I posted this over in the Equipment Reviews Forum and it was suggested that I might get a better response here . . .
I am considering purchasing a printer so that I can do my own printing. I have been reading information about the above mentioned printers. One thing that sticks out is the Wilhelm Research showing that the HP Vivera inks last 230+ years on HP papers as opposed to Epson K3 inks lasting 100+ years. I know I won't be around to see any of them fade, but it seems like a major factor. Am I right/wrong?
Both printers will do 13x19 prints.
What do the majority of "you" use and why? Can anyone give me pros and cons either way? What papers would you suggest? (I know Bill Chambers has an Epson R2400 and seems to like it. I have enjoyed the print I got from him!! I know he has drooled at least once over the new Epson 3800 - maybe I can talk him out of his USED R2400. Hmmmm!)
Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!!!
Posted by Carol Hyman on January 25, 2007 at 2:37 AM
Hi Michael,
Really can't help you with your question but I can point you to a company that might be able to help with your decision.
http://www.inkjetart.com/
I've dealt with them for about 6 years for paper and ink, and I've had occasion to call with a question.
They have an 800 number and it might be worth a call.
Regards,
Carol Hyman
http://hy-tec-training.com
Posted by Kelly Rowe on January 25, 2007 at 9:03 AM
Hi Michael,
I am no expert but there are a couple of differences you might want to consider. First, the HP inks cost about twice what the Epson inks cost. Do you get twice the volume of ink? Do you plan to print black and white? I think the Epson wins out there with three black cartriges on board versus black and grey on the HP. Also, there are 3rd party RIP products that enhance the printing capabilities of the R2400. I'm not sure about the HP. Of the two I looked at recently, one was Epson-only and the other was for Epson and Canon.
I've been using the R2400 for 6 months and I've been real happy with the results when I follow the good advice of the users on this forum.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on January 25, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I would look at ink price per mL before any other factor in a 13X19 printer. This is going to determine how much the printer is going to cost you to maintain. I'd also compare the prices of HP's papers to comparable Epson papers. I suspect this is the factor that is driving Bill to consider a 17" printer. I'm thinking about going to a 17" printer for the same reason.
Then I'd look at the print quality. Are there color ranges the printer has a difficult time reproducing? How about black and white? Are these going to cause you a problem in your own prints. For example, my R1800 gets a bit blotchy in the deep redish browns and black and white can have a color cast that changes from one paper to another.
Next I'd look at paper availability. Are you going to need to get a custom print profile done if you want to try out a new paper? What about the sofware?
Lastly, I'd look at print permanence. My Epson R1800 is rated for 150 years on Epson Heavyweight matte and 108 years on their Velvet Fine Art. The lifespan on their RC papers is generally less, but still 65 - 100 years. Is this going to cause you a problem with marketing a print? I think most people are satisfied if you tell them the print will last over 100 years if properly kept.
Posted by Bill Chambers on January 25, 2007 at 2:31 PM
Hey Michael - sent you an email last night BTW. Just wanted to jump in to respond to Mel's comment on switching to a 17" wide printer. Certainly ink cost is a factor for me, but not a huge one. The primary reason I would like to go to 17" is just for that reason - bigger prints. I've since decided against the R3800 however because of it's inability to use roll paper or to print long lengths. I understand there are ways to 'trick" the system to make it work, but I don't see the logic of paying that much money and then have to jackleg the process. I'm not quite ready to make that jump into 17" yet anyway so it's no big deal at the moment. When I do make that jump I assume I will stay with Epson as I've been very pleased with the R2400.
Carol, I called and talked with someone at inkjetart.com today. I can't remember his name, but he said that he had used both. He said that the HP did not do as well with glossy papers and that there was some bronzing. (Of course, I don't know exactly what that is, but I have an idea.) Thanks.
Kelly, you're dead on about the ink - only a hair bit more for double the price. However, the HP print heads are user replaceable - two at ~$43 each. The Epson has to be serviced = $$$. But, by the time that happens, it may be time to get another printer anyway.
Mel, thanks - points well taken. I do also plan to do B&W.
Bill, got your e-mail. If you didn't do all that stitching, you'd have to print small - like me.
Considering the research I've done today and the comments from the guy at inkjetart.com, I am strongly headed in the direction of the Epson. Bill, when I get it, you'd better be ready to teach the greenhorn!
Posted by Bill Chambers on January 25, 2007 at 10:49 PM
Hi Peter - I really had to scratch my memory to remember where I read that, but it turns out it was right here on the forums. The link is HERE. It appears the length is limited to a max of 37" according to Ryan (who posted the topic in the link) You might want to contact him to find out how to "tweak" the system into that length.
Discussion
6 repliesI am considering purchasing a printer so that I can do my own printing. I have been reading information about the above mentioned printers. One thing that sticks out is the Wilhelm Research showing that the HP Vivera inks last 230+ years on HP papers as opposed to Epson K3 inks lasting 100+ years. I know I won't be around to see any of them fade, but it seems like a major factor. Am I right/wrong?
Both printers will do 13x19 prints.
What do the majority of "you" use and why? Can anyone give me pros and cons either way? What papers would you suggest? (I know Bill Chambers has an Epson R2400 and seems to like it. I have enjoyed the print I got from him!! I know he has drooled at least once over the new Epson 3800 - maybe I can talk him out of his USED R2400. Hmmmm!)
Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!!!
Really can't help you with your question but I can point you to a company that might be able to help with your decision.
http://www.inkjetart.com/
I've dealt with them for about 6 years for paper and ink, and I've had occasion to call with a question.
They have an 800 number and it might be worth a call.
Regards,
Carol Hyman
http://hy-tec-training.com
I am no expert but there are a couple of differences you might want to consider. First, the HP inks cost about twice what the Epson inks cost. Do you get twice the volume of ink? Do you plan to print black and white? I think the Epson wins out there with three black cartriges on board versus black and grey on the HP. Also, there are 3rd party RIP products that enhance the printing capabilities of the R2400. I'm not sure about the HP. Of the two I looked at recently, one was Epson-only and the other was for Epson and Canon.
I've been using the R2400 for 6 months and I've been real happy with the results when I follow the good advice of the users on this forum.
Then I'd look at the print quality. Are there color ranges the printer has a difficult time reproducing? How about black and white? Are these going to cause you a problem in your own prints. For example, my R1800 gets a bit blotchy in the deep redish browns and black and white can have a color cast that changes from one paper to another.
Next I'd look at paper availability. Are you going to need to get a custom print profile done if you want to try out a new paper? What about the sofware?
Lastly, I'd look at print permanence. My Epson R1800 is rated for 150 years on Epson Heavyweight matte and 108 years on their Velvet Fine Art. The lifespan on their RC papers is generally less, but still 65 - 100 years. Is this going to cause you a problem with marketing a print? I think most people are satisfied if you tell them the print will last over 100 years if properly kept.
Carol, I called and talked with someone at inkjetart.com today. I can't remember his name, but he said that he had used both. He said that the HP did not do as well with glossy papers and that there was some bronzing. (Of course, I don't know exactly what that is, but I have an idea.) Thanks.
Kelly, you're dead on about the ink - only a hair bit more for double the price. However, the HP print heads are user replaceable - two at ~$43 each. The Epson has to be serviced = $$$. But, by the time that happens, it may be time to get another printer anyway.
Mel, thanks - points well taken. I do also plan to do B&W.
Bill, got your e-mail. If you didn't do all that stitching, you'd have to print small - like me.
Considering the research I've done today and the comments from the guy at inkjetart.com, I am strongly headed in the direction of the Epson. Bill, when I get it, you'd better be ready to teach the greenhorn!