Luminous Landscape Forum
Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Printing: Printers, Papers and Inks => Topic started by: Mary K on February 23, 2017, 12:03:42 pm
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I have a 44" HP Z3100 printer that hasn't been run for about a year. The paper feed sensor quit working and I never replaced it. I was going to trash it but thought someone might want it for parts if they are in my area. I'm located in Easton, MD.
I'm printing on a Canon IPF8400 for now, but sure do miss the Z3100.
Mary
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Why don't you fix it?
You could read this and maybe you could fix it yourself.
http://forum.luminous-landscape.com/index.php?topic=115801.msg960724#msg960724
It's not that hard to do.
Paper sensor replacement is pretty easy.
-Mark
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I fixed mine and it needed a belt and power supply fan. With Mark's help and youtube videos it took awhile but by following the steps it can be done.
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I have a 44" HP Z3100 printer that hasn't been run for about a year. The paper feed sensor quit working and I never replaced it. I was going to trash it but thought someone might want it for parts if they are in my area. I'm located in Easton, MD.
I'm printing on a Canon IPF8400 for now, but sure do miss the Z3100.
Mary
I'm curious what it is about the Z3100 that you miss if you have the iPF8400?
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What's to miss on a Z printer? Built in profiling and maintenance of printer color balance. Almost never worry about head cleanings (although Canon is good that way too). But most of all, operating expense, the Canon will require a new printer head or two every year to two years, if you use it a lot or a little. (two large heads costing about $400@)
Also, HP inks are have a longer life, and the HP gray inks are color balanced to neutral resulting in some of the best B&W results available from stock printers.
Not a speed demon, but results are definitely worth it. Also, very frugal on ink usage.
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I like the Canon IPF8400, and I'm pleased with the output, but I miss several features of the HP Z3100.
I miss the built in profiling the most, and I think the B&W output is a tad better than the Canon. I ran the printer for seven years and only had to replace two print heads at a cost of about $65 each. I've replaced two print heads on the IPF8400 in a little less than three years. Canon sent me one replacement even though the original print head was out of warranty, but the next one cost me $427. I believe the HP is more frugal with ink as well.
I was able to purchase extended warranty for the HP for $800 per year. The Canon extended warranty is $1200 per year, and the limit is two years of extension. The HP extended warranty was available for five years as I recall.
The Canon is more user friendly in my opinion. Loading roll paper from the front is much nicer than load roll paper from the back of the printer, and I find it is easier to load cut sheets with the Canon.
Mary
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I too enjoyed my 24" Z3100 for profiling, ink frugality, large tanks, easy to replace printheads, the cutter, etc. It produced prints I really enjoyed. Note: I do NOT print professionally.
Perhaps because I bought one shortly after they were released mine was a maintenance nightmare after a couple of years. On a couple of occasions HP techs spent a couple of days taking it apart and getting it working again. The last time it died was indeed the last time. Many of its maladies were perhaps things I could fix. The truth though is that I want to spend my time on my photography not learning how to be a printer repair tech.
Anyway, if anyone is near Charlotte, NC USA I'll be happy to give away my 24" Z3100, ink and several 24" rolls of paper.
I'm quite pleased with my Epson SC P800 these days. It cost less than a visit from repair techs for the Z3100.
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I too enjoyed my 24" Z3100 for profiling, ink frugality, large tanks, easy to replace printheads, the cutter, etc. It produced prints I really enjoyed. Note: I do NOT print professionally.
Perhaps because I bought one shortly after they were released mine was a maintenance nightmare after a couple of years. On a couple of occasions HP techs spent a couple of days taking it apart and getting it working again. The last time it died was indeed the last time. Many of its maladies were perhaps things I could fix. The truth though is that I want to spend my time on my photography not learning how to be a printer repair tech.
Anyway, if anyone is near Charlotte, NC USA I'll be happy to give away my 24" Z3100, ink and several 24" rolls of paper.
I'm quite pleased with my Epson SC P800 these days. It cost less than a visit from repair techs for the Z3100.
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with your printer - you've mentioned it numerous times. I understand what you are saying about not wanting to be a repair technician, and unquestionably, if you got a rare lemon, it would be frustrating all the way through. If your printer was a 3200, I would ride up there and take it off your hands. Have you tried eBay or Craigslist? They both are good resources for finding new homes for printers.
Glad you're having better luck with your Epson SC P800. I'd like to point out that just because you had some problems with the Z3100, it's not a reason to disrespect the printer. Many very well known folks on this forum have them.
As to your comment about not wanting to become a repairman or mechanic, I think about having a wood shop with table-saw, jointer, planer, bandsaw, etc. Most everyone who has these kind of machines has to have knowledge about having to keep them in tune. Obviously, it's not the same thing, but most folks who keep their printers a long time do become at least somewhat knowledgeable about how to make certain repairs. Otherwise the printers end up in the dump.
But I hear you. Again, sorry you had a bad experience. I remember there was a time you were flying high with that printer.
Mark
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Mark, I harbor no ill will towards HP or the Z3100. It was truly a fine printer when it ran. It ticked all the boxes for me and I ran a LOT of paper through it.
I'm sure the Z3200 is a fine printer and I gave it serious consideration.
In the end, for me, when I weighed the cost of maintenance contracts and repair past maintenance contracts the P800 made the most sense for me. If it lasts 4 or 5 years before expiring I'll be delighted and happily purchase a new 17" printer. Also the P800 was far easier to move to my studio on the second floor of my house than the Z3100 :)
BTW, yes, I do have woodworking tools and know how to use and maintain them. I did give away my ShopSmith though as I no longer needed a lathe.
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My father gave me a Shopsmith 10ER when I was 10 years old Ron. I still have it and use it today, but not for a lathe.
This is one of my lathes I recently replaced the motor in. If you last long enough through this lengthy video, you can see in the background an 8 foot diameter inboard swing pattern Maker's lathe I have in my studio.
If you're a woodworker and have all those tools, why don't you fix your printer instead of giving it away? That thing is a piece of cake compared to some of the stuff required on woodworking machines. I just rebuilt a Milwaukee Delta 14" Bandsaw and replaced all the bearings.
Here's the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBzZtM2ItAA
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Mark, thanks for sharing the video. Your work is truly remarkable and you have amazing skills. I appreciate your artistry with wood.
My skills are pretty rudimentary. I learned from my father and my uncle (who started out as a cabinet maker) then woodshop in 8th grade and machine shop in 9th grade. I chose to go towards electrical engineering beginning in high school which eventually morphed into a job in manufacturing engineering at IBM then IT when manufacturing all but disappeared in the US.
My next wood project is restoring an old bookcase made of US chestnut. It may be approaching 100 years old. The skills required for that project are quite simple and within my capabilities. I'm retired and enjoy taking my sweet old time on projects like this and with my photography.