Printers - anyone using Ultrachrome?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/06/2004 11:00:28 PM · #1

I am looking at getting a new printer, aiming at doing up to A4 only, above that I'd head to DPC Prints.

I am probably going to go for the new Epson R800 as the reviews on it are quite astounding.

Although this is new technology I believe, it is not dissimilar to the 2100, or is it the 2200, I forget, Epson A3 size printer(s).

Has anyone got any experience with ultrochrome they can share?

Even better .... anyone got an R800 yet (not out here yet but have been in the US for a while I think).

KevinRiggs

Canon EOS-1Ds

06/06/2004 11:57:09 PM · #2

Simon,

I'd highly suggest checking FredMiranda for reviews on this printer. I have read everything from "great" to "nozzles clog on all Epsons" but at least you get to read the experiences of people who have and use the Epson pro grade printers.

I did see the output from the 4000 last week and while its not as bright as the Canon i960 or its bigger brother, it was VERY impressive. I actually considered looking for one of Epson's UltraChrome just for the archival qualities after seeing the incredibly clear print. I decided to hold off for lights and a 24-70 f/2.8 lens.

Kev

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

06/07/2004 12:18:45 AM · #3

Yes, I've read a lot about clogged nozzles as well, but I am not sure that applies to the Ultrachrome inks, or at least I've never seen that said anywhere.

I've used Epson's for years and never had the clogged nozzle issue, but that might be because I use the printer regularly.

I don't think the Epsons are the best all-round printers, but from what I have personally seen, and also in a lot of the reviews, I think as a manufacturer they still have the edge for pure photos .... although realistically there is very little indeed between most of them.

Yup, it is the archival issue here that is one of the main attractions.

magnetic9999

Canon EOS-20D

06/07/2004 12:40:48 AM · #4

Natator,

I won an R800, and I just set it up today for the first time. Printed one or two things just as a test. So far so good. I'll keep you posted, as I intend to try to make some good prints tomorrow.

wimbello

Canon EOS-10D

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Canon

06/07/2004 12:43:27 AM · #5

Originally posted by magnetic9999:

I'm very interested as well!

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

06/07/2004 01:01:24 AM · #6

Originally posted by magnetic9999:

For some inexplicable reason all sort of expletives seem to spring to mind there *laugh*

Yes, please do, I am VERY interested in your finding here as they will be appearing in Australia in the next week or two. Looking at the place I usually order through they have already pre-sold 52 of the 70 they are expecting, so I could see the entire initial batch being sold out by the time they get here, so if I am going to go for one I and not wait months I may need to hurry.

All the info you can give will be VERY much appreciated :)

Message edited by author 2004-06-07 01:01:50.

magnetic9999

Canon EOS-20D

06/08/2004 07:18:44 PM · #7

the prints are looking really nice. the driver has a lot of options and gives you a lot of control.

Originally posted by Natator:

Originally posted by magnetic9999:
Natator,

I won an R800, and I just set it up today for the first time. Printed one or two things just as a test. So far so good. I'll keep you posted, as I intend to try to make some good prints tomorrow.

For some inexplicable reason all sort of expletives seem to spring to mind there *laugh*

Yes, please do, I am VERY interested in your finding here as they will be appearing in Australia in the next week or two. Looking at the place I usually order through they have already pre-sold 52 of the 70 they are expecting, so I could see the entire initial batch being sold out by the time they get here, so if I am going to go for one I and not wait months I may need to hurry.

All the info you can give will be VERY much appreciated :)

wimbello

Canon EOS-10D

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Canon

06/08/2004 07:24:41 PM · #8

I noticed the printer has matte black AND photo black.

What are the difference/effects?

06/08/2004 07:28:10 PM · #9

I've had an R800 for a few months now.

Prints are fantastic. Just beautiful. Much faster & quieter than my previous Epson 780 Photo.

Works well on Epson Premium Luster and the Premium glossy paper too (which the 2200 etc doesn't really work with at all)

Also good with the enhanced matte paper, though the dynamic range isn't quite so good, in particular the shadows are a bit muddier compared to glossy or lustre papers (always a problem with matte papers afaik)

I haven't had any problems with nozzle clogging, though I never did with the 780 in over 4 years of use either. I do however only switch the printer on when I am going to print. I believe leaving Epson printers powered on can encourage clogging, as the heads are 'active' so can dry out, but not in use. I also print quite infrequently, so from all the forum post wisdom, I should be prime candidate for plenty of clogging but never really have any problems.

