Luminous Landscape Forum
Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Printing: Printers, Papers and Inks => Topic started by: Dennishh on September 21, 2006, 11:20:14 pm
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Michael,
I have just ordered a iPF5000 and can't wait to start using it. I enjoyed your review very much. I have a question about the "Media Configuration Tool". Have you had any more information or success with choosing other paper types and recording them? I have many sheets if ilford paper that I would like to use. Do you know if anyone has used classic pearl and smooth gloss with this printer?
Thanks
Dennis
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I have used both and they work well. I would use a custom profile for best results. I select the photopaperplus and photoplussemigloss settings. My favorite paper is Fuji pro though, it is whiter, thicker and has more contrast and detail, to my eye it is better than either the Ilford or the Canon papers, by a small amount . You will love the printers output but will be frustrated with its user interface. For highest quality use the 16 bit plugin (under export) feed it a 16 bit tiff and upsize the image to your print size using 600ppi. I've fed it adobe rgb tiffs, profoto rgb tiffs and 8 bit srgb jpegs (perceptual intent) and it seems to handle all just fine. Don’t forget to set the paper type, size etc on both the printer and your computer. You will have fun.
Marc
PS If you ordered the roll feed install it before loading the print driver so the software recognizes it.
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Thanks Marc,
I will take a look at the Fuji pro paper. These kinds of tips are invaluable! I’ve been using Canon gear for a few years now and do wish they would hire a new front end programmer, that was a photographer, to do their cameras, software and printers. The 1ds manual is hopeless.
Dennis
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Thanks Marc,
I will take a look at the Fuji pro paper. These kinds of tips are invaluable! I’ve been using Canon gear for a few years now and do wish they would hire a new front end programmer, that was a photographer, to do their cameras, software and printers. The 1ds manual is hopeless.
Dennis
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=77256\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The Fuji pro is available in Japan up to B+ but I have yet to find it in the states larger than letter size. If you find a source here, let me know. You will also find very little info on the iPF5000. Lots of comments and opinions on Epsons and printing in general but little specifics for the iPF5K so I've had to do a lot of experimenting. The 16 bit plugin is good but is the resizing as good as PS or genuine fractals? how about sharpening? is unidirectional better than bidirectional?
No one knows or is willing to share the info so I've printed a lot of tests. Here are my conclusions. some are small differences some are more apparent
Plugin is best
16 pass is best
600ppi is best
no difference in bi or unidirectional
upsizing in steps PS bicubic smoother is better than the plugins upsizing
PS smart sharpen or NIK sharpener is equivalent
or upsizing w/ genuine fractals and no sharpening is equivalent (less time and steps). (I process the raws with DXO optics and find they need little or no pre printing sharpening anyways)
perhaps other users will share their opinions specific to the iPF5000
You will love the prints people are always amazed at the results.
Marc
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Hi Marc,
Thanks for the info! It will help me greatly when I get my printer this week. I also took your advice and ordered the roll feeder, so when I install drivers it will confuse things less. I started using Epson printers, like everyone else, and now have a 2200 and 7600 that I hardly use anymore. They 2200 is up for sale. This all started when I bought a Canon i9900 which proved superior to the Epson in most ways, especially with speed, resolution and color. The big drawback was the longevity of prints not under glass and always changing inks. The iPF5000 solves all those issues and more. I bought a role of Canon premium glossy and some sheets of satin paper to use as a baseline for testing other papers. It also lets me use the media configuration tool with less hassle while I get used to the printer. Using your and Michael’s review info, I will do my own tests and will be happy to share my results. Have you tried Qimage with the 16 bit driver? I know use Quimage quite a bit and believe that it up sizes image to 600dpi also before output. I shoot with a 1DsMark2 and stitch many images to get 100mb pulse finals. I will start with the Canon papers and then test the Ilford paper I have. I have not seen any suppliers of Fuji paper and see that fuji is tightly aligned with Epson only offering Epson ICC’s.
Thanks
Dennis
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Hi Marc,
Have you tried Qimage with the 16 bit driver? I know use Quimage quite a bit and believe that it up sizes image to 600dpi also before output.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=77415\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
The 16-bit driver is a plug-in for Photoshop and will not help you with QImage.
