JohannB Posted January 5, 2014 Share #1 Posted January 5, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I can get a good deal on a used 4900 with new ink cartridges for the same price as a new 3880. Nozzle checks were run weekly by the owner and all seems fine. I'm just scared for the notorious clogged nozzles reputation of this printer as my printing volumes are not that high. Should I rather go for the 3880 which seems to have a better reputation? I do want A2 capability. Roll printing is a nice to have but not a deal breaker. Thank you Johann Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 5, 2014 Posted January 5, 2014 Hi JohannB, Take a look here Epson 4900. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
esquire53 Posted January 5, 2014 Share #2 Posted January 5, 2014 Hi Johann, Got my 4900 some time ago and it's a very good printer. Be aware of the size and weight. (I'm not looking forward when I have to move...) I use it for Monocrom B&W printing and M9. I struggled a bit with printing from Aperture and LR4 (5) The prints missed the brightness, even with the right profile, so I played with rip software EFI eXpress, Mirage and Image Pro. To cut a long and painful story short, ImagePring is truly the best, but the most expensive one. What I like with ImagePrint, the brightness is correct, the fine details are better and the paper profiles you have access to is just fantastic. To me the best combination (4900 / ImagePro) to print b&w with either Hanemuehle Baryta or Ilford Gold Mono. For color I use Epson Luster or Ilford. The only thing I don't like to much is the support of roll paper. It's working fine, but cumbersome to set up. all other single sheet features are fine. Good luck with it Uwe 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 5, 2014 Share #3 Posted January 5, 2014 I would go with the 3880. Even a good friend who loved his 4900 has begun to have serious clogs (although this advice helped). He doesn't have any similar issues with his 4880. Epson seems to recognize the problem, and my local dealer confided that there was (or perhaps still is) a period where they were not distributing them. Even if Epson is good about repairs or replacements, having to ship this monster wouldn't be fun. Unless you really need roll feed, or feel the additional inks are critical, I think the smaller machine should suffice given that your print volume seemingly doesn't justify the much larger cartridges. My results from a five year old 3800 are improving all the time...better papers, better profiles, LR enhancements, improved techniques, etc. It's not all about the machine, although a good one to start helps. Jeff 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohannB Posted January 5, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted January 5, 2014 Thank you for the responses. Uwe I agree that the 4900 size could be an issue which I'm measuring up at the moment. On my current HP Photosmart I also find brightness a hit and a miss from LR and manually adjust brightness from the LR print module as needed. Will give some RIP software a go. Jeff very wise advice. Hopefully I can short cut the learning curve with some help from this forum. I only print around 600 photo's a year. At this stage all A4 but want to move to A3 and A2. I would also like to step it up to around 1000 prints a year. Will check on monday what deals I can get on the 3880. Johann Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 5, 2014 Share #5 Posted January 5, 2014 There are always deals, given time, on all printers...rebates from the manufacturer and sales by suppliers, often both. The companies make their profits on the inks, and suck you in with the machine; it's analogous to razors and razor blades. If you measure the 4900, remember to include a separate base that's big and strong enough to support it. The whole package is substantial, and even the printer gets delivered on its own wooden pallet, typically at additional cost. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 5, 2014 Share #6 Posted January 5, 2014 (edited) On my current HP Photosmart I also find brightness a hit and a miss from LR and manually adjust brightness from the LR print module as needed. Will give some RIP software a go. It's very important to have a good monitor (I recommend NEC or Eizo), well calibrated, with screen intensity lowered if necessary to match print brightness. And based on your post here, I think you'll need more than the 20 seconds per print that you now spend if you care about optimizing your results...the little bits can mean the difference between a print that 'sings' and one that's pretty good, IMHO. If you have darkroom experience, you'll know this already. The enlarger and other gear is important, but the user's eye and technique trumps all. Jeff Edited January 5, 2014 by Jeff S Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohannB Posted January 5, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted January 5, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks Jeff. Printing is still a dark science to me. I'm sure it could take a lifetime to master. I'll get a good monitor for sure. I get good results with my M-E and 50 lux that requires little editing when I have nailed exposure and focus. When doing proper prints I agree that tones etc. becomes more important. It is interesting that my old HP Photosmart has the same amount of colours than the 3880. The size of the 4900 is sitting in the back of my head the whole time. I guess it is quite a journey waiting for me....... Johann Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 6, 2014 Share #8 Posted January 6, 2014 But a fun journey....enjoy the ride...that's why we (non-pros) do this stuff. Jeff 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanyasi Posted January 8, 2014 Share #9 Posted January 8, 2014 I own the 4900. I had a very bad clog last week. I think what happened was a piece of paper was misfed and it rubbed up against the print head, creating the clog. It took three power washes to resolve the problem. Having noted that event, I have only had one other clog in the year that I have owned the printer and a power clean took care of that. I do print virtually every week, but generally only a few prints (4 to 8) unless I did a trip or an outing. My beef the 4900 model and my earlier one (3900 I think) is that the paper feed mechanism is bad. I use the 17 by 22 heavy stock paper and must load from the top rather than using the trays. I waste more time with paper skew. On some boxes of paper, no problem. On others, every sheet is a battle. I wish Epson had a stronger competitor. I think the Epson desktops are still much better than the Canons. That could be different with the large 60 inch floor machines. