Finding a print company to print camera reference manual
Nov 1, 2022 09:48:16 #
John Maher
Loc: Northern Virginia
Has anyone printed a copy of their camera reference manual?
I know the majority of today’s photographers prefer the electronic copy, especially in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format, but I would like a printed manual.
Print copies are available on eBay, but they are printed on 8.5”X11” paper – the manual format appears to be 5.51”X7.78”. In addition to the paper size, I would also like to select the paper for the cover and pages as well as the binding -- considering cost options.
I took the file to an office supply store, but they would not print it.
I know the majority of today’s photographers prefer the electronic copy, especially in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format, but I would like a printed manual.
Print copies are available on eBay, but they are printed on 8.5”X11” paper – the manual format appears to be 5.51”X7.78”. In addition to the paper size, I would also like to select the paper for the cover and pages as well as the binding -- considering cost options.
I took the file to an office supply store, but they would not print it.
Nov 1, 2022 09:52:14 #
What reason did they give for not printing it? Perhaps because it's copyrighted material? I like printed copies also because then one can carry it with them all the time. That comes in handy when one is out in the boonies!
Nov 1, 2022 09:55:41 #
Put a PDF copy on a phone or tablet?
Years ago I printed one (smaller?) manual to plain paper, both sides, it's in a loose-leaf binder, in the library.
PDF is smaller.
Years ago I printed one (smaller?) manual to plain paper, both sides, it's in a loose-leaf binder, in the library.
PDF is smaller.
Nov 1, 2022 09:56:31 #
Nov 1, 2022 09:56:48 #
AzPicLady wrote:
What reason did they give for not printing it? Perhaps because it's copyrighted material? I like printed copies also because then one can carry it with them all the time. That comes in handy when one is out in the boonies!
Yes, I bet the copyright is the problem. Several people have posted that Walmart would not print their images because they were too good.
Walmart thought they were taken by professionals.With some manuals running to over four hundred pages, printing at home can be a problem. It's possible to print to a smaller size, but then all the pages have to be cut down. Camera companies must be saving millions with their digital manuals.
Nov 1, 2022 10:01:29 #
I used a service years ago …. Upload the pdf, select the size and binding and pay. Comes in the mail. Or.. the same services usually have popular manuals available for immediate shipment. I used “print-my-pdf.com.” The emails show up a few times a year. A typical 500+ page camera manual can run $35-$50 including shipping.
Nov 1, 2022 10:01:51 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Yes, I bet the copyright is the problem. Several ... (show quote)
Yup, been asked if the images were mine.
and yup, must be saving a ton in printing costs!
Nov 1, 2022 10:09:50 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
47greyfox wrote:
I used a service years ago …. Upload the pdf, select the size and binding and pay. Comes in the mail. Or.. the same services usually have popular manuals available for immediate shipment. I used “print-my-pdf.com.” The emails shows up a few times a year.
I’ll second your recommendation. I’ve used print-my-pdf several times for vintage cameras. The manual they printed for my Pentax K5 is more than 350 pages and it was delivered spiral bound with clear plastic covers. They also have OEM manuals available for a wide variety of cameras. Check them out.
Stan
Nov 1, 2022 10:10:49 #
ddgm
Loc: Hamilton, Ontario & Fort Myers, FL
When I bought a used Canon 5D III camera, I also bought a David Bucsh's guide to said camera, which I found to be excellent. It was not cheap or easy to find as it was out of print, but IMHO was well worth it. I bought it on eBay. It measures 7 1/2" wide x 9" tall.
Nov 1, 2022 10:17:19 #
Have you tried getting one from the camera’s manufacturer?
Nov 1, 2022 10:29:45 #
Good job by office supply store!!
OP: are you out of your mind? If so determined to have something to hold, go through the PDF and print just the relevant page range to whatever issue you need to physically hold. What do you need a title page for? Or the fine print pages? Or sections on features you know without reading, or features you won't use? Are you a photographer or a tree-killing book collector?
Get comfortable with 'text find' so you can quickly let the computer scan the entire electronic document and take you directly to the relevant section you then read and absorb electronically. Printing just those pages, if absolutely necessary.
OP: are you out of your mind? If so determined to have something to hold, go through the PDF and print just the relevant page range to whatever issue you need to physically hold. What do you need a title page for? Or the fine print pages? Or sections on features you know without reading, or features you won't use? Are you a photographer or a tree-killing book collector?
Get comfortable with 'text find' so you can quickly let the computer scan the entire electronic document and take you directly to the relevant section you then read and absorb electronically. Printing just those pages, if absolutely necessary.
Nov 1, 2022 10:29:49 #
John Maher wrote:
Has anyone printed a copy of their camera referenc... (show quote)
Several years ago I discovered "Manualslnk.com." They have sent me manuals for 1D-x, 5D Mk II & Mk IV, and Canon's Pro 100 Printer. Full sized and bound make them book-like. They print manuals for other devices also. Just looked at the invoice inside the manual for the 5D Mk II and found an inventory billing sheet for $17.77 usd and that included shipping, dated 1/25/14. Pricing may have increased but I list this as a guide.
Nov 1, 2022 10:30:51 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Yes, I bet the copyright is the problem. Several ... (show quote)
How do you know you're not a successful photographer until a clerk at Walmart refuses to print your images?
Nov 1, 2022 10:36:23 #
I asked Office Depot and was quoted a price of $1.00 per page. Paper sized as wanted, double sided. Would cost over $600.00. No print for me!
Nov 1, 2022 10:37:55 #
BboH wrote:
I asked Office Depot and was quoted a price of $1.00 per page. Paper sized as wanted, double sided. Would cost over $600.00. No print for me!
Hooray for Office Depot, pricing a bad idea beyond the need to attempt!!
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