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Thanks David, I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe Qimage can incorporate the plug-in. What I did do was to layout an image in Q-image and save it to a file. This took 50 seconds on a 200meg file with some white space around. I opened the file in Photoshop and was amazed to see the quality of the 600dpi , interpolated image. It took longer to upsize, adjust levels and sharpen to get an equivalent file in Photoshop. I really won’t know more about how this works till I get the printer.
Dennis
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What I did do was to layout an image in Q-image and save it to a file. This took 50 seconds on a 200meg file with some white space around. I opened the file in Photoshop and was amazed to see the quality of the 600dpi , interpolated image. [a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=77438\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Dennis,
How did you do this? I find a way to "Save" (the File/Save menu) in Qimage (v2007.108) but all it saves is the Settings that Qimage uses not an image file that can be opened in Photoshop. What am I doing wrong?
Ron
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Hi Ron
I am using 2007.131. Go to File/Print to/ File and make selections. Then choose file/print, a dialogue box opens for you to pick file type and destination.
Dennis
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The answer I got from Qimage is it uses the 8 bit windows driver so until windows prints 16 bit tiffs (the next version) Qimage is 8 bit only, Ron what agreat idea I will compare Genuine Fractals to Qimage to PS bicubic smoother and see which one looks better, I never would have thought of that.
Marc
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Michael,
I have a question about the "Media Configuration Tool". Have you had any more information or success with choosing other paper types and recording them? I have many sheets if ilford paper that I would like to use. Do you know if anyone has used classic pearl and smooth gloss with this printer?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=77213\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Back to the original question. The media configuration tool basically does nothing except allow you to add new paper types from a Media Information File supplied by Canon and upload them to the printer. You can't add your own paper types.
You will want custom profiles for your papers unless you can find generic profiles supplied by the paper manufacturer for the IPF5000. Usually for luster type papers, the Canon Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss seems to be the preferred setting. I have also used the Heavyweight SemiGlos Photo Paper setting when feeding Hahnemuhle FineArt Pearl from the roll feeder because it won't allow selecting Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss from the roll feeder because apparently it isn't available in rolls, only sheets.
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Hello
Follow this link where you will find a lot of inforemation posted by users of Canon iPF5000,There are 16 pages but you will eventually read the inforemation you are asking for.
http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....showtopic=10914 (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10914)
Bye
martinmitch
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Thanks for the link! Good info.
Dennis
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Keep this list near your printer for the first few weeks!!! [attachment=977:attachment]
ISO A2+ 17.00 X 24.00
ISO A2 16.54 X 23.39
ISO A3+ 12.95 X 19.02
ISO A3 11.69 X 16.54
ISO A3 (L) 16.54 X 11.69
ISO A4 08.27 X 11.69
ISO A4 (L) 11.69 X 08.27
ISO B3 13.90 X 19.69
ISO B4 09.84 X 13.90
ISO B4 (L) 13.90 X 09.84
JIS B3 14.33 X 20.28
JIS B4 10.12 X 14.33
JIS B4 (L) 14.33 X 10.12
ANSI B Super 13.00 X 19.00
ANSI B 11.00 X 17.00
ANSI B (L) 17.00 X 13.00
ANSI Letter 08.50 X 11.00
ANSI Legal 08.50 X 14.00
ANSI Legal (L) 14.00 X 08.50
ARCH B 12.00 X 18.00
ARCH A 09.00 X 12.00
ARCH A (L) 12.00 X 09.00
DIN C3 12.76 X18.03
DIN C4 09.02 X 12.76
DIN C4 (L) 12.76 X 09.02
14 X 17 14.00 X 17.00
14 X 17 (L) 17.00 X 14.00
12 X 16 12.00 X 16.00
12 X 16 (L) 16.00 X 12.00
10 X 12 10.00 X 12.00
10 X 12 (L) 12.00 X 10.00
10 X 15 10.00 X 15.00
10 X 15 (L) 15.00 X 10.00
8 X 10 08.00 X 10.00
8 X 10 (L) 10.00 X 08.00
USPhoto 16x20 16.00 X 20.00
Poster300X900 11.81 X 35.43
13 X 22 12.95 X 21.97
I printed a 16 bit profoto 600 ppi tiff 11"x 17" on B+ size paper
1. Genuine fractals
2. Qimage (vector, smart sharpen)
3. PSCS2 bicubic smoother x 2 + smart sharpen
They all looked the same, I might try Qimage pyramid just for grins
Marc
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Hi Marc,
I have put the list up on the wall where the printer will be. I have been reading all the posts about the first printers out and have a few questions. Did you get the printer stand that goes with the iPF5000? Have you turned of the warning messages on the controller panel? How well are the first set of inks holding up and which inks did you order first? How do the profiles work for Canon paper that came with the printer? Does the driver remember the settings you last used, like Premium glossy in the roll feeder and letter Satin in the cassette? Did you run a head alignment when you got your printer? This is just a start. It seems that when working with 16 bit files the best way to res up to 600dpi is with Photoshop, do you agree? Hopefully Canon would have made some changes to the printer software by now.
