I generally prefer the matte finish for my artsy type prints. I go for gloss on things like snapshots of my daughter.

I photograph in digital, and print my stuff using an Epson 2200, so I can't give you any advice on printers or films. I can tell you, though, that the inks on the 2200, when using either matte or watercolor paper, look incredible to my eye.

-Taltos