Hp Z3200 purchase???

[barry685]

I use to own a z3100 it was replaced by a Canon Ipf6300. I print very infrequently, and primarily on Canvas (Breathing Color Crystalline). In the few years that I have had the Canon I have replaced print heads 3 times. Now I am getting error message 03130031-2618. Canon wants $1000.00 to repair the printer.
SO...
Is the Z3200 (new with full warranty) worth considering? The 44" version would be minimum $1000 - $1700. less than current Canon or Epson offerings.
Does it work properly with Win 10?

[Mark Lindquist]

Apparently USB does not work with Windows 10 with the Z3200, but LAN - ethernet does.  IMO that's the best way to run this printer anyway.

For the money, you won't find a better deal or better performance.

Get one of these and you'll just be smiling all the way to the bank.  Many many advantages with this printer.

If you print infrequently, just leave the printer running as they suggest, and the micro droplet technology will keep the heads from clogging.
I went away for 2 1/2 months earlier this year, and when I came back, I just exercised the printer, did some printhead cleaning and printed a chart to check all the nozzles, and away they all went.  No problems at all.  If you have a bad printhead it's like $75 bucks and there's two printheads in one.

Make your own custom ICC profiles, what can you say... Vivera 200 year longevity inks that are still holding their own in comparisons.

In many ways, given the amount of infrequent use you plan on, this would be the ONLY printer that meets your criterion.

YMMV

[barry685]

Thanks for your input. I will be going to Photo Plus expo next week, will try to finalize my decision there.

[I.T. Supplies]

I would definitely recommend looking into the new Canon Pro line.  They are revamped from the ground up and have much more new features that even HP doesn't provide.  They may be a little more on the cost side, but they are new and been shipping for about 4 months now with great reviews so far.  Instead of the 2 print heads like the x300/x400 series had, the Pro series only uses 1 slightly larger head and the body itself is narrower, but more sturdy.

With the functionality that you barely have to touch rolls when feeding into the printer is a great advantage.  There is also the ability to see the ink in the "reservoir" after the ink tank is empty and you can switch the cartridge out while it's still printing and won't stop the print.  And with more nozzles in the head, you "hopefully" won't need to replace the head in the future; but a replacement head is available.

I would check out the specs and details; there are also videos online with demonstrations for the printer.  If you are on a budget, than the HP would be better and the Z3200PS may be discontinued soon, but not sure when.

[barry685]

I am on a budget, and it will end up being either a 24" Epson or Canon, versus a 44" Z3200.

[Mark Lindquist]

Three things the Epsons and the Canons don't have:
Onboatd spectrophotometer, standard equipment (not extra)
Very inexpensive printheads
Micro drop anti-clog technology

If you need more:
Best price by far
Easiest to use
Some say still the best ink.
Lightest and easiest to move around.

The Z3200ps  Vivera inkset will continue to be available for 5 years minimum after it is discontinued.

Having the ability to make custom profiles in house trumps every other printer even if you can't see how full the carts are from the outside :-)

Mark

[felix5616]

Another vote for the Z3200. Have had one for 7 years and other than fan noise still prints perfectly even after being idle for a year. great (but slow) B+W output.

[barry685]

Mark,

The Z3200ps  Vivera inkset will continue to be available for 5 years minimum after it is discontinued.

Considering I am 64 hopefully that will be enough. 

[rdonson]

Check out the cost and availability of HP printer service contracts and service visits.  Actually check this out for any large format printer you're considering.

I loved my Z3100 for all the reasons mentioned above but after several expensive repairs I ditched it for an Epson SC P800.  I do not print professionally and do not wish to become a printer mechanic. 