Thanks for the help!
Dennis
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Dennis,
1. Did you get the printer stand that goes with the iPF5000?
No I bought a $99 24" tool box w/4 drawers from Lowes then I used a bead of RTV to prevent it from sliding off. I also bought a $12 thick grill cover (matching grey!!!) to keep it covered.
2. Have you turned of the warning messages on the controller panel?
No
3. How well are the first set of inks holding up and which inks did you order first?
Very well I have printed a lot and am now 3 months later just starting to replace the inks. PM, PGY and GY were the first to go then Y and BK now C, M, R, G & B are low. IT supplies had them for $63 but now they are $71 I was thinking of buying an entire set but then thought of the expense and figured why inventory the inks?
4. How do the profiles work for Canon paper that came with the printer?
Good I have not had any of the Canon papers profiled so I cannot compare Canon profiles to custom, but the custom profiles ($40 Cathys Profiles) do seem to not only improve color accuracy but improve print quality also. Remember to print targets from the 16 bit driver not the 8 bit windows print with preview. The 16 bit plugin requires its own unique profile.
5. Does the driver remember the settings you last used, like Premium glossy in the roll feeder and letter Satin in the cassette?
I'm not sure. I have yet to experiment with the roll feed because I had missing parts (Canon was quick to replace w/o charge) and the lower cassette would feed heavy papers unreliably (even with fanning) so all I have mastered is the sheet feed (top tray) Some of the menues and sub menues have memory and some do not so I always review all 4 tabs of the plugin prior to pressing print (I have a trash can of wasted paper)
6. Did you run a head alignment when you got your printer?
Yes this is essential and the mistake many have made claimng the printer is not continuous tone. It is relatively quick and automatic. You do not have to be present to read the boxes of lines.
7. It seems that when working with 16 bit files the best way to res up to 600dpi is with Photoshop, do you agree?
Yes always feed it 600ppi files and res up to the final print size for best results. I see no difference in the output with PS bicubic smoother + smart sharpen, Genuine Fractals or Qimage (print to file) for the print sizes this printer can produce.
8. Hopefully Canon would have made some changes to the printer software by now.
The biggest issue is support for 3rd party papers, it has been months since its release, so I'm not holding my breath for any software upgrades.
Marc
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Marc,
Do you know is Canon supply 16 bit profiles for their papers? UPS just called to deliver the printer in about an hour. I will now be taking all this great information and putting it to use. I will look into Cathy’s profiles today. I will also e-mail Ilford and see if they are going to do 16bit profiles.
Thanks
Dennis
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Dennis
I’m sure the printer and the paper companies profiles are generic for either the 16 bit plugin or the 8 bit windows driver. My point was for best results have your favorite papers custom profiled for your 16 bit plugin, i.e. print the targets through the plugin. This is not the same as a 16 bit or a 8 bit profile. I’m assuming Cathy’s Profiles are 8 bit not 16 bit but they work fine (a significant and noticeable improvement). Perhaps someone like DigitalDog who knows more about this and can explain the intricacies to you. His profiles are $100 and I have yet to try them because of the cost. Since I love the Fuji Pro I might see if his are better (more samples, 16 bit?)
