2605DN substitues box for chars printing from text app

Ubuntu 8.10 RC + updates (AMD-64). Problem first manifested with 8.10 Alpha 5.
HPLIP 2.8.7 from repository and 2.8.9 from sourceforge.
ColorLaserJet 2605DN via LAN

This printer works correctly from Ubuntu 8,04.

Under 8.10 and using both HPLIP 2.8.7 and 2.8.9 printing from a text mode application (gedit, or printing a check from GnuCash) results in a few characters being replaced by a character-space sized box. The number "8" and the slash character ("/")seem particularly affected, however other characters or non-printing symbols may also print as a box.

For example, when printing from Gedit the header at the top of the page prints the "f" character in "Page 1 of 1" as a box. The string "888" in the body of the document prints as three boxes, but all other text prints correctly.

When printing checks from Gnucash, the final digit of the year (2008) in the date field prints as a box character.

Documents in Print Preview appear correct.

Printing from graphical applications (open office, The GIMP, etc) works correctly. The HPLIP printer test page prints correctly.

Changing document fonts doesn't make any difference. I have not tried to change character sets because I don't know how.

If I reconfigure the printer settings to use the generic postscript driver the problem does not manifest, however I lose some print control functions.

I have submitted a bug report to Ubuntu's launchpad (277404) but it is still pending.

Would appreciate any suggestions.