P.S. I'm 67 and an enthusiast (amateur) who wishes to create photographs and print them in a fine art fashion.  I find that the 17" printer serves my personal needs and big prints I send off to a pro

[barry685]

Ron.
I am a pro and consistently sell 16x20 -24x30 prints on canvas. I think if you don't have a service contract with any of the large format printer companies all repairs are cost prohibitive. As I have found this out with the Ipf6300, and this is after replacing print heads 3 times for a printer that really doesn't get that much use.
The draw, of the HpZ3200 is partially the cost of maintenance if you don't have a service contract. I don't mind trying to be a printer mechanic.
Barry

[deanwork]

I don't know if this is still the case with HP, since I am out of warranty, but in 7 years of being in warranty, I was so happy to learn that Hp allowed you to renew your full warranty contract every year, or add two year extentions at any time you owned the printer, even after your most recent warranty has expired. They didn't even inspect the printer so it could have been totally messed up after your warranty has expired and they would still come out and fix anything and supply all the parts with no extra charge. Try to get Canon or Epson to offer that! I rarely needed the protection, but I felt good about having it.

Like Mark said, one of the real benefits about this Z system is you replace the print heads yourself for $70.00 each. Additionally if your mainboard did go out, all you have to do is remove two screws and slide it out an put another one in yourself with no additional adjustments, ink purges, etc. Another great design feature that someone thought a lot about.  When my Canon tech comes over and I ask about why they won't let you extend your warranty he said he is told to tell me to just replace the printer. Kind of odd to me since this 44" Canon is built like a tank and takes 4 men to move. The Z is so light weight that any two people can easily pick it up and move it anywhere.

Ron.
I am a pro and consistently sell 16x20 -24x30 prints on canvas. I think if you don't have a service contract with any of the large format printer companies all repairs are cost prohibitive. As I have found this out with the Ipf6300, and this is after replacing print heads 3 times for a printer that really doesn't get that much use.
The draw, of the HpZ3200 is partially the cost of maintenance if you don't have a service contract. I don't mind trying to be a printer mechanic.
Barry

[kuau]

My Z3200ps 24" is still printing perfectly after 7 years also. I just replaced the print heads which are very inexpensive as others have mentioned. For the price you can't beat the quality and the fact that the printer hardly ever clogs, just leave it on all the time it's a miser on inks also. Great for low volume printing. Epson after all these years still clogs if you don't print all the time.
The new Canons do look very nice but again costlier and yu have to factor in the cost of profiling software / hardware if you don't won't to use canned profiles.

The APS system that comes with the PS version of HP Z3200 is still excellent though installling it on Mac OS does require a little monkey business because HP no longer supports it and neither does Xrite who developed the software. I was also unable to get it to work under Windows 10

[deanwork]

Why doesn't it work on Windows 10? Certainly HP is supporting it on their own  computers?

I have heard that there is some problem with the usb driver on Windows, but the ethernet should work fine?

Is the firmware updated for Windows 10 on their website? If you can't profile the printer you need to call HP. At the least you need to reprofile when replacing print heads.

john

[barry685]

Well I bit the bullet, and  ordered a 44" z3200 yesterday.
Thanks everyone for guidance.

[philbond87]

I didn't get a chance to provide my opinion prior to you making a final decision. Hopefully, however, I can at least make you feel good about your choice.  ;-)

I print professionally with the Z3200 and have for many years. In fact, I beta tested the Z2100, Z3100 and Z3200 for HP way back when. My experience with the series has largely been very good.

All printers will, from time to time, give you problems but the Z3200 has performed well for me for many years. I've put a lot of miles on mine since 2007 or so (it was one of the first) and it continues to print well. I do have it under service contract and have had plenty of maintenance done but not more than I would expect from any heavily used printer. It sounds as though yours won't see such heavy use.

It's a fine printer and I think you'll be quite happy with your decision.

[cogden]

Congrats Barry -

Where did you find a Z3200 for such a low price? The lowest I see is $4600+ (and for $1100 less I can get a Canon 4000 44")?

I'd love to be able to use my Z3100 supplies, and get the spectrophotometer...

[cogden]

OK, so warning about buying a Z3200 at this time...

I had a long talk with HP Support. The Z3200 rev A will be out of support April 2017 (i.e., no parts nor service from HP).

The Z3100 44” Rev B will be EOL April 2018. So, you won't be able to buy the 3yr warranty ("Care Pack" because it would put it beyond that date).

Only the Z3100 44" Rev B _Postscript_ is currently not showing end of life.