Marc
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My first few days with the iPF5000 are now done, this printer is a keeper! The first prints on Ilford Smooth glossy and pearl were astonishing. All I can say is they remind me of Cibachrome prints from the old day’s. There was an instant WOW factor with Cibachrome and the Canon matches this look. I have ordered some Fuji material to test and will need to send out for profiles, so I can see how it stacks up. All the other comments about the paper configurations and software glitches are correct. I have found that these are fairly easy to overcome by reading this forum to get the tips you need. Speed, performance, low ink usage and quality, all make up for the software shortcomings. The media configuration tool is a disaster, but I have heard that a new MED file will soon be available with most problems fixed. I also received a roll paper unit that hade some damaged parts. Canon has sent a repair tech to fix it. Canon was very responsive to my need for speed. I would recommend buying the roll feeder from a local supplier so it can be taken back easily if damaged.
Dennis
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Michael,
I have just ordered a iPF5000 and can't wait to start using it. I enjoyed your review very much. I have a question about the "Media Configuration Tool". Have you had any more information or success with choosing other paper types and recording them? I have many sheets if ilford paper that I would like to use. Do you know if anyone has used classic pearl and smooth gloss with this printer?
Thanks
Dennis
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=77213\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I just ordered the iPF 5000 and am looking for info on the roll feed.
Do you need both the feed RU01 and the hoder RH-2-11? Or will just the holder work?
Thanks
Ron
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I am pretty sure that if you just order the the RU-01 at about $299 (??dont remember exactly) you will get everything you need except roll paper. And personally it is easy enough to change the rolls that I don't see a need for extra "holders". Just my take on this...
Gary
I just ordered the iPF 5000 and am looking for info on the roll feed.
Do you need both the feed RU01 and the hoder RH-2-11? Or will just the holder work?
Thanks
Ron
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=82374\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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Speaking of the roll holder - anyone know when & how to use the thin spacer? I can't understand the directions. Thanks.
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All that is needed is the RU01, the $299.00 set up. I had two pieces broken so look carefully in the box when you get it for small plastic parts. Once it was fixed it works just great. The spacer is for smaller roles of paper and borderless printing. You don't need it with 17" or 16" rolls. The other RH-2-11 Item is if you want to use multiple roles of paper and don’t want to keep changing the paper holder out. The printer is working great and seems not to use much ink at all.
Dennis
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How did you do this? I find a way to "Save" (the File/Save menu) in Qimage but all it saves is the Settings ... What am I doing wrong?
Ron
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=77440\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Ron, you use the Print to file option. If you aren't familiar with the wonders of Qimage, try using the "learn by example" section in the help, which is a good starting point to getting used to its many uses. (Or in other words, RTFM - I would say that, as I am a tech author in real life!)
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I just ordered the iPF 5000 and am looking for info on the roll feed.
Do you need both the feed RU01 and the hoder RH-2-11? Or will just the holder work?
Thanks
Ron
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a] (http://index.php?act=findpost&pid=82374\")
I'm not familiar with the separate part numbers but the roll feed unit is motorized so you will need the whole thing. Be sure to attach the roll feed unit before intstalling the drivers as I have heard that attaching it afterwards will entail a reinstall of the drivers.
As far as a stand for the 5000, I went with the suggestion of this article by Andy Biggs, [a href=\"http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/ultimate-stand.shtml]Ultimate Printer Stand[/url], using an IKEA kitchen unit. It works great and has lots of storage for papers and inks. Be aware, the stand is heavy.
Edit - corrected bad hyperlink.
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Hi Marc,
My Printer Is working out great! Thanks for all your help, it was invaluable. I have another favor to ask you, I'm about to send some targets printed on the IPF 5000 to Cathy Scans. Some of her directions seem inappropriate for a 16 bit driver, is it possible for you to share your procedures with a 16 bit driver to print her targets ? I want a profile of Fuji paper's I just recieved. I'm still impatiently waiting for Canon to actually come out with a new MED file. I've use the printer on multiple jobs now, and the reception by clients is unanimous, Wow.
Thanks Dennis
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Hi Marc,
My Printer Is working out great! Thanks for all your help, it was invaluable. I have another favor to ask you, I'm about to send some targets printed on the IPF 5000 to Cathy Scans. Some of her directions seem inappropriate for a 16 bit driver, is it possible for you to share your procedures with a 16 bit driver to print her targets ? I want a profile of Fuji paper's I just recieved. I'm still impatiently waiting for Canon to actually come out with a new MED file. I've use the printer on multiple jobs now, and the reception by clients is unanimous, Wow.
