Evan I did some back of a napkin math. Both simplistically assume 3 carts only used for B&W prints - no color toning, etc. Assumes same 0.75ml/8x10 usage.
Using 1/2 matte and 1/2 gloss would cost the same per print - but would also need to factor in the lost ink from the switching process.
2880 (3 carts = 33ml of black/LB/LLB)
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8 x 10s: 44 prints
13 x 19s: 14 prints
17 x 21s: na
Actually, my math above is too simplistic. Doing some more research (source: http://people.csail.mit.edu/ericchan/dp/Epson3800/faq.html#inkstable), apparently the 3800 (adn I assume the 2880 where applicable) when printing B&W using the Epson AWB uses the following 6 inks:
Photo Black / Matte Black
Light Black
Light Light Black
Light Cyan
Light Magenta
Yellow
I highly recommend the referenced site (at least for the 3800), takes that black magic of cost of printer ownership to a whole new level.
John Power wrote:
Wayne, you know a lot of stuff about this topic. And owning 185 studios I can see why! Ain't capitalism great...
(30Ds I see. It would be a bit more expensive to outfit them all with 1DSMK3s)
NK. Fortunately the the 30D is more than enough camera for our needs. We currently have well over 300 30d's. Many of them capture over 200 images every day. We had a lot of shutter issues with the 20d, but the 30d has performed very well (some have over 200,000 actuations.)
We opened our first digital studios in 1999, and paid $14,000 each for 4 Kodak 520's and $26,000 for 2 kodak 560's. Amazing how things have changed in less than 10 years.
I just bought the 3800 refurbished from Epson. I wanted the wider print width and most importantly network instead of USB. I have an Ethernet hub and connect as many peripherals as possible using the hub. It's really easier to manage.
I have a 2880. I love the prints but the printer is tempermental when using thicker paper such as Velvet Fine Art. I often get a paper jam message when there is none.
I have a 3800, bought to do the prints for a show i had last year. I just recently bought my first set of 17inch paper. (17x22 and 17x25,) and im scratching my head as to why i hadnt bought any of this stuff sooner. Im so excited to get home and try a print on that massive paper.
Wilfredo wrote:
I have a 2880. I love the prints but the printer is tempermental when using thicker paper such as Velvet Fine Art. I often get a paper jam message when there is none.
Wayne if you don't mind answering a question for me please. I also have been admiring the 3800 but I will go weeks between printing. I am worried about clogged head issues. Presently I have dye ink Canon ONLY because of this reason.
I really want to go pigment and the 3800 with it's 17" is the size I am looking for. Now earlier you said you might go a month between printing, then agitate each ink cart.
While I don't have either the 2880 or 3800, I can address the potential clogged head issue via my experience with the R1800. I do a nozzle check weekly and do not get clogged heads. If I forget to do this for more than 3-4 weeks without printing, I can get a clog, but the remove and agitate method helps to clear it up immediately. I've had the 1800 for 3 years now and have only had 2 clogged heads in that time.
peterbosox wrote:
Wayne if you don't mind answering a question for me please. I also have been admiring the 3800 but I will go weeks between printing. I am worried about clogged head issues. Presently I have dye ink Canon ONLY because of this reason.
I really want to go pigment and the 3800 with it's 17" is the size I am looking for. Now earlier you said you might go a month between printing, then agitate each ink cart.
THis has saved you on clogged printheads?
I frequently go weeks without printing using my 3800, and have never had a nozzle clog (never agitated, either). I was very, very disturbed by my experiences with my Epson 1270, which consumed more ink cleaning heads than printing images.
The 3800 is a fantastic printer, and I also chose it due to the economics of the ink costs compared to the 2800 (at the time).
peterbosox wrote:
Wayne if you don't mind answering a question for me please. I also have been admiring the 3800 but I will go weeks between printing. I am worried about clogged head issues. Presently I have dye ink Canon ONLY because of this reason.
I really want to go pigment and the 3800 with it's 17" is the size I am looking for. Now earlier you said you might go a month between printing, then agitate each ink cart.
THis has saved you on clogged printheads?
Agitating isn't to help with clogs. The 3800 itself is just very good about clogs. I have one printer that is in a remote location. I'm only there occasionally ... 3 to 12 weeks between visits. Very little clogging problems.
The pigments in the ink settle out over time. One reason Epson recommends only 6 months after they've been installed. Agitating them every so often theoretically remixes the pigments so the cartridges last longer than the recommended 6 months. I really don't know for sure if it works or not ... seems logical and I know I have cartridges that are a year old that seem to be fine.
I have just got the 3800 and am very impressed with the early results. It just works, and it is nice to know that you don't see the ink level go down after each print like I did on my last printer (Epson 380 from about 4 years ago). There's no way I'll be replacing the inks after 6 months either! That costs over $1000 here!
Volktronic wrote:
I'm just an amateur Photog and I've always wondered about these printers.
Why would you get one? Is there a cost benefit over the lab? Is the quality better than the lab? Or is it just a convenience issue?
Thanks,
Zach
Its a topic for its on thread, but basically there is no way that you as an individual will break even on your own inkjet unless you use a large format model and print a solid volume. So from a financial standpoint, for most photographers there isn't really a good argument for inkjet.
However there are good reasons for inkjet printing.
1) Personalized control of the final image + you are your own QA guy, and your own proofer and printer... This is both a positive and negative because you have to pay your dues to get the most from your printer.
2) Choice of papers and finishes. Labs who use RA-4 chemical processes (lightjet etc) usually have a very limited range of paper types. Labs who use inkjets usually only stock limited paper types.
3) Instant feedback - don't like the print? Make a change to your file and send it through again. There is no wait for the mail and no risk of damage in shipping.
