Photo Printers - What do you use?

[Jim Radcliffe]

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer.. results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

 

[Mike Flaherty]

For inkjet image quality, the Epson 1280 can't be beat. No way. No how. However, your interest in having your printer do "double duty" as a general printer makes the 1280 less attractive. It's VERY slow and I wouldn't recommend it for general printing jobs (although it is technically capable). Personally, I use a HP1218xi for general printing of documents and also for fast prints in the 4X6 or smaller sizes. I only use the 1280 for photo prints that I really care about. YMMV.

Mike Flaherty

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

--Mike Flaherty

 

[Daniel Lauring]

I was an HP man from way back. I loved my old original huge heavy HP Photosmart printer which, IMHO, was the first printer to really give photo looking output. It also produced prints that were very resistent to light. But over the last few years Epson has definitely taken the lead in output quality and permanance. I'm very happy with my 1270 (and haven't seen the orange issue.)

I should also mention that both my HP printers, an 855 and an 895, failed after only a couple years of household use. These were marketed as light office printers. The 855 went bonkers one day. It's print head flew to the left and beat itself to death on the stop. The 895 suddenly started producing an output that had missing lines. I wasted a twin cartridge package and two hours of cleaning (including all the metal contacts) before I realized it was something internal that must have gone.

Previously, I had been nervous about going to Epson after reading so many head clogging reports. The heads on my 1270 have never clogged in almost two years of use...sometimes sitting for several months.

Danny

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

 

[DonCohen]

I am extremely happy with the output from this printer. I had an Epson 870 for a year and a half before getting the 1280 (in order to print 13" wide) and have had no significant problems. I'm selling prints made on Epson's Heavyweight Matte paper, and it's rated at 25+ years in terms of longevity.

Until recently Epson has had no real competition in terms of photo quality. Canon has made significant progress recently, and in the 8.5" wide carriage, the S800 seems to be giving the Epson a run for its money. They also have a newly announced S9000, in a somewhat wider format, but I'm not sure whether or not it's 13" as the Epson 1280 is.

For text, general printing, I have no complaints, although my needs and volume in this regard are relatively light and casual. For more heavy duty needs, speed might be an issue.

Hope this helps.

Don
http://www.dlcphotography.net

 

[Donna K]

I have both the Canon S800 and Epson 1280. I have converted the Epson 1280 to use a Continuous Flow System and pigment inks. When I need to print on glossy paper or text, I use the Canon. Everything else gets printed on the Epson 1280 using Red River Paper's premium matte, Epson's archieval matte, or Premium Luster. I am going to have a hard time not wanting to upgrade my S800 to the new S9000 when it comes out. Oh well, can't have everything : )

Donna K.

I am extremely happy with the output from this printer. I had an
Epson 870 for a year and a half before getting the 1280 (in order
to print 13" wide) and have had no significant problems. I'm
selling prints made on Epson's Heavyweight Matte paper, and it's
rated at 25+ years in terms of longevity.

Until recently Epson has had no real competition in terms of photo
quality. Canon has made significant progress recently, and in the
8.5" wide carriage, the S800 seems to be giving the Epson a run for
its money. They also have a newly announced S9000, in a somewhat
wider format, but I'm not sure whether or not it's 13" as the Epson
1280 is.

For text, general printing, I have no complaints, although my needs
and volume in this regard are relatively light and casual. For
more heavy duty needs, speed might be an issue.

Hope this helps.

Don
http://www.dlcphotography.net

 

[Slane Masda]

... and Epson heavyweight matte paper. A bargain! Some of the Luminos papers are very nice for occasional use (Museum Parchment especially) with your National Geographic-quality work, but they need separate colour profiles of course.

My experience after 14 months - perhaps 1500-2000 prints of various sizes - with the 1270:

Orange shift: no problem
Head clogging: no problem
Paper handling: no problem
Output quality: excellent
Speed: irritating
Ink cartridge cost: outrageous but probably not much worse than others

Would I buy another Epson? Definitely.

