For printing I currently use an Epson R1800 that I've pretty much given up on. Seems like no matter how much time I spend with it the colors always seem to be off, and I can see lines where the print head has passed (I have to look closely, but I can see 'em). I've spent hours and hours trying different profiles, etc., etc. The cartridges cost a fortune and I waste a lot of paper and ink just trying to get things right.
My thoughts turned to just using a service to print photos in the future. Maybe that is the answer, but I just have to wonder if there is a DIY printer out there that others have used and are happy with.
I use an HP 8250 (I think it has been replaced by a later model) for DIY printing. If you are only after 8 x 10, it's pretty good. The colors are true, and on good paper the print quality is quite good. It uses six color cartridges, and they are spendy, overall I'm pretty satisfied.
For commercial printing, I'm evaluating a handful of services. Maybe an NPN article some day...
Posted by Luke Ormand on April 26, 2010 at 7:06 PM
Charlie,
I've thought about buying a printer at various points, but to me it's a whole 'nother world that needs to be mastered. The learning curve seems to be steep, and mistakes (as you know) can be very costly. I'd be interested to know what online services others use and the prices of those services. I've only had to print things out once for a customer, and I went to a local print shop where the colors came out great (though the prints were a touch dark) and the owner re-printed several photos that came out less than perfect due to a malfunction. You can't be customer service and the printers errors didn't cost me and $$ in paper or ink
Posted by Larry Puckett on April 26, 2010 at 7:48 PM
I love my Canon Pixma Pro 9000. Prints are brilliant and I now have a pretty good idea of the calibration difference between my laptop display and what I get on paper. The new ChromaLife100 dyes are rated for 100 years and the PP 9500 uses inks if you have an aversion to dye based prints. I've printed prints from 4x6 to 13x19 and they both come out identical. Most impressive is the fact that I can walk away from it and come back months later and it will print as soon as I fire it up. Last fall I moved from N Va to Asheville NC and all I did was put it back in the box and make sure the movers didn't drop it. Didn't even have to clean the head when I cranked it back up. Most trouble free printer I've ever owned--Larry
I gave up on inkjet printers when I saw the results I received from Mpix.
Just a better deal all the way around, IMO.
Posted by David Bostedo on April 26, 2010 at 8:51 PM
I also love my Canon Pixma PRO 9000. However, if you aren't getting acceptable results from any of the higher end Canon, Epson, or HP printer's, you probably aren't going to be happy with any of the others. I, personally, think for most people the only advantage to home printing is the amount of control they have (if they like being able to control that kind of thing). I like trying different papers and versions of my prints - I like the process and actually enjoy figuring out how to get better results.
If you want quicker, easier results, and don't actually enjoy printing for yourself, I'd definitely suggest an outside service. MPix is generally very good and usually a great value. There are many others out there (MyPhotoPipe, Aspen Creek, West Coast Imaging, Bay Photo, White House Custom Color, El Co Color, etc...) They mainly vary in the amount of different print types they offer, as well as the amount of customer service, know-how, and back and forth you can have with them. (Which of course increases the price.)
Thanks everyone! I think I'll try Mpix out and see what happens. I thought I would enjoy printing myself, but not when it turns into a battle of man vs. machine.
Hi,
I have used West Coast imaging, and Aspen Creek. They are both owned and operated by the same owner. They are both run out of the same location. West Coast is the more high end shop. Offering a lot of paper choices, and services. Aspen Creek offers a few less choices and services at very competetive prices for a less expensive alternative. I am totally happy with both shops.
Chris
Posted by David Bostedo on April 27, 2010 at 9:35 AM
To follow up on my previous list of printers, I print my own up to 13x19. But I've used MPix for standard photos, and used West Coast Imaging when I wanted more paper/size options. I was very happy with both MPix and West Coast. (I'm also planning on using Bay Photo soon for some canvas thin-wraps.)
I print at home and have tried Mpix as well - I find I get more consistant results at home and I love seeing prints emerge from the printer. I was just wondering if you have a managed color flow - i.e. is your monitor calibrated, do you have a conflict between printer and computer managing color, etc?
You mentioned profiles but not calibration so please excuse the question.
Regardless of color management you'll always need to do proof prints if you want to nail your color down. I usually do proofs around 25% of the final size to check colors (this does nothing in regards to sharpening however).
Good luck with some of the other places - I know a lot of people are happy with Mpix, West Coast, etc.
You wrote, "...and I can see lines where the print head has passed (I have to look closely, but I can see 'em)."
Are these lines smeared, or are they pretty clean. If the lines a re smeared, this may be caused by head strikes. If the lines are clean, this is likely banding.
