Epson 3880 Alternative

[wilfredo]

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I'm wondering if there is an excellent alternative to the Epson 3880 printer. Quite simply I am tired of battling the machine every time I use anything thicker than what fits in the sheet feeder. I've tried everything and this is the second Epson printer I purchase (previously the R2880) with the same issue. Is the 4800 problematic in this regard?

 

Thanks!

[wilfredo]

BTW I have tried widening the Platen Gap.

 

Adding to my frustration is the fact that I have to print for a show and I am virtually dead in the water if I want to use Epson's own quality papers.

[Jeff S]

Have you tried all 3 feed options?

 

What's the specific behavior problem?

 

A friend has the 4900 (which has different feed options), and he initially had an issue with getting the paper started with the rear feed. I found some discussion on that issue that I forwarded to him, and so far no additional issues.

 

As advanced as printers have become, the feed mechanisms seem to be an achilles heel, or at least require some finesse. At least clogs are seemingly not as common as once was.

 

PS You'll find other discussion in the digital PP section, where this thread may be moved.

 

Jeff

[sanyasi]

I have the 4900 and it is no better than my last model in terms of loading paper. I use 17" by 22" Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta. Loading it through the tray will ruin the feed mechanism as I learned on the 3900 (I think--already forgot the number). So I use the back loader. Some days the paper goes right in, other days every sheet takes 5 or 6 tries, which is really frustrating. I have found that simply turning the paper upside down can make a difference, but I don't know why.

 

Bottom line: If you find a printer that works with larger papers, please post the name. Like you, I have experimented with the platen gap settings.

 

Jack Siegel

[Jeff S]

I put large (17x22) papers (by Canson, Hahnemuhle, Ilford, etc) in my 3800 without much problem, although I use different feed mechanisms depending on the paper.

 

For more 'finicky' papers, I prefer the front feed. But for others I generally use the top feed. I don't use the rear feed very much.

 

Be careful with the feed names, though, as they vary by machine, particularly machines that have a roll feed option in place of another. The rear feed issues on the 4900 (at the top) are usually solved by the method one uses to hold and slide the paper down before releasing (there is a lot of discussion elsewhere on this that I don't want to search again). The Epson manual doesn't give the tips that would help in some cases.

 

Jeff

[sanyasi]

I have spent a lot of time on technique. Usually putting the paper to the point where the rollers are about to grab it works best. Then before pushing the down button to trigger the feed mechanism, I put my fingers on the center of the paper and push backward to hold it place. Best to clean and dry hands before doing this.

[wilfredo]

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I have spent a lot of time on technique. Usually putting the paper to the point where the rollers are about to grab it works best. Then before pushing the down button to trigger the feed mechanism, I put my fingers on the center of the paper and push backward to hold it place. Best to clean and dry hands before doing this.

 

I will try this. I'm using Epson Ultra Smooth Fine Art paper at the moment. My last print took about 50 attempts before I didn't get an error message. I think I need to take my printer in for repair. I waste far more time loading the paper than it takes to print!

 

Thanks to all. The sensors on the Epson 3880 is definitely the Achilles heal of this printer. Epson is blessed with a lack of competition. I preferred the loading on the Epson 2200. No temperamental sensors to contend with. Sometimes technology makes life harder!

[sanyasi]

I will try this. Epson is blessed with a lack of competition. !

 

You can say that again. If the sensors can tell that the paper is askew, why can't they straighten it out.

 

I am glad it isn't just me. What I don't understand is how people who are printing 25 copies of the same image with multiple images put up with this nonsense. The 4900 is supposed to be a workhorse printer.

 

Jack Siegel

[Jeff S]

I will try this. I'm using Epson Ultra Smooth Fine Art paper at the moment. My last print took about 50 attempts before I didn't get an error message.

 

This is a suggestion for the 4900; I'm not sure it's needed for the 3880 if a different feed option is selected, as I've already stated. I have no such problems like this with my 3800, which I think is essentially the same feed-wise as the 3880, but different than the 4900. I would never waste 50 papers on a print due to a feed issue; not even 5.

 

Jeff

[Jeff S]

I'm not sure it's needed for the 3880 if a different feed option is selected, as I've already stated.

 

 

And just for a final clarification regarding the 3800 (or presumably the 3880), the FRONT feed requires NO careful hand contortions to feed the paper. It's merely placed FLAT on the tray, with the edge exactly on the line provided, and is then, and only then, automatically fed, every time, to the back of the printer by pushing a button. The print is automatically settled in place BEFORE one even hits the print button. One can then hit print at any time to feed the paper, again flat, back to the front of the machine.

 

Plus, the front feed handles thick, long and tricky media. The only thing I monitor is that the paper stays flat as it prints; if it tends to curl, I can easily adjust with slight finger pressure as the paper exits, but otherwise the machine does all the work. No fuss.

 

I see no reason to mess with the back or top feeds if those prove difficult for certain papers.

 

Jeff

[wilfredo]

Jeff:

 

I will give the front feeder a go, but I've had problems with that too. The 3880 prints beautifully but only when it prints. I am learning the meaning of patience! Epson needs to fix this problem but as long as they keep selling printers, why should they?

[roguewave]

Wilfredo, there is an amazing Graphics studio on Carmine St in GV. He has a full range of printing options & exhibition space as well. Here's the info:

 

Smudge Studio 37 Carmine St NY,NY 10014 212-561-5894

 

Leni Wolfenson lw@smudge-studio.com

 

 

The place is awesome & would make a very fine place to have an exhibition. Ciao for Now. Ben

[Jeff S]

Jeff:

 

I will give the front feeder a go, but I've had problems with that too.

 

What in particular?

 

Jeff