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Printer reliability
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Oct 13, 2021 10:29:32   #
Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore
 
I have an old Canon printer with 4x6 feeding problems but I tolerate it as life is busy and don't have time to research.
I like printing that size to pass around yo family and friends. I do print larger 8 1/2 x11, computer paper size, but larger goes to Merridan pro for wall hangers 16x20 on metallic paper.
My next one I would like to print a little larger at home, not to 16x20

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Oct 13, 2021 10:31:50   #
rcarol
 
DAN Phillips wrote:
Please look at HP printers. Excellent quality and their ink program is beyond compare. I have used them for years and never looked back. You will be pleasantly surprise, I promise.


The OP stated that he has an HP printer but the results are not satisfactory.

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Oct 13, 2021 10:44:48   #
Peteso Loc: Blacks Hills
 
I have been using HP printers for about 40 years. However, I am done with them. Frequently, when they update their drivers, many of the printer functions are unavailable. I have spent significantly more times what the printer cost for several tech support calls to fix the problems. It’s always the printer drivers and HP can’t seem to get this right.

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Oct 13, 2021 12:45:01   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
bsprague wrote:
The EPSON ET-8500 and ET-8550 are significantly higher than the OP's target price!


Over time, not. A set of six ink bottles is the equivalent of 80 to 120 cartridges for the cheap printers.

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Oct 13, 2021 12:48:59   #
gitano48 Loc: Houston
 
Again, it comes down to reliability. Seems like after printing just a few pages it keeps reminding me to replace ink cartridges; and I know they’re still good printing standard 8.5x11 text and color images. As I mentioned, it’s the color photo printing that I find unacceptable. Something else I neglected to mention…..transferring files from an SD card to the PC it will suddenly just quit. Must turn off machine, restart process and check how many files were moved if any. Time consuming and very annoying.
From reading some Hedgehoggers comments, looks like Epson may be the way to go.

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Oct 13, 2021 14:23:37   #
its_yoshie
 
I use the epson 837. its a darn good printer.

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Oct 13, 2021 14:27:01   #
djfkeefe
 
Epson XP-7100...got it refurbished at the recommendation of UHH......works for me

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Oct 13, 2021 14:43:38   #
Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara
 
RichinSeattle wrote:
I abandoned HP years ago and have since used only Epson printers, with which I've always been happy. There are several models to choose from, and occasionally you can find a refurbished one on Epson's website, or eBay.


And I have had terrible problems with Epson printers - use them for a year - heads clog, throw away printer..

On the other hand, I’ve never had a Canon printer clog whether it was a lower cost MFP or a higher end photo printer. So different strokes for different folks.

To answer the posters question I’m not sure you will get a good photo printer for $300. When Canon was giving a huge discount for the Pro 100 last year it was under that price. Maybe this Christmas they will do a big discount on the replacement Pro 200 or 300.

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Oct 13, 2021 17:04:09   #
coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA
 
I have an ET-4760. Can't get the reds to be red. They appear to be magenta. I would never use this printer for photo prints.

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Oct 13, 2021 17:28:09   #
augieg27 Loc: Central California
 
gitano48 wrote:
From personal experience can any of the many astute Hedgehoggers recommend a good quality color printer that doesn’t break the bank (under $300) with good fidelity and is reliable?
I’m very frustrated with what I’m using now: a Canon iP1800 that has satisfactory color rendition but with feeder problems (4x6 in particular), and an HP Envy 7858 that prints over-saturated colors with extreme contrast….no matter how I try to manipulate hue intensity and saturation. Flesh tones are terrible. The HP is relatively new but I’m not happy with either one.
I appreciate any suggestions offered.
From personal experience can any of the many astut... (show quote)


Canon Pro 100 - Have it for 3 years - great photos and no problems - Sometimes they are on sale.

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Oct 13, 2021 17:48:26   #
Huggins36
 
I have been using a Brother MFC-J985DW AIO for 4 years with non Brother ink with no problem. It's slow printing but steady. CR rates it #1 in their 2021 buying guide. Before Brother I had 3 Canons and 1 Epson, all dumped. Good luck.

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Oct 13, 2021 20:15:22   #
CTTonymm Loc: Connecticut
 
burkphoto wrote:
Have you been to the printing forum on UHH? https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-120-1.html

Look for a printer that has ink TANKS, not cartridges!

You will pay dearly for ink if you buy it in little cartridges.

These look promising: EPSON ET-8500 and ET-8550.

Whatever you buy, know that results depend almost entirely on monitor calibration and using the correct ICC PROFILES for your monitor, printer, ink, and paper combination.

A lack of understanding color management from camera to paper is the #1 reason photographers blame a printer for bad color. The old phrase, RTFM (Read The *Fine* Manual) applies, except you have several manuals to devour thoroughly!
Have you been to the printing forum on UHH? https... (show quote)


Absolutely agree with BurkePhoto above. I have an (now 9-10 year old) Epson R1900 13” inch printer and have educated myself and equipped to going thru the steps to match output on the printer to what I see on the monitor. Also have come to conclusion that the way to maintain reliability and affordable cost is to print often to avoid nozzle clogging (between every 3 days to a week at least one print out) and to get into reloading ink into reloadable cartridges (I use Precision Colors bulk/bottled ink and cartridges). The ink savings will pay for the printer price. If you do not calibrate the monitor regularly it is likely that prints will not continue to match the processed print images on the monitor. And it is necessary to print using the ICC profiles for the printer/paper in use.

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Oct 13, 2021 20:22:26   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
coolhanduke wrote:
I have an ET-4760. Can't get the reds to be red. They appear to be magenta. I would never use this printer for photo prints.


It’s not sold as a photo printer! It uses four inks. Get a six to 12 color printer for photography use.

Epson sells two EcoTank six color photo printers, the ET-8500 and ET-8550. The difference is the maximum print width (8.5 vs 13 inches).

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Oct 13, 2021 21:11:39   #
rcarol
 
burkphoto wrote:
It’s not sold as a photo printer! It uses four inks. Get a six to 12 color printer for photography use.

Epson sells two EcoTank six color photo printers, the ET-8500 and ET-8550. The difference is the maximum print width (8.5 vs 13 inches).


The ET-8500 & the ET-8550 are not true 6 color printers. They use CYMK tanks plus a grey tank and a photo black tank.

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Oct 14, 2021 00:12:45   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
rcarol wrote:
The ET-8500 & the ET-8550 are not true 6 color printers. They use CYMK tanks plus a grey tank and a photo black tank.


Their color response is calibrated for photo printing. Gray and photo black are augmentations for B&W work. They also extend the contrast range of color photos.

CMYK all-in-ones are designed for small office and home office use. They are seldom tuned for photos as well as those targeting photographers.

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