Make sure you have no 'low ink' warnings. Do a nozzle check. Look carefully at the prinout ( magnifier helps) if you see any blank areas, do a head cleaning. Rinse and repeat, if necessary.
What papers are you using? If you are using a heavy paper, make sure it is within the specs for the 1900, If the paper is too thick, you may get head strikes, which, as I mentioed, will show as blurred/smeared areas. Also, some canned profiles leave something to be desired. I've found the Epson profiles to be pretty good, but a custom profile is much better.
Is your monitor calibration and profile up to date? This could make a big difference. Also, a quick soft proof after profiling will show if there are color/brightness/contrast differences. I always do a real proof print before committing to a full size print.
I have used West Coast Imaging several times: highly recommended. I assume Aspen Creek would be just as good, gven it is managed by the same folks. I have no experience with the other vendors.
--P
Posted by Arni Cheatham on April 27, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Not to discourage outsourcing if it meets your needs but...I use an Epson P3800 and calibrate my monitor fairly regularly. Since I switched from sending out for prints to printing my own, I am absolutely ecstatic about my printer and the resulting prints. Every once in a while I'll run across a print that takes a lot of finesse but on the main if I get it right on screen then the resulting print is very very good. BUT Ink and paper costs are high. (I use Crane Museo Silver Rag.)
Depending on the nature of the lines, this may simply be a case of needing to realign the head. It's certainly worth running the print head alignment utility in any event.
"Depending on the nature of the lines, this may simply be a case of needing to realign the head. It's certainly worth running the print head alignment utility in any event"
Discussion
13 repliesMy thoughts turned to just using a service to print photos in the future. Maybe that is the answer, but I just have to wonder if there is a DIY printer out there that others have used and are happy with.
For commercial printing, I'm evaluating a handful of services. Maybe an NPN article some day...
I've thought about buying a printer at various points, but to me it's a whole 'nother world that needs to be mastered. The learning curve seems to be steep, and mistakes (as you know) can be very costly. I'd be interested to know what online services others use and the prices of those services. I've only had to print things out once for a customer, and I went to a local print shop where the colors came out great (though the prints were a touch dark) and the owner re-printed several photos that came out less than perfect due to a malfunction. You can't be customer service and the printers errors didn't cost me and $$ in paper or ink
Just a better deal all the way around, IMO.
If you want quicker, easier results, and don't actually enjoy printing for yourself, I'd definitely suggest an outside service. MPix is generally very good and usually a great value. There are many others out there (MyPhotoPipe, Aspen Creek, West Coast Imaging, Bay Photo, White House Custom Color, El Co Color, etc...) They mainly vary in the amount of different print types they offer, as well as the amount of customer service, know-how, and back and forth you can have with them. (Which of course increases the price.)
I have used West Coast imaging, and Aspen Creek. They are both owned and operated by the same owner. They are both run out of the same location. West Coast is the more high end shop. Offering a lot of paper choices, and services. Aspen Creek offers a few less choices and services at very competetive prices for a less expensive alternative. I am totally happy with both shops.
Chris
I print at home and have tried Mpix as well - I find I get more consistant results at home and I love seeing prints emerge from the printer. I was just wondering if you have a managed color flow - i.e. is your monitor calibrated, do you have a conflict between printer and computer managing color, etc?
You mentioned profiles but not calibration so please excuse the question.
Regardless of color management you'll always need to do proof prints if you want to nail your color down. I usually do proofs around 25% of the final size to check colors (this does nothing in regards to sharpening however).
Good luck with some of the other places - I know a lot of people are happy with Mpix, West Coast, etc.
You wrote, "...and I can see lines where the print head has passed (I have to look closely, but I can see 'em)."
Are these lines smeared, or are they pretty clean. If the lines a re smeared, this may be caused by head strikes. If the lines are clean, this is likely banding.
Make sure you have no 'low ink' warnings. Do a nozzle check. Look carefully at the prinout ( magnifier helps) if you see any blank areas, do a head cleaning. Rinse and repeat, if necessary.
What papers are you using? If you are using a heavy paper, make sure it is within the specs for the 1900, If the paper is too thick, you may get head strikes, which, as I mentioed, will show as blurred/smeared areas. Also, some canned profiles leave something to be desired. I've found the Epson profiles to be pretty good, but a custom profile is much better.
Is your monitor calibration and profile up to date? This could make a big difference. Also, a quick soft proof after profiling will show if there are color/brightness/contrast differences. I always do a real proof print before committing to a full size print.
I have used West Coast Imaging several times: highly recommended. I assume Aspen Creek would be just as good, gven it is managed by the same folks. I have no experience with the other vendors.
--P
Very good thought and idea, Kerry!
--P