Large Format Personal Printing

[JeffGreene]

I have spent the last few years having a variety of online labs do my large format (i.e. 11 X 19 and above) printing for me, but since my volume has picked up am seriously considering doing my own. How many of you do your own large format printing? I am currently struggling with whether I should do my own. I am not happy with the quality of my current photo printer and am considering upgrading. I realize that the Epson R800 is getting old at this point, but I love the quality of the monochrome 8 by 10's I've seen off it. 80% of the prints I do are 8 by 10's. A friend has also offered to sell me his Epson R1800, (11 by 19). I am considering either the Epson R800 (max 8 by 10) or the Epson R1800 (max. 11 by 19). The new Canons look good as well, but don't seem as capable with respect to monochrome output. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks in advance.

 

[nightfly]

Epson 1280 with black only Eboni ink from Inksupply.com. 13x19. I think they are being replaced shortly but there are a number of monochome ink solutions available for them if black only isn't your thing. They've been around for a few years now. I love the results but it's not for everyone. The gradation is much better than you would expect and I've had pro's compliment me on the rich, cold tones. You can warm it up by using different papers. Check this out:

http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm

He has a lot of stuff about the newer Epson printers but this technique works great on the 1280.

 

[JeffGreene]

Thanks for the resource, looks great. I've looked at the 1280 and its a good printer. I'll definitely check it out. My interest in the R800 and R1800 relate to some good pricing offered.