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

--James

 

[DonCohen]

Hi Donna,

I have both the Canon S800 and Epson 1280. I have converted the
Epson 1280 to use a Continuous Flow System and pigment inks. When I
need to print on glossy paper or text, I use the Canon. Everything
else gets printed on the Epson 1280 using Red River Paper's premium
matte, Epson's archieval matte, or Premium Luster. I am going to
have a hard time not wanting to upgrade my S800 to the new S9000
when it comes out. Oh well, can't have everything : )

Do you know what the maximum paper width is on the newly announced Canon S9000? The promo stuff I saw said A3+ size, but I'm not sure exactly what this means.

Also, do you have a link to the source of your continuous/pigment ink system for your 1280? How do the colors/vibrancy, etc. compare with Epson's regular inks? Are there any "official" figures on longevity with these pigmented inks? How long have you been using them, and is clogging an issue?

Thanks!

Don
http://www.dlcphotography.net

 

[Ricardo_V]

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

I use the Olympus Camedia P400 and absolutely love it. It's dye sublimation and therefore gives continuous tones. It will print an A4 in about 90 seconds. Output is superb. Cost is about 1.65 per print. The printer's major limitation is that its maximum size is something just under 8x10.

For larger prints I use the Epson 2000P. It produces wonderful prints, but is agonizingly slow. It uses archival quality inks, and prints on a range of specialty papers which can really enhance your photo.

Hope this helps.

 

[mjbauer]

... and Epson heavyweight matte paper. A bargain! Some of the
Luminos papers are very nice for occasional use (Museum Parchment
especially) with your National Geographic-quality work, but they
need separate colour profiles of course.

My experience after 14 months - perhaps 1500-2000 prints of various
sizes - with the 1270:

Orange shift: no problem
Head clogging: no problem
Paper handling: no problem
Output quality: excellent
Speed: irritating
Ink cartridge cost: outrageous but probably not much worse than others

Would I buy another Epson? Definitely.

I agree, I have had an Epson 1270 that replaced my 1200 (also very nice). It is not the best text printer but it works as an only printer if you must. I also have an HP Laser printer (2100) I use for high volume printing. Rumors continue to circulate about new Epson printers being introduced at PMA. If you need a printer, a 1270 or the newer 1280 will stand you in good stead. I do prints that rival, or exceed, photo finishers. The narrow carriage models should also be considered if you don't feel you will need larger size prints. However a D30 can produce a spectacular 11x14 or 13x19 print.

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

--
James

--Mike Bauer

 

[Deborah Duke]

I use an HP Photosmart 1215 and it does a beautiful job. I use it for photos and documents. I've found that photos print best when I use HP's line of photo papers.

Deborah

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

 

[Greg M]

I don't have the need for the larger prints, at least not right now, so this printer works great. I've got a CIS on order which should make the ink cost come down to next to nothing. My impression is that the plug-in-play inks are the same quality as the Epson inks. I use only Epson heavy wieght matte paper. This printer is fine for everyday printing.

I also have a HP 1215. I bought this one mostly because I have ALOT of the original HP matte paper left from when I had the first Photosmart printer. The photo output of the Epson is better then the HP, although not by that much. The HP has taken over the everyday printing because it is faster and I want to save the Epson inks. However, I'm sure that will change when I get my CIS and then I'll want to save the HP inks for the occasional pic.

For only 1 printer I'd pick the 870.

Another option would be the 1280 for photos and a cheap laser for doccuments. A laser is the cheapest way to go as far as cost per page and they last a long time.

 

[Greg M]

I use an HP Photosmart 1215 and it does a beautiful job. I use it
for photos and documents. I've found that photos print best when I
use HP's line of photo papers.

Deborah

The paper thing is definately true. However, Illford photo paper works well also. HP printers don't like Epson paper and Epson printers don't like HP paper.

 

[Buchan-Grant]

I use a Canon S800 and find it superb with the new Ilford Papers (there are about 5 to choose from) As good as a photo! The printer is incredibly economic on inks. No problems over many 100's of A4 photos.

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

--Neil http://www.neilbuchangrant.co.uk

 

[Deborah Duke]

Thanks for the info Greg. I'll check out the Illford papers.

I use an HP Photosmart 1215 and it does a beautiful job. I use it
for photos and documents. I've found that photos print best when I
use HP's line of photo papers.

Deborah

The paper thing is definately true. However, Illford photo paper
works well also. HP printers don't like Epson paper and Epson
printers don't like HP paper.

