B and w printing (Page 2): I have had each printer in that series, the R2000, then the R2200, and then the R2880. They were all around $700, and each better than the last. I'm sure the...

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

wisner wrote:

I should have written RA 4(print chemistry) and not C41(film chemistry). Too much Christmas Cheer!
Correct on the printers. The 4900 is a fantastic printer but has its quirks and needs to have the correct printer/paper profiles selected or else you have issues. The larger 220ml Epson cartridges reduce the cost per print from the smaller cartridges.
I believe the Epson R3000 is a replacement for the 2880, but not sure.

I have had each printer in that series, the R2000, then the R2200, and then the R2880. They were all around $700, and each better than the last. I'm sure the R3000 is even a little better, and good for those for whom the 3880 or above is not in their budget.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

busmaster2 wrote:

Are there any really good or special printers available for black and white printing?

An Epson 3880 or 4900 with any decent baryta paper - these papers, particularly the ones from Canson, are exceptional. If you use the Epson printers, take advantage of the Quadtone software RIP. You will have output that rivals or surpasses anything that can come from a darkroom, especially with the narrow selection of papers that are currently available for wet development.

Dik

Look into Piezography inks. If you want the ultimate B&W prints, the many shades of gray plus a gloss equalizer, seem like the best solution. A new, low cost dye printer that is compatible with Piezography inks, and meets your size needs, would be my recommendation.

paccmps

busmaster2 wrote:

Are there any really good or special printers available for black and white printing?

Canon Pro1 one is fantastic !

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

busmaster2 wrote:

Are there any really good or special printers available for black and white printing?

In my humble opinion if you are really serious about b&w printing you should have your prints made by a professional lab.

WNC Ralf Loc: Candler NC, in the mountains!

I am getting beautiful B&W prints from my 3880, the 4 blacks make great prints. I have switched over to Cone Inks and reduced my ink costs dramatically. Check out Inkjetmall.com if you are really into B&W, they have piezo ink seta also. Also you should go to the Red River paper web site, they have lots of info on the true costs of printing. Good luck, I love the control printing at home gives you.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

busmaster2 wrote:

Are there any really good or special printers available for black and white printing?

Assuming you are asking about Digital B&W Printing!

What quality level to you want/need?

The Epson 3880 is a great printer. With the three different blacks (Light Black, Light Light Black, and then either the Matte Black or the Photo Black depending on the paper surface) the prints using the Advanced Black and White settings in the print driver deliver superb professional results.

You do not need to purchase a special printer or use any other than the standard Epson inkset.

paccmps

BobHartung wrote:

Assuming you are asking about Digital B&W Prin... (show quote)

I agree with your home control of my photographs and quality sir. My printer uses 2 black and 3 gradients of gray. i processed a 11x14 on my computer and submitted a cd to a good commercial lab. My home print was no worse that the pro process and i did my print myself !

zigipha Loc: north nj

And what was the cost difference?

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Gene51 wrote:

An Epson 3880 or 4900 with any decent baryta paper - these papers, particularly the ones from Canson, are exceptional. If you use the Epson printers, take advantage of the Quadtone software RIP. You will have output that rivals or surpasses anything that can come from a darkroom, especially with the narrow selection of papers that are currently available for wet development.

I would also consider ImagePrint. This makes a special RIP unnecessary. Also, they have a huge selection of ICC paper profiles which will download and install from within the new version of the software.

I am extremely happy with ImagePrint to date.

Dik

If you will be satisfied with 13x19 size limit, get the Artisan 1430 for $300, and a set of Piezography inks & carts.
If you want bigger, go with the R2000, with its roll paper (& canvas) capability, 13x44 or even 13x129 with Qimage sw.
And it takes an extra shade of gray, compared to the 1430.
Sell the unopened color inks to recoup some of the cost.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

BobHartung wrote:

I would also consider ImagePrint. This makes a special RIP unnecessary. Also, they have a huge selection of ICC paper profiles which will download and install from within the new version of the software.

I am extremely happy with ImagePrint to date.

ImagePrint IS a RIP, and is great. But for many printers it can be pretty pricey - $900 for a 17" printer.

Quatone RIP is a $50 donation and it is hard to beat for black and white - but that is all that it does - black and white.

paccmps

Excluding price of my printer the price difference is close but my processing on the computer is as I want it. I did it myself. Guess ego most likely would justify it to be ok even if it cost more. I print any size from 4" x 6" to and including 13" x !9" . Keep eye open and catch paper on sale at great savings. I have a mat cutter and cut my own mats - -saving some there as well. have done this for many years and just enjoy it !

Dik

The $300 Artisan 1430 plus Piezography inks, carts, & refill supplies (110 mil inks for each tone), should make 13x19s better than any of the standard Epson wide format printers & inksets that lack a gloss equalizer.

Both initial cost and cost per print are much lower than the alternatives, too.

paccmps

Dik wrote:

The $300 Artisan 1430 plus Piezography inks, carts, & refill supplies (110 mil inks for each tone), should make 13x19s better than any of the standard Epson wide format printers & inksets that lack a gloss equalizer.

Both initial cost and cost per print are much lower than the alternatives, too.

I used an after market inks before in the epson days and the service people corrected it !! This might really be worth a look !! Thanks