Why do these prints look like crap?

[dwood]

I print from LR2 using a Canon IPF-5100, with Ilford GFS and have always been happy with the results. I recently received a new batch of 13x19's, loaded some sheets in the tray and began the process of running off a few prints for some customers.

Wow...this print look awful. What's up? So, I checked the settings in the driver and made sure the correct ICC profile was selected. Looks fine. Let's try again. Another terrible looking print emerges. What the heck is going on here? I go back through all of the settings that could possibly impact this and run yet another print. Same crappy results.

A bit frustrated, I'm staring down at these prints, trying to figure out what possibly could be going on and it hits me...I've inserted the paper upside down in the tray.

Ever have one of those days? Sheesh.

[OnyimBob]

I print from LR2 using a Canon IPF-5100, with Ilford GFS and have always been happy with the results. I recently received a new batch of 13x19's, loaded some sheets in the tray and began the process of running off a few prints for some customers.

Wow...this print look awful. What's up? So, I checked the settings in the driver and made sure the correct ICC profile was selected. Looks fine. Let's try again. Another terrible looking print emerges. What the heck is going on here? I go back through all of the settings that could possibly impact this and run yet another print. Same crappy results.

A bit frustrated, I'm staring down at these prints, trying to figure out what possibly could be going on and it hits me...I've inserted the paper upside down in the tray.

Ever have one of those days? Sheesh.

Just a minute while I wipe the egg off my face ...... I was going to say "Join the club"!  
Bob.

[kaelaria]

LOL

[raises hand]

[OnyimBob]

LOL

[raises hand]

As I'm an ignorant Australian would someone please enlighten me as to the meaning of "LOL" (with or without raised hands)?
Bob.

[JDClements]

As I'm an ignorant Australian would someone please enlighten me as to the meaning of "LOL" (with or without raised hands)?
Bob.

It indicates that the poster is "Laughing Out Loud".

[rdonson]

..I've inserted the paper upside down in the tray.

Ever have one of those days? Sheesh.

Yep, I've done it... you have to be much more creative to do it with rolls  

[dwood]

Yep, I've done it... you have to be much more creative to do it with rolls  

You're making me feel a bit better there Ron.

[bill t.]

My Epson print managing driver issues hot tips while printing.  One of which is something like "For Best Results Load the Paper with the Correct Side Up."  It knows who I am.

At least you had the right paper, I won't tell you how hard it is to get a decent print on Premium Luster with a Canvas profile selected.

Lemme guess...watercolor rag, somethin' like that?  There are a few papers out there where it's hard to tell.

[colinm]

My Epson print managing driver issues hot tips while printing.  One of which is something like "For Best Results Load the Paper with the Correct Side Up."  It knows who I am.

Ah, but then you're stuck with the question of which one is the correct side. I had a pack of Epson paper a while back which helpfully mentioned "The printable side of the paper is the whiter side."

Under the lighting where the printers were corralled, both sides were equally white. Ditto in a better-lit room.  

Ended up having to traipse across the lab to the viewing lights just to figure out how to load the sheets.

[Wayne Fox]

Done this with RC paper ... quite messy


Another "stupid printer trick" I've done ...

Inserted the stack of paper with the cardboard stiffener still in the stack ... couldn't figure out why the printer jammed for a minute.

[David Sutton]

Done this with RC paper ... quite messy


Another "stupid printer trick" I've done ...

Inserted the stack of paper with the cardboard stiffener still in the stack ... couldn't figure out why the printer jammed for a minute.

I can tell you from first hand experience that if you are in in hurry and have a new type of paper to try, and load in the cardboard stiffener instead, it doesn't jam.  
But it does give new meaning to the word "awful"

[JohnBrew]

I can tell you from first hand experience that if you are in in hurry and have a new type of paper to try, and load in the cardboard stiffener instead, it doesn't jam.  
But it does give new meaning to the word "awful"

My first sheet of 17 x 25 Harman Gloss FB came out pretty bad. I was plenty p.o.'d because at the time it was running almost $10 per. I ripped up the image to throw away when I noticed the shiny side was on back!

[mahleu]

I loaded a roll of 12 inch the wrong way up in a minilab which didn't work so well.

[thunter]

Ah, but then you're stuck with the question of which one is the correct side. I had a pack of Epson paper a while back which helpfully mentioned "The printable side of the paper is the whiter side."

Under the lighting where the printers were corralled, both sides were equally white. Ditto in a better-lit room.  

Ended up having to traipse across the lab to the viewing lights just to figure out how to load the sheets.

Yes Colin I've found difficulties with Eps. USfine art as both sides seem identical. So I mark the backs with pencil and use a broad felt tip pen dot on each side (extreme edge) and check the ink spread. The printed side is coated and won't show any ink spread when inspected under my 8x lupe.

Terry H

[Colorwave]

I almost ran a roll of Harman Gloss through my printer upside down, but I swear, it wasn't my fault.  I was one of the lucky few to get an early roll that was wound backwards.  The guy at the factory wound the roll wrong, so he gets the exploding cigar.  The Harman guy said that they make photographic paper on the same line, and it is wound good side in.  Not enough coffee for that guy that morning meant quite a few of us got a bit of a surprise when we opened our rolls.  At least it was an easy mistake to spot with that particular paper.