Thanks Dennis
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=83094\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Cathys form is taylored to an epson printer so it is a bit confusing
remember:
do not assign a color profile to the 3 8x10 targets
do not assign a color profile to print the targets
do not change the size of the targets
all printer settings as you are going to use the paper being profiled
for the fuji gloss roll;
1. Open the 3 targets in photoshop/ missing profile? leave as is do not color manage
2. export/iPF5000 plugin/ main page,heavyweight glossy photo (THIS WILL ALLOW YOU TO USE THE PROFILE FOR BOTH ROLLS AND CUT SHEETS!), 600dpi, 16 bit, 2400x1200, None (no color correction)
3. page set up, DO NOT select reduced enlarge, letter, center output, manual
4. check the next 2 pages set correctly
fill out the form as follows:
[attachment=1146:attachment]
It took me several tries to get it right, I hope you do it on the first try
Marc
PS if you are going to print the targets from the roll define a paper size of 17x17 or 16x16 and use PS/file/automate/contact sheet II to create one file with the 3 targets on it (I just did this for a roll of Gloss Canvas which printed great!) for photo paper I tend to cut 8.5x11's and feed them manually
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Thanks Marc! This will make things much simpler.
Dennis
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My first few days with the iPF5000 are now done, this printer is a keeper! The first prints on Ilford Smooth glossy and pearl were astonishing. All I can say is they remind me of Cibachrome prints from the old day’s. There was an instant WOW factor with Cibachrome and the Canon matches this look. I have ordered some Fuji material to test and will need to send out for profiles, so I can see how it stacks up. All the other comments about the paper configurations and software glitches are correct. I have found that these are fairly easy to overcome by reading this forum to get the tips you need. Speed, performance, low ink usage and quality, all make up for the software shortcomings. The media configuration tool is a disaster, but I have heard that a new MED file will soon be available with most problems fixed. I also received a roll paper unit that hade some damaged parts. Canon has sent a repair tech to fix it. Canon was very responsive to my need for speed. I would recommend buying the roll feeder from a local supplier so it can be taken back easily if damaged.
Dennis
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=78333\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Dennis, Bare with me please, I am new at forums etc. trying really hard to learn, I am somewhat dyslexic with vision problems, just trying to explain, so I do not up-set anyone else. Do you know where to buy this printer for the best total price inc S&H Tax? Funds are a little short of the 1900 price right now. Would the 5000 be a good choice for greeting card type photos? I need a great quality printer that is cost effictive. Thanks Darlene
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Dennis, Bare with me please, I am new at forums etc. trying really hard to learn, I am somewhat dyslexic with vision problems, just trying to explain, so I do not up-set anyone else. Do you know where to buy this printer for the best total price inc S&H Tax? Funds are a little short of the 1900 price right now. Would the 5000 be a good choice for greeting card type photos? I need a great quality printer that is cost effictive. Thanks Darlene
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=83409\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I have a 5000. Greating card photos are usually on the smaller side 5x7 or 4x6.
I think the smallest the ipf5000 can print is 8x10 (although other feel free to correct me.). You can always print 2 per 8.5 / 11 and cut them though.
Where to buy...? I have no answer for that
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I bought my printer from http://www.digitalgraphicsresources.com/ (http://www.digitalgraphicsresources.com/) it was 1843.00 with free shipping and a 500.00 rebait if you have a serial # from an epson wide format. It will not print on 5x7 or 4x6. I print out the smaller sizes on a roll with 11x17. Yo might want to wait for the Pixma Pro9000 that should be out soon if not already. The 5000 is very cost effective, Ive been using it for about a month with about 20 big prints and I haven't seen the ink level go down at all. The quality is phenomenal.
Dennis
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I just purchased the printer while at the Photoplus expo for 1349.00 plus free roller and shipping. THe company is www.promarketinc.com. This deal is good until the 15th of sept.
Good luck.
Chris
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I noticed that the roll holder ru-01 was free when you purchase an IPF5000 at http://www.colorhq.com (http://www.colorhq.com).
If anyone here is running a Colorproof XF RIP, EFI just updated their profiling and linearization documents for the imagePROGRAF series.