Advice on Large Format Printers
Jun 28, 2017 11:14:02 #
In another thread (on megapixels), rmalarz said:
> Exactly!!! The smallest print I make is 12x18. Therefore, more is better.
> --Bob
What kind of printers do folks recommend for prints that large? How big can you go without investing megabucks?
What type of paper are you printing on, too?
> Exactly!!! The smallest print I make is 12x18. Therefore, more is better.
> --Bob
What kind of printers do folks recommend for prints that large? How big can you go without investing megabucks?
What type of paper are you printing on, too?
Jun 28, 2017 11:48:23 #
Epson makes the best prints. Canon's printers don't clog as often with lack of use. If you print every week, and want the widest color gamut and best archival qualities, go Epson P-series. If you print infrequently, get a Canon.
Jun 28, 2017 11:53:33 #
I have a Canon Pro-100 and absolutely love the output. For 8½x11 prints, I use Epson Exhibition Fiber Paper. For 13x19, Hahnemuhle Bamboo
Jun 28, 2017 12:23:57 #
mikenolan wrote:
In another thread (on megapixels), rmalarz said:
> Exactly!!! The smallest print I make is 12x18. Therefore, more is better.
> --Bob
What kind of printers do folks recommend for prints that large? How big can you go without investing megabucks?
What type of paper are you printing on, too?
> Exactly!!! The smallest print I make is 12x18. Therefore, more is better.
> --Bob
What kind of printers do folks recommend for prints that large? How big can you go without investing megabucks?
What type of paper are you printing on, too?
I can print 17x38 with my Epson 3880 and it makes beautiful prints ( and it does not cost megabucks). But then, it is also not a large format printer! If you go that route, they are megabucks period!
Jun 28, 2017 14:49:24 #
I guess I'm used to thinking anything larger than legal (8 1/2 x 14) is large format, but thanks for the recommendations.
Jun 28, 2017 16:52:00 #
What do you consider Mega-Bucks?. here are some prices for Canon & Epson printers, the 3880 Epson has been replaced and this is what B&H Photo has with rebates. Canon ProGraf Pro 1000, 17 inch printer 1300$ -300$ rebate=1000$. Canon Pixma Pro 10 13inch printer, 750&-250 rebate. Epson: Shure color 800, 17inch printer 1,135$ after rebate. P-600, 13 inch printer 759& and P-400 579$
Jun 28, 2017 18:40:53 #
Well, I think I paid $450 for my HP 400 laserjet color printer last year, but it won't do larger than legal. I have an HP 5000N B/W laser printer that will do 11 x 17, but I bought it nearly 20 years ago and no longer remember what I paid for it, probably in the $1000 range.
I would consider anything under $1000 within the realm of possibility for a printer, I was looking at the Epson P-600 earlier today, $799 at Staples.
I would consider anything under $1000 within the realm of possibility for a printer, I was looking at the Epson P-600 earlier today, $799 at Staples.
Jun 29, 2017 06:03:06 #
Jun 29, 2017 07:13:47 #
I agree. Canons don't clog with infrequent use. I have a Pro 100 which I bought for a ridiculous $50 after rebate (and that price included a package of Canon 13x19 paper. I didn't need the printer, but how could I resist? I didn't print for eight weeks when my daughter was hospitalized and the cartridges didn't clog.
Jun 29, 2017 07:35:38 #
I have used a Canon Pro9000II for several years but do not print a lot of my work so it sits idle for long periods. I have never had a problem with clogging. I use pricey Canon inks but would think about alternatives if I did more printing.
Jun 29, 2017 07:53:05 #
Dyeager
Loc: Michigan
I print with am Epson large format it will print up to 44 inch wide and not sure how long but the paper comes in 100ft rolls so i don't think that is an issue. The cost of ink is something to take Ingo consideration. I can't get second party ink for mine as of yet and a full set of 750ml ink cartridges is about 2700 bucks. That being said i will stick with Epson ink regardless, the longevity of the inks is one of the main reasons for the printer for archival and fine art printing. With second hand inks I couldn't claim that confidently. Also printers use different types of ink, some use dye ink and some use pigment ink. The dye ink printers are cheaper to operate but pigment ink has better longevity than dye ink. The Epson i use claims 200 years on color and 400 years on b&w, that is under certain cccguidelines of course
Jun 29, 2017 08:00:23 #
Dyeager
Loc: Michigan
Sorry about poor grammer, I typed this from my phone and accidentally hit send before I checked it for errors
Jun 29, 2017 08:40:50 #
StevenG
Loc: Long Island, NY
speters wrote:
I can print 17x38 with my Epson 3880 and it makes beautiful prints ( and it does not cost megabucks). But then, it is also not a large format printer! If you go that route, they are megabucks period!
How do you print 17x38? I have that printer, which prints 17x22 without any modifications. What do you do?
Steve
Jun 29, 2017 09:54:27 #
For the price range you're in, I would highly recommend the Epson P800. After rebates it costs $ 900. I own one and am VERY happy with it. I regularly print on 17" x 25 " paper with no issues. I suggest going to the Red River Paper site and checking out some ink costs, by printer model. This Epson, with 80ml tanks @ $55 each has a pretty good cost per print. The two lesser models will cost less up front, but ink cost will be higher, so you'll spend it in the long run and not have as capable a printer. I also highly recommend Red River paper -- it's all I use anymore. Whatever you buy, you should make a 8x10 every week to keep things flowing. Best of luck.
Jun 29, 2017 11:47:08 #
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