Epson 3800 paper size ?s

I'm seriously considering purchasing this printer as it looks well suited for my needs. My only real concern is printing images at a 2:3 image aspect ratio on 17" paper. The paper I'd like to use with this is Epson Ultra Premium Luster and variations of fine art paper like Crane Silver Rag, Hanuamuhle, or Sommerset Velvet. To print at 2:3 on 17" paper I'd need a sheet size of 17"x25" min. I know epson & the other paper manuf noted above don't supply sheet stock of this size, but I figured I could buy 17" roll paper and cut to size. Unfortunately it looks like for the Luster, epson only has 16" wide roll for Luster

So I guess my question is this, how are you guys with the 4800/4000 or 3800 printing on luster at 2:3 on Luster with 1/2" margins on ea. side? It looks to me like I could only go 16"x24" borderless on the Luster. On a side note, I did see that Inkjetart.com and I think I saw Redriver(?) has sheet stock in 17x25, but not sure if that matches the same paper characteristics of the above.

Your thoughts/comments/recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

I've been very happy with cutting the rolls of Inkjet Art Micro Ceramic Luster.

You'll note that IJA claims their paper is essentially equivalent to the Epson Premium Luster.
http://www.inkjetart.com/photo_papers/ceramic_luster.html

Cory, I'm not positive as I've not studied the 3800, but I don't believe it supports roll paper. If not, you would have to cut it and feed it, which can be a hassle with Epsons if the paper is not cut PERFECTLY square.

Cory,

I think the thing to do is order a sample pack of letter size from Red River or contact them directly and request some of the paper you are interested in to see how their paper does. If if performs to your expectations, then it would be a good solution.

I took a look at atlex, but I didn't see anything in 17X25.

Mel-

Bill, the 3800 does NOT supprot roll paper.

Cutting rolls square has not been a problem. However, any curl in the paper will cause head strikes and leave some messy ink streaks at the end of the paper.

thanks for the suggestions fellas. Ya, I knew it didn't support rolls. good to hear cutting the rolls to length shouldn't be a issue.

The 4800 uses roll paper so no problem there. I use Hahnemuhle papers on mine and they come in 17" wide rolls.

The 3800 does not have a roll feeder (main reason why I did not buy one myself). Inkjet Art is offering their luster paper in 17x25 (http://www.inkjetart.com/photo_papers/ceramic_luster.html) but I have not seen other manufacturers follow suit.

Also keep in mind that the lack of roll paper option will limit our ability to make large panoramic prints. If you have the space, I think the 4800 or 4880 will be worth the extra cost.

Guy

hey Guy, thanks for weighing in on this. I don't do a lot of pano images so outsourcing every once in awhile wouldn't be too much of a headache. Though it would be nice to be self sufficient. Ideally I'd like the 4800/4880 but having to change black inks back and forth is not appealing. I see myself printing a lot on the luster type surfaces and the matte surfaces. Are you printing on the Luster or exclusivelly on matte surfaces?

I've looked at the canon ipf5000/51000. While the prices of the ipf5000 is very attractive along with reported print quality and no black swapping, the uncofirmed print longevity, physical size, and user interface are not.

Decisions, decisions

For panorama's.......... I don't have a 3800 but with other Epson printers you can cut off a length from a roll and feed it in like a sheet. You just have to create a custom paper size matching the dimensions of the cut sheet from the roll.

Mike

FYI - the 3800 limits you to an image length of just slightly over 37".
I'm not aware of any way to bypass this limitation.
For my needs, I'm willing to live with this maximum length and use cut sheets from rolls.