Recommend: Buying a new/used printer

[zlisik]

I'd like to start doing photo printing myself and hate the thought of photos changing colour after a year ergo I would like to get a pigment based printer.

I really don't have 700$ to drop on a printer so could anyone recommend some older models of good pigment printers and a competitive used price if you know.

I would like to refill carts as opposed to a CIS and was thinking of inksupply.com

Recently I've seen epson:
-2400 for 300$
-1800 for 125$
-R800 for 100$
-2200 with 22 carts for 350$
-2200 with partially full carts and 1 set of new cards for 200$


I'd like something with a wider format if possible sort of 'just in case' I care to print that wide but its not critical obviously. I'm not sure what is a good deal and any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[lolopr1]

It's all depend of what type of prints you are going to do, if you do a lot of B&W prints you should go for the 2400 (not the best choice for glossy paper) but if the majority of your print are in colors I will recommend you get the 1800 and if you get one (in good conditions) for $125 that's a bargain, but again only if is in good working condition. One of the main problem of the pigmented ink printers (old models) is that if you let them sit to long without the proper care the printhead will clog and it wont be easy to unclog of course that all depend on how long the printer is been sitting without use. I'm currently using two R1800 (both with CIS) one for color & the other for B&W (matte & canvas only) pictures. I been using them for more than two years now without a single problem. Again make sure that no matter what printer you get is in working condition (clean printhead) otherwise you are going to have a lot of problem and your experience with pigmented printers is going to be very disappointed one and you will hate Epson for ever . Good luck

 

[zlisik]

I already have a love-hate relationship with Epson but I know its really self recrimination.. haha

I'll be using the printer for colour printing on various photo papers, I doubt I'll be using linens and such.

What is the best way to diagnose whether or not an r1800 is in good working order? do a nozzle cleaning and print a test page...? I have no experience with using any printer at that level.

what kind of CIS and ink do you use?

 

[websnail]

Hmm...

Epsons may be on a love/hate but in terms of being easier to deal with regarding clogging, etc... you could do worse.. I've seen plenty of Epsons return from the "Spares & Repair" pile once a little patience has been applied to dealing with a persistent clog.

Overall I'd say you're looking more at the R1800 as support is available in terms of CIS kits are firmly established, inks have been about and profiled by quite a few people and it's also possible to handle the waste ink reset.

In terms of which inks or CIS's... well you'll want to look around on enthusiasts sites for photography like Steves digicams and see what people have discussed and liked/not-liked. Bear in mind that these forums are full to brimming with shill posters who do nothing but market their own product as the happy customer so you need to avoid the "face value" aspect... It'll take you some work and time but in the long run, well worth it.

Hope that helps.

 

[lolopr1]

I already have a love-hate relationship with Epson but I know its really self recrimination.. haha

I'll be using the printer for colour printing on various photo papers, I doubt I'll be using linens and such.

What is the best way to diagnose whether or not an r1800 is in good working order? do a nozzle cleaning and print a test page...? I have no experience with using any printer at that level.

what kind of CIS and ink do you use?

Well the best way to test the printer I would say is to do an Automatic Nozzle Check and Cleaning, this option will consume the most amount of ink but it will show if anything is missing. Remember if you are using a CIS it wont cost you much. Remember that this is my personal opinion and the step I do if the printer is been sitting for more than a week without any prints made, if not a regular nozzle check will be enough. I only use Image Specialists Inks for my color prints and the results are excellent but you have to keep in mind that you will need to profile the inks to the paper you are going to use to obtain the best results.


Inks:
http://cgi.ebay.com/32oz-Pigmented-...34.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=|301:1|293:1|294:30


CIS:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Empty-Ink-Syste...ms=65:1|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:2|294:50