General Printing Question

[novice9]

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I know this question technically belongs elsewhere, but since its so general (and since i'm using an m9!) hopefully nobody will object.

 

I'm wondering do most of you print yourselves and if so what printer do you use?

 

For those that do not, I am looking for a resource to have my photos printed on-line (something better than shutterfly and the like) and mailed to me until I figure out what printer to purchase for home. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. By the way, I live in NY.

 

Thanks, tony.

[Jager]

There are a number of excellent printers out there, depending upon the largest size you want to print.

 

If I were buying a new printer today it would be an Epson 3800/3880.

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[noah_addis]

I now do all of my own printing except for super-large prints or occasional proofs or large numbers of color prints.

 

All of my exhibition prints, as well as prints for my portfolios and most clients, I do at home on an Epson 4880. I bought it recently with an $850 rebate making it basically cheaper than some of the lower-end models. The main advantage of the bigger printers is that you can use larger ink cartridges, making the per-print cost cheaper. The downside is that the printer is very large.

 

I had previously used an Epson 2200, but the B&W prints were not nearly as good and the ink costs were very high.

 

For occasional use and smaller prints, the 4880 would be overkill. But for my needs it represented a good compromise between the smaller and larger printers. I'm doing most of my exhibition prints with an 16x24 image size on 17-inch roll paper. For the rare times I need to print larger there are several local shops printing with the larger Epsons, so I could get consistent prints at larger sizes if needed.

 

I've been printing almost exclusively with Hahnemuhle Baryta paper, and the prints look amazing. They're also quite durable as the paper is very thick. I'll probably pick a thinner paper for albums and portfolios, but I'm still experimenting with the new printer.

 

When you pick a printer, keep in mind that you may want to print large with the M9:D

[Guest WPalank]

I have an Epson 7900 and print myself.

 

However, I have used Mpix in the past and found them very customer satisfaction oriented. The only problem is that they require you to send them the files in sRGB (at least they did in the past). You can always soft-proof to see if any of the colors in your image go out of gamut, assuming you work in Adobe RGB or the Prophoto color space.

Mpix.com - Home

[fishblimp]

What is a good general use paper for, say, a photo that I've taken but that I'd like to frame? I'm SO unfamiliar with papers that if someone could point me to a good resource to determine what type of paper does what, i'd appreciate it.

[AlanJW]

I use and Epson 3800. Harman makes 25" sheets so I can print 17 x 25 without going to roll paper. I'm very pleased with it. Looking at cost, the printer was $1300 a couple of years ago but came with a full load of ink (large cartridges). The ink alone is worth nearly $500 so I consider the printer very reasonably priced. I also have an Epson 2400.

 

Both are very good for B&W. Also there are profiles for most papers for these printers readily available, so it is fairly easy to set up an efficient workflow right out of the box.

[johnwolf]

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I mostly print my own on an Epson 2400. I like Ilford Galerie Gold Silk. And I sometimes use their Galerie Pearl, which is not a fiber paper, but is priced well. Places like inkjetart.com offer a lot of sample packs, which is a good way to play. Experimenting with papers can get pretty expensive.

 

A lot of people like Mpix for prints. I've had good results with White House Custom Color (whcc.com). I actually tried a large BW print on their metallic paper. Not crazy about the concept, but the print was absolutely radiant.

 

John

Edited November 21, 2009 by johnwolf

[Guest WPalank]

I actually tried a large BW print on their metallic paper. Not crazy about the concept, but the print was absolutely radiant.

 

John

 

John, I did a color print on the metallic and was pretty amazed!

[Jeff S]

Similar to some others, I've been printing with the Epson 3800, using Ilford Gold Fibre Silk for color, and Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta or Photo Rag Pearl for B&W.

 

The results are terrific, but I'm picky about B&W, having done my own darkroom processing and printing for over 20 years. So, I'm taking advantage of the $500 rebate on the Epson 4880 to dedicate to B&W work. Instead of using the Epson inks, I'm substituting Cone Inks, which include 7 shades of black/grey vs 3 from Epson. The dealer is giving me a refund of $280 on the Epson inks I won't use, and an additional $240 off the printer. So, with all the discounts and rebates, my Cone inks will essentially be free.

 

The reasons for the 4880 (since I could have gotten a cheaper Epson for the B&W work with Cone inks) are that: it has a better feed mechanism than the 3800 (which is finicky with thicker Hahnemuhle papers); and, it has an automatic head cleaning protocol, which the 3800 does not. The 4880 also has an optional matching stand, which includes interior shelving for printing supplies.

 

Finally, remember that the printers are not too pricey, often discounted...but they get you on the inks. Kind of like razors and blades.

 

Jeff

[tollie]

I use an Epson 3800 and mostly print on epson Velvet Fine Art paper.

 

A word about printing... its a wonderful but exacting venture.

 

A print is a thing unto itself and should not be confused with a snapshot or a screen image. Care is needed from first to last to produce a great print. If you print large its especially important to pay attention... as details which go unremarked can catch up the eye when printed at larger sizes.