Used Epson 2200 vs new Epson 1400

[Eridium]

Hi Everyone,

After reading some very helpful responses in this recent thread I began to get cold feet about buying a used Epson 2200, which was first released 8 years ago.  The price offered to me was $200 for the printer including an extra set of inks and a custom icc profile.  I think that's a little high considering the printer's age and competition with today's models.

I checked the specs of Epson's current lineup, and it seems the Epson Stylus Photo 1400 is $199 new from Amazon and prints at the same size (13x19).  From what I understand it is faster and uses ink more efficiently than the older technology of the 2200 (please correct me if wrong).  Since I am new to photo printers and haven't followed their evolution over the past decade I'd like to hear your opinions.  Which would you choose, between a used 2200 vs new 1400?

I think an upper-midrange (at the time) 2x00 series printer must have benefits over a lower-midrange (today) 1x00 series in build quality etc.

One concern for me is that I use OS X.6 and there have been serious issues with the 2200, though they seem to be imperfectly resolved with the latest print driver.  I imagine the 1400 will remain compatible / supported for a longer time.  Though keep in mind I consider this a "learning" printer for me to become familiar with digital printing.

I use Mac OS X.6, Photoshop CS4, and Lightroom 2.x.
I only print color photos.  (I understand that the 2200 is not good for b/w)  I hear the 2200's heads can clog over time, especially if it isn't used often.  Not sure if that'll be an issue.

I appreciate any feedback, and thank all of you who shared your thoughts in my previous thread.

- E

[John R Smith]

E -

If you are new to photo printing and are not already familiar with the little quirks of Epsons in particular, I would strongly suggest that you get yourself a new machine with current support and the latest drivers. The 1400 will be a perfectly fine machine to learn your trade on, it will also be spanking new and under warranty. Then, in a year or so you will have learned enough about printing to make an informed decision about the next step (which might be a 2880, or 3880, or whatever).

Second-hand kit is great if you are prepared to mess around getting it set up and you know what you are doing. If you are starting out, $200 for a new printer is a better bet.

John

[Randy Carone]

The 2200 uses UltraChrome pigment ink that is archival and the 1400 uses Claria ink, which is dye-based. The real comparison should be the 2200 vs. 1900, which uses UltraChrome ink (and has a gloss optimizer). Epson is offering a $150 rebate on the 1900; net $399.99. The 1400 is $299.99. At $100 difference, my choice would be the 1900.

[John R Smith]

Randy

I think you would be correct except that almost nobody keeps their first printer. You need something to learn on which is inexpensive so that when you do decide to upgrade you can afford to relegate it to your internet PC or give it to the kids.

Having said that, the R1900 is a fine printer (but probably soon to be replaced). Mechanically, it is pretty much the same as the R2400. One should always bear in mind that the real cost of a printer is not the purchase price, but the ink. In this respect, only the big ones like the 3800/3880 and upwards will show any true savings.

John

[Craig Lamson]

Hi Everyone,

After reading some very helpful responses in this recent thread I began to get cold feet about buying a used Epson 2200, which was first released 8 years ago.  The price offered to me was $200 for the printer including an extra set of inks and a custom icc profile.  I think that's a little high considering the printer's age and competition with today's models.

I checked the specs of Epson's current lineup, and it seems the Epson Stylus Photo 1400 is $199 new from Amazon and prints at the same size (13x19).  From what I understand it is faster and uses ink more efficiently than the older technology of the 2200 (please correct me if wrong).  Since I am new to photo printers and haven't followed their evolution over the past decade I'd like to hear your opinions.  Which would you choose, between a used 2200 vs new 1400?

I think an upper-midrange (at the time) 2x00 series printer must have benefits over a lower-midrange (today) 1x00 series in build quality etc.

One concern for me is that I use OS X.6 and there have been serious issues with the 2200, though they seem to be imperfectly resolved with the latest print driver.  I imagine the 1400 will remain compatible / supported for a longer time.  Though keep in mind I consider this a "learning" printer for me to become familiar with digital printing.

I use Mac OS X.6, Photoshop CS4, and Lightroom 2.x.
I only print color photos.  (I understand that the 2200 is not good for b/w)  I hear the 2200's heads can clog over time, especially if it isn't used often.  Not sure if that'll be an issue.

