A Quality Alternative for Inkjet Paper

I have always been a stickler for using paper and ink manufactured by your printer maker. If you have a Canon, get Canon paper and ink, if you have an Epson, get Epson paper and ink... PERIOD. No exceptions! I still believe that to be true with regard to ink, but have found a superb alternative when it comes to photo quality paper.

Konica and Minolta have always been top quality companies. Minolta mainly in cameras and optics and Konica in professional traditional chemical paper manufacturing, such as you find in many professional labs. I doubt anyone with even a passing interest in photography has not heard of these two brands. Following the 2003 merger of the two companies, they developed a special Konica-Minolta branded photo quality inkjet paper. I have been testing both the "Premium" and "Professional" Glossy and Satin versions and actually prefer them to some of the printer companies' own branded paper. The "whites" appear whiter, as does the paper itself. This gives you a brighter picture with more snap.

Konica-Minolta photo paper has been on the market for about a year and now packaging for the entire line of inkjet papers has been redesigned, as shown in the attached photo. The newly designed packaging enables you to readily identify the Konica Minolta family of inkjet papers and select the type of paper best suited for your printing needs.

I am told by Todd Schrader, head marketing honcho of Konica Minolta in the United States, that the company’s expertise in photographic film and paper coating technology enabled it to offer inkjet papers that feature state of the art multi-layer, micro porous technology compatible with all dye and pigment type inks. Konica Minolta inkjet papers are also smudge proof and water resistant. Paper types include "Professional Photo Paper", "Professional Two-Sided Photo Paper", "Premium Photo Paper", "Premium Self-Adhesive Photo Paper", and "Everyday Photo Paper". The papers are available in various weights and sizes from 4"x6" to 13"x19".

Stick with your printer's branded ink, but try out this paper. I do not think you will be disappointed.

John Lentz