "goss optimizer" for good reason. CO works effectively on very homogeneous print surfaces like RC photo gloss, satin, and luster type papers, but on "traditional fiber" media such as the two papers you mention above, the CO isn't a thick enough clear coating to fully eliminate all bronzing and differential gloss.  Best you can do is choose the "CO overall" option, but if you want to present a client with a paper like IGFS or HPRB that fully eliminates all differential gloss and bronzing effects when held in hand, then a final spray coat with something like Hahnemuhle Protective Spray or Premier Print Shield is still required. That said, some folks aren't really bothered by low levels of bronzing and/or differential gloss, especially once the print gets framed under glazing. If you are among this group of endusers, then you may find the CO is all you need to achieve the desired final finish.

cheers,
Mark
http://www.aardenburg-imaging.com

[Mark D Segal]

Thank you Mark!

I am using Ilford Gold Silk and Hanhemhule Photorag baryta, that I have been managing as semi gloss papers on the Epson.

Regards,
Bernard

OK, so that means CO will be applied and your options are automatic or full coating. When I had the Canon Pro-1000 here on test for my review of that printer I of course tried both and I was satisfied to leave the setting on Automatic (if that is what it was called, I forget) - but for sure the one that is NOT full coating. I just didn't see it as being necessary for normal print viewing and uses a lot of expensive material. But some may feel safer with the total coverage option. It isn't a gloss optimizer, it is for enhancing chroma, hence the name, so where there is no colour in the image it has no use.