Every time I switch on the printer I do run a nozzle check pattern prior to printing though.

The ICC profiles that come with the printer for the various Epson media seem pretty spot on too - I've had good results straight away - very good colour match. You can actually use this printer on high speed and get good results too.

The CD printing option is quite neat too - I've printed two CDs this way and the results are not bad at all (colours are a bit desaturated, but I blame the CD media, rather than the printer)

I picked it over a 2200 for the following reasons:
size - I only really need letter/ A4 and the 2200 is _huge_
gloss paper support - 2200 doesn't really do glossy prints
CD printing - a bit gimmicky but quite cool to be able to print labels directly
dot size - R800 has currently the finest dot printing available

and over the 780 because:
archival quality
good results on cheaper paper (780 was wonderful on colorlife paper - but that is over $1 per sheet)
individual colour cartridges - no more throwing away ink

Message edited by author 2004-06-08 19:30:55.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Canon

06/08/2004 07:31:44 PM · #10

Originally posted by wimbello:

I noticed the printer has matte black AND photo black.

What are the difference/effects?

You can print glossy prints, particularly with the gloss optimiser, and not get bronzing. You don't have to switch (and waste) ink to print matte and glossy.

wimbello

Canon EOS-10D

06/08/2004 07:50:29 PM · #11

Originally posted by Gordon:

Originally posted by wimbello:
I noticed the printer has matte black AND photo black.

What are the difference/effects?

You can print glossy prints, particularly with the gloss optimiser, and not get bronzing. You don't have to switch (and waste) ink to print matte and glossy.

And all these options are available at print time (e.g. "Print Properties"), or are they pre-configured to-your-liking.

06/08/2004 08:35:56 PM · #12

Originally posted by Gordon:

The CD printing option is quite neat too - I've printed two CDs this way and the results are not bad at all (colours are a bit desaturated, but I blame the CD media, rather than the printer)

Excellent write up there Gordon, thanks :)

One comment on your statement above ....

I found one amazing long, pages and pages of it, review on the printer. The reviewer found this as well but said that if you set the output up two notches (I can't recall if that was colour density or something) but it very nicely got around the problem.

If anyone likes I'll hunt out the link tonight at home and post it.

Artifacts

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/08/2004 09:02:20 PM · #13

Anyone use the Epson Stylus 4000?

I've never had a color printer before and I am considering getting it. I want to be able to make prints up to 16 X 20 sized for fine art photography. So if I buy it I guess I'll be committed to that. :)

It's predecessor, the 2200, from what I have read was the printer of choice of fine art photographers until the 4000 came along. It is cheap to operate and much faster than previous models.

I'd be interested if anyone here has the 4000 and can speak from experience about it.

Message edited by author 2004-06-08 21:03:45.

06/08/2004 10:53:01 PM · #14

Originally posted by wimbello:

Originally posted by Gordon:

Originally posted by wimbello:
I noticed the printer has matte black AND photo black.

What are the difference/effects?

You can print glossy prints, particularly with the gloss optimiser, and not get bronzing. You don't have to switch (and waste) ink to print matte and glossy.

And all these options are available at print time (e.g. "Print Properties"), or are they pre-configured to-your-liking.

You can switch on/ off the gloss optimiser if you want. Also you can control if it prints over the whole area, or just the parts with ink on it. (the gloss optimiser is noticeable on white areas of glossy paper - you can see where it starts/ stops if you cover the whole image)

06/08/2004 10:53:49 PM · #15

Originally posted by Natator:

I found one amazing long, pages and pages of it, review on the printer. The reviewer found this as well but said that if you set the output up two notches (I can't recall if that was colour density or something) but it very nicely got around the problem.

If anyone likes I'll hunt out the link tonight at home and post it.

Thanks for that - I was aware of the option but haven't tried it. Next time I do CDs I'll switch it up to +2 and see how it goes.

06/08/2004 10:54:46 PM · #16

Originally posted by stdavidson:

Looks like a good option if you have a fork lift handy to deliver it.

//www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/printers/epson-4000-update.shtml