Yikes!
I'm so depressed. I just ordered an Epson 4800 ($2,400 CDN plus
$900 in spare 220ml ink) because I wanted a better printer to produce
longer lasting prints for my customers versus my 1270/1280 prints on
Matte EHW paper.... and to print larger than Super B size.
I print reproductions of my paintings/artwork.
After reading most of the replies here in this thread, I wonder
if I should stop the order? Is there a good matte paper that will
print as well as the 1280 on Matte HW Enhanced?
I ordered a 17" roll of 50' "Ultra Smooth Fine Art" to start with
to get my feet wet with this new printer.
But now I have many questions after reading this thread from the
"experts" about the 4800 and finding a good art inkjet paper... it
seems hopeless!
Regards,
Marq.
=================
UPDATE....
Well, I just answered my own worried questions after getting
my own 4800 and giving it a test run. It's simply amazing, when
the right Black is used for the **appropriate paper stock**.
I never expected a pigment ink ink-jet printer to come close
to the dye-based 1280 on certain papers. Lots of "Gotcha's"
that Epson dosen't make clear when researching, even here
in Luminous... ie: the fact that the cutter does not work
on certain true fine art papers and canvases!... or that the
amazing 220ml cartridges protrude outwards of the printer like...
Mine was delivered on a wooden skid. The box itself is enormous.
Like a mini Heidleberg offset printer arrived. It's a two-person
printer to move, seriously. The UPS guy was NOT happy.
If you don't have a good solid stand for it, the $400 Epson stand
might be an option but please don't waste the bucks if doesen't have
to look good (ie: in a printing store). It MUST have
a solid/level structure to sit/work on. I used an old steel rolling
cabinet that was used for HD photocopying gear... I bolted on a
3/4" piece of plywood on the top to fit.. and voila. A solid and
moveable base for this 90lb beast for almost free.
My biggest beef with the 4800 so far is that Epson did not include the
Ninth colour with the printer... Matte Black.
I print on matte papers and I skip the resin coated papers.
I had to go and get a matte black cartridge and do a full
colour flush/black conversion "waste of ink" thing. Pissed me
off bigtime.
(Why do all the other colours need to be re-charged when just
changing the main black, Epson???)
Anyway, after getting the correct black into the printer, it's
like a different printer and it prints almost everything properly
if you take the time to edit and select the right printing settings
for the paper stock.
The 4800 is truly an amazing printer, even with it's flaws.
Marq.
Ps...
It's internal paper-suction fan blasts out some serious jet-streams
to keep you cool depending on where it's back is pointed to... or
acts as good room air-mover. ;-)
