Any hobbyist using a large format Epson printer?

[ymc226]

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I don't print much, definitely not every week but with my current Epson 3880 and ImagePrint 9, I am getting very good results with only one need for a deep clean after 4 years.  This only deep clean was necessary only after a 6 month hiatus from printing.  

 

About 30% of my 50 plus frames at home would be able to accommodate a 24" wide print but they now house 16x20" pictures with a very wide mat border.  I don't want to farm out my printing and am thinking about getting the newest Epson 7000 series and the 24" version of ImagePrint.  

 

Has any low volume user have current 7000/9000 series Epson printers and if so, is there a clogging issue?  Are they as clog resistant as the 3880?

[Jeff S]

The 4900 and 7900 series were the ones frequently known to clog.  The newer SureColor models are supposedly much improved (there isn't a 4900 SC replacement model), but wide format printers like to be used.

 

I considered the 24", but ultimately decided to replace my 3800 with the SC P800 (which has a roll paper option).  I run IP10 with it....if you don't opt for a bigger printer, you still might consider the latest IP version, which better completes the print workflow with the new output sharpening.

 

I'm sure you've researched the big guys, but if not, make sure you know what you'd be getting into size-wise, cartridge-wise, etc.  Here's a cautionary article (which unfortunately omits the 4900 clog issues)....  http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/stuff2/?p=2533

 

And here's one on the new 24" specifically, which also encourages frequent use to avoid head cleanings...    http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/reviews/printer/epson_sc_p7000_review.html

 

Jeff

[Baddog]

I have had an Epson Stylus Pro 7900 for about 6 years which I only use from May till October of each year. The reasons for the short usage being that I keep it in my summer home on an island in northern Ontario (Canada) . In the fall I pull the inks, put each in a separate freezer bag wrap the printer carefully and there it's sits in an unheated building till spring .... Temperatures dropping to -30 in the dead of winter. Each spring I load the inks , do a head cleaning and it runs beautifully. I have had no issues ever with this printer. I also have a 3880 that I use year round. Of the two I much prefer the 7900 it is faster, prints large sheets way better than the 3880 and is pretty miserly on inks. On occasion I print letter size copy paper as well. If I had to make a choice between any of the Epson printers it would be the 7900 hands down. It is expensive to load it with ink but they last a long long time. My green and orange cartridges typically last 2 plus years. Hope this helps with your decision making.

Regards

Allan

 

 

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