Replacing my Epson 7900 question

[Peterretep2]

My 7900 was giving me so many problems I finally just quit using it a little over a year ago. It was my second large format Epson as I also had a 7600. I haven't done any printing since I gave up on the 7900 and am looking to get back to printing some of my work again. I am wanting a smaller printer, I really don't need a large format printer any more. I had been considering both the Epson P700 or the P900. I was looking for reviews on these two machines so I went on to Amazon to get feedback from users. The negative reviews are so numerous on both printers that I'm not even sure I want to get back into printing at all.

My question to you all is, do you have experience with either the P700 or P900 and if so, what do you think of them? Also and most importantly, are other manufacturers making printers that can rival or even surpass Epson in terms of print quality and permanence? I appreciate any and all comments!

Thanks,

Peter Montanti, Mountain Photographics

[dgberg]

Skip both those models and go straight to the P5370. The build is second to none, outstanding printer.  Costs only $700 more than the P900 and the ink is half the cost. Takes rolls and has a new enhanced mode for black and white. Size aside you will find nothing better in the Epson lineup. Just love ours.

[tsinsf]

I have been using the Epson P900 since it came out several years ago. I do a lot of printing, I am on my fourth or five round of replacing cartridges. The only recurring problem I have had is that it is a little funky getting it to accept thick paper in the rear. Not impossible, it just involves a learning curve. No problems accepting my go to paper, luster. I had one serious clog, which was partly my fault. As you may or may not know, it tells you you are low on ink way before you actually are, so I ignore that message and keep on printing until it tells you are actually out. I didn't have a replacent cartridge handy, so I just turned the printer and forgot about it. Then we were away during a long dry hot spell (temps in the high 90s). When I finally got the cartridge and turned on the printer, it had a serious clog that required a power clean. I think running out of ink and letting it sit predisposes to clogs, as does severe heat and dryness. So, all in all, I love the printer. It makes gorgeous prints.

[Peterretep2]

Thanks to Dan and tsinsf for your comments, I appreciate them!

[sharadn]

I have had good luck with my P900. I also use the roll paper adapter. Maybe I was just lucky. I printed about 200 images of sizes from 10x16 to 14x21 and they look gorgeous. I have also printed panoramas using the roll adapter with both 13 and 17" paper. Mostly Moab Entrada Natural but also Red River Paper Palo Duro Softgloss.

[KenS]

I am in a similar situation with my Epson 7800.  It still works but is 'fussy'.
The printer reviews at this site are very thorough, here is a link to one of many of Keith's reviews:

https://www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p5300-printer-review/

Would be interested in finding out what you end up with.

Ken

[Eric Brody]

I agree with dgberg. I do not have the P5370... yet, but it's probably just a matter of time. I'm currently on my third P900 and while it actually has been working well for the past 7 months (longer than any of the others lasted), I'm not sure I can recommend it to anyone at this point. I'm waiting until I run out of inks, I have a lot for some complex reasons, or for it to fail (not in a hurry) and will then likely get the P5370. I have not personal experience with the 5370 but reviews from people I trust, Keith Cooper and Marc Segal, are impressively positive. Given that it has the body of the P5000, a rock solid performer, and the heads of the P900, it makes a lot of sense for those who can afford it.