Author Topic: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?  (Read 2638 times)

Offline John-ibeinky

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Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« on: December 26, 2015, 12:10:53 PM »
We want to upgrade from our Epson 3000. Would likely want to purchase inkjet printer that is currently available new. Would appreciate any recommendations. Thanks.
John


Offline kingscreen

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #1 on: December 26, 2015, 01:02:59 PM »
We picked up one of these https://www.cobraink.com/Printers/epson1430.htm (All Black Dye) and have been very happy with it.
Scott Garnett
King Screen

Offline nobrainsd

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #2 on: December 26, 2015, 01:12:21 PM »
It really depends on whether or not you need to print on roll film. I'm not a full time printer anymore so 17 x 22 sheet fed was great for me. I had repaired my 3000 waaaay too many times and I lost all patience with it! Walked outside and gave it the slam (very satisfying). Thought it was a pretty sharp printer until I purchased my 3880. Now I realize how much the print quality had degraded. I don't print everyday, or even every week, and the 3880 has been much better than the 3000 at not needing cleaning and aggressive maintenance. Ink tanks are not huge, but reasonable. I haven't seen bulk cartridges for the 3880, but Cone Color sells replacement cartridges and ink for the 3880 for less than OEM. Works great with Accurip too.

It was a deal as a refurb from Epson, but the first one did not work and I had to get a second refurb and ship back the first (on Epsons dime). So I can see the value in a new Epson rather than a refurb if you have production demands.

I see that the 3880, while still available, is being discontinued for the P800 which also handles rolls. Have not heard anything about the printer as far as reliability (or how well it handles roll film), but BH photo has a rebate until dec 31st which makes it $845 new. I have no idea if any rips support it yet.
« Last Edit: December 26, 2015, 01:36:55 PM by nobrainsd »

Offline blue moon

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #3 on: December 26, 2015, 02:46:43 PM »
While not in production any more, 4880 would be my suggestion. They are cheap and becoming readily available on the used market. If you Re worried about the repairs, pick up two you should be able to do that for under $1k.

pierre
Yes, we've won our share of awards, and yes, I've tested stuff and read the scientific papers, but ultimately take everything I say with more than just a grain of salt! So if you are looking for trouble, just do as I say or even better, do something I said years ago!

Offline cbjamel

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2015, 09:54:32 PM »
Epson T3270 with 2 blacks running Cadlink Rip.
My opinion.

Shane

Offline presspressmerch

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #5 on: December 26, 2015, 10:08:42 PM »
We moved up from a 3000 to a 4880 that we converted to all black and couldn't be happier.


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Offline John-ibeinky

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2016, 09:25:58 PM »
Thank you to everyone for their help, I very much appreciate it.

Offline Catalyst

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2016, 12:05:35 AM »
very interested in what you decide to go with. I also use an Epson 3000 daily...alot. Im 99% sure it designed by masochists. I fight it daily. What RIP software do you use with yours? Computer OS?

Offline XG Print

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #8 on: January 17, 2016, 09:18:04 AM »
We picked up one of these https://www.cobraink.com/Printers/epson1430.htm (All Black Dye) and have been very happy with it.
We have this too and love it but I am wondering if I need to get something for when a client wants that 14x17 print. I know I can run down to FedEx office and print off the art but being able to print in house would be nice. What do you do at Kingscreen?

Offline kingscreen

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Re: Time for a new film positive printer. Recommendations?
« Reply #9 on: January 17, 2016, 09:36:57 AM »
We have this too and love it but I am wondering if I need to get something for when a client wants that 14x17 print. I know I can run down to FedEx office and print off the art but being able to print in house would be nice. What do you do at Kingscreen?

We also have a 4900.  But I wouldn't recommend it.
Scott Garnett
King Screen