[Mark Lindquist]

Interesting.  News to me. 

Surprised HP would make that information known to support and not through regular channels.

How can they possibly sell a new machine and not offer support?

Something about that doesn't sound right however.

They have to supply inks at least 5 years beyond final production.

[Mark Lindquist]

OK, so warning about buying a Z3200 at this time...

I had a long talk with HP Support. The Z3200 rev A will be out of support April 2017 (i.e., no parts nor service from HP).

The Z3100 44” Rev B will be EOL April 2018. So, you won't be able to buy the 3yr warranty ("Care Pack" because it would put it beyond that date).

Only the Z3100 44" Rev B _Postscript_ is currently not showing end of life.

Cogden -

Just went to the HP website and found the Q6721B model available.  I looked around for an extended warranty and couldn't find it.
So, I initiated a chat and had an interesting conversation with a sales representative.

Some of what you have said is correct, some is not.
If you buy a 44" Z3200ps today, and buy the extended warranty for 5 years, they have to honor it.
That is well beyond the cutoff point you have indicated.

So, we'll keep watch over this.  Thank you for your bringing the information you posted to our attention.

Mark

EDIT:  As far as I know, no one has been buying the Z3200's for a long time, ONLY the Z3200ps models.  Not sure what you are finding.
The Z3200's just haven't been out there.


Below is my chat, sent to my email after the session:

Time    Details
11/29/2016 12:15:25PM    System: "Welcome to hp.com for Small & Medium Business customers. Your chat transcript will be emailed to your email address shortly after the chat is completed."
11/29/2016 12:15:27PM    System: "If you'd like immediate help, please call 866.221.4553 to speak with a Sales Consultant. There's currently no wait!"
11/29/2016 12:15:29PM    System: "We're currently experiencing longer than expected chat wait times. The current average wait time is 2 minutes. Please do not refresh this chat window. The next available chat agent will be with you soon."
11/29/2016 12:15:39PM    Session Started with Agent (Sheree)

11/29/2016 12:15:39PM    Mark Lindquist: "I'm interested in buying another HP Z3200ps 44" Designjet printer. I can't seem to find the service pack agreements and where to purchase them. I'm interested in knowing what my options are."
11/29/2016 12:15:51PM    Agent (Sheree): "Thank you for contacting the HP.com Small and Business chat team and Welcome to our Cyber Monday Sale. My name is Sheree. I have read your question, so let’s get started again.

I'm really sorry about the long wait time. We're actually experiencing a big"
11/29/2016 12:15:51PM    Mark Lindquist: "Hi Sheree."
    spike in chat volume right now. I do appreciate your patience.
11/29/2016 12:17:27PM    Agent (Sheree): "Great workhorse that is, Mark."

11/29/2016 12:17:35PM    Agent (Sheree): "I see though the HP Designjet Z3200ps 44-in Photo Printer (Q6721A) has been discontinued."

11/29/2016 12:18:01PM    Mark Lindquist: "Yes, we really enjoy the Z3200 printers we have here at Lindquist Studios"
11/29/2016 12:18:10PM    Mark Lindquist: "What?"
11/29/2016 12:18:22PM    Mark Lindquist: "It's still for sale on your website."
11/29/2016 12:18:52PM    Mark Lindquist: "I just put one in the shopping cart."
11/29/2016 12:19:47PM    Mark Lindquist: "Hello?"
11/29/2016 12:20:12PM    Agent (Sheree): "Sorry. I overlooked the model."
11/29/2016 12:20:32PM    Agent (Sheree): "Yes, we have the we have it available, Mark."
11/29/2016 12:20:37PM    Agent (Sheree): "See this link: http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/business-solutions/hp-designjet-z3200-44-in-postscript-photo-printer-q6721b-b1k"

11/29/2016 12:20:47PM    Agent (Sheree): "Let me see what service agreement we have recommended for this model."

11/29/2016 12:21:30PM    Mark Lindquist: "You gave me a bit of a scare there, Sheree... LOL"
11/29/2016 12:22:58PM    Agent (Sheree): "I am realy sorry. I have several pages on the screen and I overlooked it."

