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12/06/2004 04:02:59 PM · #1 |
Okay, this is a rant, but it relates to my Epson 1280 printer so I'm putting it here. I'm about at the end of my rope.
I've never gotten consistent prints out of it, but I figured that was because I was still learning about color management. And also, every time I print I would use different settings (the 1280 has many options), so I was thinking the inconsistency was related to that.
Last night I updated the driver for my 1280 and put in brand spanking new ink cartridges, this morning I calibrated my monitor with my Spyder, and set out to print a single photo 4 times.
I followed suggestions found here (and in it's included links) for getting a print that matches what I see on screen- specifically, converting the image to my printer's profile right before printing (they don't recommend the spyder, but it works for me). Worked like a charm! The first print was beautiful!
After that the next three (well, 2 and a bit- I stopped it as soon as I could, but it was already on a roll) printed with bright orange ink everywhere that was supposed to be black. So I ran a nozzle test then did a head cleaning. Back in business. Started printing again. Next two printed a small rectangle of ink in the lower corner of the paper, and nothing else. Throw those away. Finally restarted everything and set about doing it again. Finally managed to set it up with the proper settings and told it to print three copies. It spit them out, and at first glance they all look fine. But upon closer inspection it would appear that the first one is right, the next two are progressively redder. I didn't change any settings between prints or do anything else. I'm ready to throw this thing out the window.
Does anyone have any suggestions? This printer is only a few months old, bought it brand new. Thanks in advance.
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12/06/2004 04:27:57 PM · #2 |
Such inconsistent results indicate a printer problem. Considering it's only a few months old, I assume it's still under warranty? I'd take it back, along with the photos for evidence.
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12/06/2004 05:23:50 PM · #3 |
Oops, I misspoke- it's actually a year old. This year went too fast for me, I feel like I missed some of it! :) Unfortunately that means I'm out of warranty. Someone on another forum suggested that if either new or old ink cartridges were non-Epson, it could be the combination of the ink from the old cartridge (still in the print head) combining with the new ink. All the ink I've ever used in it has been actual Epson ink. I'm at a loss. I'm going to try a few more tests tomorrow, but I have a feeling there will be some cost involved in getting this straightened out. Sigh.
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12/06/2004 06:01:43 PM · #4 |
Depending on how far past your warranty you are, Epson might give you a little grace. Won't hurt to give them a try. Just tell them that you hadn't considered it, but several people in photography forums soggested you give it a try. Big companies hate negative advertising even if it is "word of mouth." Let us know what they say. It might influence others in their buying decision one way or another. Good luck.
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12/06/2004 06:36:02 PM · #5 |
Thanks all- I just dug up the receipt and as luck would have it I bought it exactly one year ago today. I've emailed Epson for assistance.
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12/07/2004 09:43:46 AM · #6 |
UPDATE: I'd asked the same question over at photo.net, and over night I got this reply: "Did you leave tne all the same length of time before you looked at them?. On certain settings my 1290 produces quite orange/red looking prints straight off the printer but this fades over the course of 30 min or so (shadow detail improves as well)"
Now as I look at the three final prints, they're all the same- and they're correct!! YAY! MAybe it doesn't have to go back to Epson after all.
But as I said at photo.net, "Is this something that would only happen when printing multiples? I think this is the first time I've done that, which would explain why I've never seen this problem before. The bright orange print is still bright orange, but hopefully that was just a one-off matter of heads needing cleaning."
It was funny, my post over there used "!!" at one point and it wouldn't allow me to post it - I got a message that said "one ! is enough, if not too many." Photo.net is strict with their !!!'s :D
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