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 8, 2014 Share #10 Posted January 8, 2014 (edited) My beef the 4900 model and my earlier one (3900 I think) is that the paper feed mechanism is bad. 3800 or 3880; no 3900 yet. Feed mechanisms rival clogs as the source of frustration with many printers. I don't use the the rear feed in the 3800 due to its finicky nature, preferring the top or front feeds, and even the latter sometimes requires attention. My friend's 4900 requires careful feed, and it ultimately developed clogging issues despite being problem free for 6 months or so. I, too, wish there were more competition to spur more and better options...Epson has it pretty easy these days. But, when everything works, the results can be terrific...especially with some marvelous paper options now available. Jeff Edited January 8, 2014 by Jeff S Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohannB Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share #11 Posted January 10, 2014 Picked up my 3880 today with some Epson paper! The 4900 would have just been too big for my workspace after measurements. Clogging would also have been an issue with the volumes I'm doing. Johann Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 10, 2014 Share #12 Posted January 10, 2014 Congrats. Lots of good paper choices these days, from various companies, in a variety of tones and textures. I currently like a couple of the Canson papers, particularly Infinity Baryta Photographique (similar to Ilford's Gold Fibre Silk) and Platine Fibre Rag. Happy printing. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohannB Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share #13 Posted January 10, 2014 Thanks Jeff. Can't wait to try different papers. Now I have to wait for my NEC monitor but will give some prints a go. Johann Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted January 10, 2014 Share #14 Posted January 10, 2014 There might be some useful info here. Each person has his/her own workflow, so this is not gospel, but you might find a tip or two. Jeff 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lavigne Posted February 14, 2014 Share #15 Posted February 14, 2014 I have a simple question about the 4900 I did not want to start a new thread to ask. I'm planning on purchasing a 4900 on-line and have a question which I cannot seem to find the answer to in my research related to it's size and footprint. the literature lists the dimensions as 34" wide x 30" deep x 16" high. since it's such a big beast I'm trying to kill 2 birds with one stone and purchase a Stacor Flat File paper cabinet as the printer stand so i'll have paper storage and the printer in the same footprint. my space is only 36" wide and so the deepest flat file cabinet I can purchase is only 27" deep. looking at the pics of the 4900 it appears that the 30" depth includes rear overhang of 4-5 inches......so I should be good. but before I spend $1500 on this cabinet I want to make sure that the actual footprint sitting on the stand of the 4900 is not more than 27" and if someone could measure that distance for me I would really appreciate it. i'll have wheels on this paper cabinet so when I need to I can pull it out away from the back wall and have access all around it. thanks in advance for any help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted February 14, 2014 Share #16 Posted February 14, 2014 (edited) Mike, I went through the same issue when I was considering the 4900 (I decided against it, however, based on the clogging... and possible return... concerns I posted here). The 'feet' of the printer, as I recall, are about 19-20" deep, considerably less than the surface you're considering. I looked at some cabinets from Ikea, which would suit the machine, and none were deeper than 26" (the prices were only about $400, but the width was beyond your space). I'd be more concerned about the height of your cabinet, which seems low, but that's just my attention to back issues. Jeff Edited February 14, 2014 by Jeff S Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lavigne Posted February 14, 2014 Share #17 Posted February 14, 2014 thanks Jeff, for the helpful comments. regarding the back issue; to begin with i'll get the 6" tall closed base . i plan on using it in a sitting position most of the time. however; if i need to get it a net 14" taller i can then substitute this high base later. as far as the footprint depth, at first glance it does appear in the 4900 pictures that it might be around 20 inches. but then i read how one user had a 24" deep shelf that was just short of deep enough for it to work and he had to make a plywood base so he could support the 4900. i figured i need an actual real world measurment ahead of time so i don't invest in this expensive cabinet only to find i've got an issue. the 4900 is just so big it requires some thinking ahead of time to deal with. i'm spooked by the head-clogging issue too and read about some of the countermeasures used to overcome them. there is a risk..... Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohannB Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share #18 Posted February 14, 2014 Hi Mike, A good discussion around the topic here: Epson 4900 printer stand: Printers and Printing Forum: Digital Photography Review From the 4900 user manual: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/219610-epson-4900/?do=findComment&comment=2532343'>More sharing options...
Mike Lavigne Posted February 14, 2014 Share #19 Posted February 14, 2014 (edited) Bingo!! 26" is the answer i was looking for. and thanks for that link. i missed it in my research. and even though they suggest the 53" x 46" wide table; the steel Stacor flat file cabinet is very heavy and stable so tipping won't be an issue. i can bring other light weight tables in front when i need to. i'm good to go! many thanks Johann Edited February 14, 2014 by Mike Lavigne 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted February 14, 2014 Share #20 Posted February 14, 2014 (edited) I think the extra 6" at the back of the diagram is recommended as room for large paper to feed through, not the actual cabinetry. If so, that can be accomplished by merely moving the cabinet away from the wall 6" or more. That's why the Ikea cabinets (the same I was considering) would have been fine, even though they're slightly under 26" deep. My friend got his 4900 for not much over $1500 after discounts and rebates; seems crazy to spend that much on just the cabinet, especially one with shallow drawers, IMHO. Jeff Edited February 14, 2014 by Jeff S Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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