I had to match darkroom printed Multigrade Warmtone prints side by side in an exhibition, so I used Gloss Baryta Warmtone, which is the closest equivalent that I am aware of. I realize that even the warmtone has optical brighteners, but so do the darkroom papers, and I was under the impression that while the OBA's may fade, the overall print would be ok. In any case, I do my best to not use them, but of course it is impossible to avoid if a client wants a luster or glossy paper, or even most art papers with anything other than a noticeably cream colored base (Photo Rag 308, German Etching etc.). As for mentioning a million times on the forum...well, frankly I am not reading it that often. In any case, back on track.
Is anyone else less than enthused with the 9500? I am extremely happy I don't have to deal with the ink swapping anymore and I like the speed, but so far I am not too impressed. It seems like there is more bronzing unless you use the BEO feature, and the margin issues are quite annoying (warnings about smearing edges unless you print a quite substantial extra edge. Overall I feel like I am consuming more paper and the actual impression of the prints is worse (though maybe the density is higher). I am also getting banding on some jobs, even though the nozzle checks are clean. Meanwhile, I much preferred the paper loading and button based control on the older model versus this newer style. I operate much quicker than the machine seems to want to, and I feel like I could swap rolls much faster on the P9000, and not have to fight a bunch of annoying messages about opening and closing the lid, when it was ok to put in a roll, when to take out a roll etc. I preferred the single button to release and close the clamp. This is all subjective, so maybe it is just getting used to it. On the other hand, I like the light and the time remaining counter, even if it is not always accurate.
That said, if anyone is considering this printer and is happy with their P9000, I would advise them to think hard about it, or at least try one for a while and see what you really think.