Epson R800 dull prints

Started Nov 3, 2004 | Discussions thread
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F28Pilot Junior Member • Posts: 29
Epson R800 dull prints

Help! I'm getting desperate - the prints from my Epson R800 are dull and lifeless. I would describe it as a grey (sometime with brown or green overtones) cast over all the pictures. It happens from all programs, even ones that are not color management aware like the Microsoft Photo Printing wizard. Here are the steps that I have taken so far:

1. downloaded a "known good picture" from http://digitaldog.imagingrevue.com/files/PrinterTestfile.jpg.hqx

2. to simplify things (no color management) printed the picture from Microsoft picture and fax view, using Epson Premium Glossy paper. After several tries, the picture looks almost good with brightness +10 and saturation +5.

3. using those settings tried to print the following image. The skin tones look good (not great but could be tweaked to great), however the highlights in the hat and blanket are blown. Yes, the highlights are close to being blown here anyway, but the printing destroys almost all detail in the blanket around her shoulders.

4. I tried using Photoshop Elements 2.0 and experimenting with color management using the software and also using the printer driver (but not at the same time!). No luck there, so I have tried to keep it simple and print without color management for now.

I need help! Epson hasn't been able to help yet. Yes, the nozzel test print is good, no clogged heads. Ink and paper are genuine Epson and are fresh. I have the latest driver from the Epson website. Could this be a gamma problem? I am using the default 1.8 gamma in the printer driver. (tried 2.2 on one print yesterday and it turned pink ???) I am assuming that color management is not an issue since the photo printing wizard in Windows is not colorspace aware for printing. I realize the frustration now of so many R800 users - I should have just gone to walmart for cheap reprints (gasp! - I hope that isn't sacrilige on this site). Help!! I can't do 10 test prints for every image - this hobby already has me in the poor house! Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance,
Steve

http://ericandmelissa.smugmug.com/gallery/256056/1/10818269

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