I appreciate any feedback, and thank all of you who shared your thoughts in my previous thread.

- E

I've had my 2200 since 2002, and still use it to make my portfoilo prints, display prints and mailers.  Its a real workhorse and produces a great print.  Somewher ein my future is an upgrade to a 38xx or similar just to get the bigger ink carts.

That said if hte 2200 you are looking at has not been beaten to death it might be a very good buy.  Offer $150.00

BTW, I print from a window platform and my prints have been near perfect screen matches from day one.

[Eridium]

The 2200 uses UltraChrome pigment ink that is archival and the 1400 uses Claria ink, which is dye-based. The real comparison should be the 2200 vs. 1900, which uses UltraChrome ink (and has a gloss optimizer). Epson is offering a $150 rebate on the 1900; net $399.99.

Wow!  There is a $150 rebate on the R1900 and the Amazon price is $449.  That means the net cost is in fact $299!!

A brand new state of the art R1900 archival printer for $299 or an 8 year old 2200 archival printer for $200.

That really changes the decision calculus here.

It just seems to be an ink hog, though I hear the same about the 2200.
Time for me to research the R1900 rather than 1400.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

[mmurph]

I was going to strongly recommend the 1400, until the post on the price of the 1900.

I **would not** shy away froim the 1400 because it uses dye inks. They are the best dyes Epson has made made for longevity. Maybe not "archival", but certainly long lasting. The differences for most really might be a quibble, given how much no-one really cares about the vast majority of prints that we make!      

http://www.wilhelm-research.com/epson/SP1400.html


The 1400 is also a very nice tool as a decidicated B&W printer with relatively inexpensive inks. That is the one concern about that size printer - the ink carts are so small and so relatively expensive.  You could go to reusable carts or a CIS in the 1900, then suck the ink out of Epson 7900 larger carts with a syringe (or whatever the right Ulrachrome set is - haven't looked.)

The 2200 had some gamut limitations and bronzing issues. Plus, as you said, later printers used much less of that precious ink per square foot. Payback on the newer printers in ink use might be pretty quick, given taht the old inks and newer ones basically cost teh same. Plus warrenty, etc. I would pass on the 2200 personally.

Have fun!
Michael

[mmurph]

Wow!  There is a $150 rebate on the R1900 and the Amazon price is $449.  That means the net cost is in fact $299!!

Wait - the rebate **does not** apply at Amazon.copm. Maybe already included in the price?
[blockquote]
This offer is not valid for purchases made in store or online at Amazon.com,[/blockquote]

http://www.epson.com/cmc_upload/pdf/SPR190...06-C32500_1.pdf


The R1900 is $400 with free shipping at the Epson USA site.

[Eridium]

Wait - the rebate **does not** apply at Amazon.copm. Maybe already included in the price?
[blockquote]
This offer is not valid for purchases made in store or online at Amazon.com,[/blockquote]

http://www.epson.com/cmc_upload/pdf/SPR190...06-C32500_1.pdf

Good eyes Murph.  Thanks for calling it to my attention.
But the coupon does work at B&H, where it is $484 - 150 = $334.  Just $35 more
(You have to add to cart to get $484 rather than the $549 regular price)

The R1900 is $400 with free shipping at the Epson USA site.

That's pretty good too as it adds free shipping.  ($33 at B&H)

[mmurph]

Midwest Photo Exchange has it at $500. But they also have free shipping, so net cost is $350!

[blockquote]For free ground shipping on Epson orders over $75, enter Promo code: EPSON above[/blockquote]

Their ink price is also a little lower than B&H at $11.95 if you are going to get carts for the 1900 rigfht away.  They are a medium-sized shop in Columbus, Ohio with great customer service!  Owners are wonderful, as are many of the folks that work for them.  I have always preferred to call and work with a specific salesperson for repeat business, but their online ordering is also decent.

www.mpex.com

Your call of course. I wouldn't encourage anyone to switch shops to save $15! Shades of Ppaer also has great customer service, but their online pricing is not attractive right now. They post here sometimes, you could ping them.


The Canon Pro9500 is also pretty cheap - **if** you happen to need a Canon camera - 5DII, 7D, 50D, T1i, T2i.  $500 rebate with those cameras brings the net cost to $250. Pro9000 is $45 after $400 rebate, both at B&H.  

Have fun!

Best,
Michael