 

[Peter Stewart]

Epson Stylus 3000 for everyday color printing, misc projects

Epson Stylus Photo 1200: proofing & portfolio

Epson Stylus 1270: small customer prints

Epson Stylus Pro 9500: large customer prints; ultra-wide panoramas

Newgen Antique PS880 laser printer

That's it so far.

Peter Stewart

 

[Donna K]

I saw A3 + also and wasn't sure what they meant. I assumed full blead 11 x 17 but can't really answer this question.

I use Cone's color piezo inks on the 1280 and they no longer recommend them for use with the 1279/80 because of clog issues with the yellow. I've been using them for 6 months but I was I had to substitute the Color Piezo yellow with Enhanced Generation's Micro Bright yellow, which means the profiles that Cone provided are "off".

This is their web site which also lists a link to their user group:

http://www.inkjetmall.com/store/piezography-color.html

The pig colors limit the papers you can use but I printed mostly on matte paper anyway. I find that I need to tweak the colors a little depending on the picture and the paper that I am using. I use adjustment layers to do this and have purchased Monaco EZ color to make my own color profiles.

My motivation to go with pig inks to begin with was because I worried about archieval properties and I was hoping to decrease my costs. I have found that my paper costs increased using pig inks. I am happy with the CFS from:

http://nomorecarts.com/

I am undecided at this point if I will keep the Cone pig inks, switch to Generations pig inks, or MIS dye inks.

Donna K.

I have both the Canon S800 and Epson 1280. I have converted the
Epson 1280 to use a Continuous Flow System and pigment inks. When I
need to print on glossy paper or text, I use the Canon. Everything
else gets printed on the Epson 1280 using Red River Paper's premium
matte, Epson's archieval matte, or Premium Luster. I am going to
have a hard time not wanting to upgrade my S800 to the new S9000
when it comes out. Oh well, can't have everything : )

Do you know what the maximum paper width is on the newly announced
Canon S9000? The promo stuff I saw said A3+ size, but I'm not sure
exactly what this means.

I saw

Also, do you have a link to the source of your continuous/pigment
ink system for your 1280? How do the colors/vibrancy, etc. compare
with Epson's regular inks? Are there any "official" figures on
longevity with these pigmented inks? How long have you been using
them, and is clogging an issue?

Thanks!

Don
http://www.dlcphotography.net

 

[John Riedy]

Epson 5500. This printer ROCKS!--www.riedyphoto.com

 

[DonCohen]

Thanks.

 

[Mark B.]

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe

I use an Epson Stylus Photo 870. I've had absolutely no clogging problems; I think the secret to avoiding that is to turn it off with the switch on the printer rather than with a power strip - this parks the heads so they don't dry out. I'm more than satisfied with results on Epson's Premium Glossy Paper, and plan on moving up to the 1280 eventually.

Mark

 

[Robert Bedwell]

I do believe that the Epson 1200/1270/1280 series printers are incredible in the quality of the images that they produce. For several years I have used the 1200 and the 1270. I constantly had in the back of my mind the longevitiy of the prints with these printers. I felt that I could never sell any of my images knowing the limited archval qualities of the prints. In September I purchased the Epson 5500 and I am glad that I did. The positive characteristics of the 5500 are; archival, speed, large ink supplies, skin tones, smoothness of colors and the depth of images compared to 1200 series prints. Some of the areas that I think border on negatives are; noise, inability to use larger than 13x19 paper, occasional paper feeding problems, size and colors that are not as vivid as what I was accustomed to with my 1270. Perhaps 1270 colors are exaggerated. In retrospect would I purchase the same model again? Yes, no reservations.

I use an Epson 1160 for piezography prints.

Bob

I own a D30 and have been printing on an old HP1120Cse printer..
results have been good but not Fantastic.

So I am in the market for a new photoprinter. It will more than
likely be an inkjet as the Dyesub systems are still to pricey and I
need the printer to do a little double duty with documents.

Here's what I'd like to propose:

In response to this original post each of you should post a reply
and indicate the Brand and Model number of printer that you use and
note any issues you have with the printer. This may have been done
before and if so, my apologies for bringing it up again.

I prefer to get real world opinions rather than read the reviews in
magazines and online. When was the last time you read a review
that really toasted the product being reviewed. Not often. I'll
trust the users opinions any day.

Thanks.

Jim Radcliffe