Any alternatives to Epson 1430 for films?

[FluffyDog6]

I'm reading endless horror stories about clogged heads, banding and ink problems with the Epson 1430 inkjet.

Is there an alternative wide format 13x19 printer in the $300-400 range I should consider instead?

Thanks.

[CBCB]

Find yourself a used Epson 4800 or 4880 if you can. Lots of great info on those printers right here on this forum.
If you keep your eye out you'll find some photographer unloading it cheap due to OEM ink costs.


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[Hey Monkey]

Huh... I have had none of those problems and any issues that have come up a head cleaning and/or nozzle check have cleared them right up

[kingscreen]

We have two Cobra Ink System Black Dye 1430s.  Both have been printed tousands of films without a single issue. They have to be one of the most reliable printers available. IMHO.

[Du Manchu]

I had a 1400 and a 1430.  One of my best upgrades ever was spending $1000 (on sale) on in Epson 3880.  Nozzle checks and filling ink carts frequently are now a thing of the past.  I resisted forking the money over, but it changed our life. Lol.   After obtaining empty carts (inkjetmall.com),memory chips, and black ink, you'll have at least $1300 invested, way about your posted budget.  However,  I cannot stress how much it improved the workflow, and reduced the aggravation of those smaller printers.   

Good luck.

[Frog]

I think that occasional clogs and need for cleanings just come with the territory with all inkjets but are exacerbated by periods of sitting idle. Use it or lose it.

[Biverson]

I've had a 1430 for 2.5 years with hardly any issues. Still using the same bottle of ink I got from inkjetcarts.us with it and some cheap refillable from eBay. I need to clean it as sometime there is ink on the underside of the film. I got my returned from Epson at a great price too.


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[Maxie]

Do you run your printers 1430 and 4880 without a rip?
I think one of the big advantages of the 4880 is being able to use rolls of film.
When we print pocket sized graphics we print strips of film, although I've never costed it I'm sure this is much cheaper than printing sheets.