Film output printers, think it's time we get a new one!!!!!!!????????????

[screenprintguy]

We have been using the oldschool Epson3000 and I think it's on it's last leg. We aren't ready to invest the 30plus thousand in a DTS yet, what are options both printer and rip that you guys are liking the most for reliable dense film output from simple spot color films to detailed halftones. We've been using the Epson 3000 and FastRip combo. I've seen alot of shops go into an Epson 4880, but I've seen an Epson 3800, any opinions would be helpful, we need to make a move on a package next week. Thanks for your input guys!!

Mike

[blue moon]

very happy with our 4800 after using the 3000 for a few years. 3k worked good, but the 4800 is a significant improvement. 4880 is about the same, not sure about the 4900.
We paid $350 for the 4800 of the craigslist. If you look around there are deals to be had on them (unfortunately you might not have the time).

For RIP we use the Film Maker. It is significantly more complex than Accurip, but it does produce better results. AR is set and forget which makes it a good choice for many, but if you are looking for top notch, FM gives you significantly more control. Both are available as trials.

pierre

[Screened Gear]

Pierre,

What version of FM do you have?

[inkstain]

Went through a couple epson 1280's back in the day.  Then went through a couple of epson 1400's that lasted a few years.  Then did a big upgrade and got the epson 4900.  Thing is a beast, prints pretty fast and printing 17" rolls is amazing.  I use accurip with it as well.  Very pleased.

[blue moon]

Pierre,

What version of FM do you have?

3. I think it's the latest one. . .

pierre

[Screened Gear]

Pierre,

What version of FM do you have?

3. I think it's the latest one. . .

pierre

Not the version the package. They have like FilmMaker DTP, FilmMakerLFP, FilmMaker XL PLus. Do you know the differance? I know they support more printer types for the more expensive ones. There has to be more than that.

[ScreenFoo]

It's output size--destop, large format, extra large.

[blue moon]

I have the large format version. the desktop is compatible with 3000 so it is a great deal. Also from what I understand, Fresner is selling it under his name. 'not sure what the price is, but he might be willing to negotiate. Cadlink has very limited support and Scott should be available almost any time. . .

pierre

[jasonl]

4900 here, all black, wasatch rip

[Socalfmf]

I still say go DTS....

[ZooCity]

I still say go DTS....

Yeah, that's totally comparable to purchasing an Epson. 

For film output printers, I like our 4800.  If you get the newer 17" models, just make sure your rip gets along with it before committing.

We use Accurip and it's good stuff.  I trust FilmMaker is better but no Mac version so no FilmMaker here.

[jsheridan]

If you don't want to drop the $$ for a new 4900.. a used 4880 is the ticket.

4900 here, all black, wasatch rip

Wasatch doesn't have the capability to specify what carts you use to print with so need for all black. The only RIP that supports all black  is AccuRip..

unless Wasatch finally got their heads outa their azz and introduced this into the software?

[Get Shirts]

4880, accurip, 220 ml all black refillable tanks and 17" roll film over here.   The improvement over the 3000 is unreal.

[screenprintguy]

Thanks for all of the feedback guys. Finally got the 3k back up and running for now but after a few conversations we may be looking at the I-image dts. I'll update on it. Praing about it over the weekend, so far my wife is loving what Sam's printguy has to say about the intense efficiency.

[Rockers]

very happy with our 4800 after using the 3000 for a few years. 3k worked good, but the 4800 is a significant improvement. 4880 is about the same, not sure about the 4900.
We paid $350 for the 4800 of the craigslist. If you look around there are deals to be had on them (unfortunately you might not have the time).

For RIP we use the Film Maker. It is significantly more complex than Accurip, but it does produce better results. AR is set and forget which makes it a good choice for many, but if you are looking for top notch, FM gives you significantly more control. Both are available as trials.

pierre

As far as I remember FM runs only on Windows, is that right?