gpleica Posted November 24, 2009 Share #21 Posted November 24, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I too am new to B&W digital printing, though have worked in the traditional darkroom for 30+ years making silver prints. I bought an Epson 4880 this fall and only want to print B&W with my M9 files. So the question is, go with the Epson K3 or Cone inksets? It seems like the Cone inksets are the way to go, carbon pigments, beautiful grey scale output, no fading, etc. But it would be great to hear some first hand experiences. Thanks for your input! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 24, 2009 Posted November 24, 2009 Hi gpleica, Take a look here B&W Inkjet Printing. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stunsworth Posted November 24, 2009 Share #22 Posted November 24, 2009 The cone inks used to have a reputation for clogging the print heads, I don't know if that's still the case. I assume since you've had the printer for a while you've been using the "advanced B&W' mode. I have a printer with a similar ink set to yours - 3800 - and I love the black and white prints I get from it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted November 24, 2009 Share #23 Posted November 24, 2009 I just purchased an Epson 4880, which I'm going to use with Cone inks. I have a 3800 with Epson inks that I will now use for color work. It did B&W very well, but not as well as results I've seen with the Cone inks. The Cone inks have come a long way towards minimizing nozzle clogs. In addition, the 4880, unlike the 3800, has an auto head cleaning function to keep things clear. And, its paper handling is superior to the 3800. In addition, Cone now offers K7 selenium toned inks with a gloss optimizer that can be used on glossy papers like my favorites for B&W...Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta and Photo Rag Pearl. Cone hasn't customed profiled for these papers, but I'm going to use equipment from a friend to achieve that. The only disadvantage is that the inks in the 4800 must be set up for either matte or glossy papers at one time. When switching between papers, the black needs to be changed out. The 3800 has an extra cartridge bay, which would allow for paper switching without replacing inks, but the trade-off is no auto head cleaning and a lesser grade paper feed. Jeff PS I also did darkroom printing for 20+ years, and I'm surprised how beautiful the ink prints are, given the latest inks, papers, drivers (RIPs) and profiling capabilities. I don't miss the fumes and long darkroom hours. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted November 26, 2009 Share #24 Posted November 26, 2009 IThe only disadvantage is that the inks in the 4800 must be set up for either matte or glossy papers at one time. When switching between papers, the black needs to be changed out. Don't underestimate the cost of this. This article puts the cost of the lost ink at 75 USD per change and it apparently takes between 10 and 30 minutes... Epson 4800 First Impressions Maybe Epson have improved things since the printer was originally released. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted November 26, 2009 Share #25 Posted November 26, 2009 Don't underestimate the cost of this. This article puts the cost of the lost ink at 75 USD per change and it apparently takes between 10 and 30 minutes... Epson 4800 First Impressions Maybe Epson have improved things since the printer was originally released. Thanks, but I'm not concerned. I will be printing almost exclusively using Hahnemuhle glossy Photo Rag papers, and only rarely using matte. For the latter, I will wait until I have enough images to justify the cost. Also, I still have the 3800 printer, which serves me well for my current B&W and color needs. The 4880 will allow me to take advantage of the superior B&W Cone ink set. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norm_snyder Posted December 1, 2009 Share #26 Posted December 1, 2009 Jeff-- It looks like Jon Cone is making available the Selenium matte/glossy inkset with refillable cartridges for the 3800, so a 48xx printer may not be required. I'm interested, as I'd used variations on Piezography, Piezotone, etc. with excellent results, until I wore out my third Epson 1280 w/ CIS and got a 3800. Now I am seriously considering the new inkset [for glossy], if it will replace the Epson K3 inks and not give the constant clogging problems of the old inksets. As my warranty on my 3800 is due to expire, it's time.... Cheers-- Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted December 1, 2009 Share #27 Posted December 1, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Jeff-- It looks like Jon Cone is making available the Selenium matte/glossy inkset with refillable cartridges for the 3800, so a 48xx printer may not be required. I'm interested, as I'd used variations on Piezography, Piezotone, etc. with excellent results, until I wore out my third Epson 1280 w/ CIS and got a 3800. Now I am seriously considering the new inkset [for glossy], if it will replace the Epson K3 inks and not give the constant clogging problems of the old inksets. As my warranty on my 3800 is due to expire, it's time.... Cheers-- Thanks, Norm. I thought 3800 could only support CIS, but looks like you're correct. Good to know. (I don't see 3880 supported yet, but that's probably coming.) In any event I need a second printer, and the 4880 is actually cheaper than a 3880 with discounts and rebates. I could put the Cone inks in the 3800 that I already own, and use the 4880 with stock Epson inks, but then the Cone system wouldn't be in the printer with the auto nozzle cleaning function and the improved feed handling. Also, I would lose the $280 rebate the dealer is giving me to sell back the 4880 starter inks that I won't use. On the other hand, the advantage of the 3800 with Cone inks is that it would allow switching between matte and glossy papers without expensive ink changes. Anyway, gives me something new to consider. I appreciate the info. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted December 1, 2009 Share #28 Posted December 1, 2009 Norm, I called Cone (Inkjet Mall) today and learned that they are in the process of developing the refillable cartridges for the 3800. So, even though it's on the site, they aren't quite there just yet. They're not sure about doing same for the 3880. One thing to keep in mind, though, is the size of the cartridges. The 4880 holds 220 ml, while the 3800 holds 80 ml. Not big deal, but more frequent refills with the 3800. (See my above post for other pros/cons.) Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
magd0328 Posted December 5, 2009 Share #29 Posted December 5, 2009 Graeme, I'm printing (and selling prints) from an Epson 7900. I'm not running it with the spectro, but with a quality paper and a profile the results are very neutral B&W prints. So don't give up on inkjet technology - it can deliver fantastic results. I am sure the technology from the 7900 will filter down into a smaller unit sooner or later. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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