11/29/2016 12:23:13PM    Agent (Sheree): "Moving forward, we have 3 year and 5 year, Mark."
11/29/2016 12:23:26PM    Agent (Sheree): "These are available at our Warranty Center."
11/29/2016 12:23:39PM    Mark Lindquist: "Can you send me a link to that specific info, please?"
11/29/2016 12:23:47PM    Agent (Sheree): "These are the links:"
11/29/2016 12:23:56PM    Agent (Sheree): "http://cpc.ext.hp.com/portal/site/cpc/details/?serviceProductNumber=UK505E"
11/29/2016 12:23:57PM    Agent (Sheree): "http://cpc.ext.hp.com/portal/site/cpc/details/?serviceProductNumber=UU908E"

11/29/2016 12:24:56PM    Mark Lindquist: "Hmmm. Sorry Sheree - that looks like a link for the Z3100, not the Z3200ps"
11/29/2016 12:26:02PM    Agent (Sheree): "That will work both for Z3100 and Z3200, Mark. That's what it appears when you search for Q6721B."
11/29/2016 12:26:18PM    Agent (Sheree): "Try this link: http://cpc.ext.hp.com/portal/site/cpc/?action=clearHierarchy"
11/29/2016 12:26:36PM    Agent (Sheree): "Then input the product # Q6721B and it will give you the choices."

11/29/2016 12:26:47PM    Mark Lindquist: "What about for Q6721A - those models are still in production aren't they?"
11/29/2016 12:28:14PM    Agent (Sheree): "That is replaec by Q6721B model, Mark."
11/29/2016 12:28:27PM    Agent (Sheree): "The Q6721A is no longer available."

11/29/2016 12:29:28PM    Mark Lindquist: "OK. Do you have any information about how long the Z3200ps 44" (Q6721B) will be manufactured?"
11/29/2016 12:30:20PM    Agent (Sheree): "I'm afraid I do not have that information, Mark."

11/29/2016 12:30:52PM    Mark Lindquist: "How far out will the care pack (service agreement) be available for?"
11/29/2016 12:31:34PM    Agent (Sheree): "So long as the product is active and you have it in warranty we have these services available."
11/29/2016 12:32:34PM    Mark Lindquist: "So if I bought the Q6721B Early next year and bought the 5 year warranty, it will be honored for 5 years?"
11/29/2016 12:33:22PM    Agent (Sheree): "That is correct."

11/29/2016 12:34:04PM    Mark Lindquist: "I didn't see where to add the extended warranty to the cart."
11/29/2016 12:34:37PM    Agent (Sheree): "That can be purchase separately through our warranty center."
11/29/2016 12:34:50PM    Agent (Sheree): "The extended warranties can be purchased by calling the HP Warranty Center at (866)-234-1377 (weekdays 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Saturdays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST)."

11/29/2016 12:35:40PM    Agent (Sheree): "Are you ordering the printer today?"
11/29/2016 12:35:49PM    Mark Lindquist: "I see. Can you tell me how many of the 44" Z3200's are in stock currently?"
11/29/2016 12:36:07PM    Mark Lindquist: "Not sure, that's why I'm asking that question."
11/29/2016 12:36:53PM    Agent (Sheree): "We have few but I cannot confirm the numbers. What will happen is that when the stock is below 10 in inventory, we will have that posted online."

11/29/2016 12:37:45PM    Mark Lindquist: "OK - you have been very helpful Sheree. Thanks very much."
11/29/2016 12:38:25PM    Agent (Sheree): "My pleasure, Mark."
11/29/2016 12:38:33PM    Agent (Sheree): "Have a good one!

You’ll be able to find a copy of this transcript in your email. Thank you for choosing HP. We appreciate your business."
11/29/2016 12:38:40PM    Mark Lindquist: "Appreciate your help. - Bye - have a nice day."
11/29/2016 12:39:04PM    Session Ended

[barry685]

For those that may have an interest.
I Purchased model Model Q6721B 44"PS for $2995.00 about 2 weeks ago.
from: http://www.proimagingsupplies.com/cart.php
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