Printer Advice: Epson 3880 vs. P800

[______]

I am going to pull the trigger on a digital printer in the next 30-60 days and am trying to decide between a refurbished Epson 3880 and an Epson P800. There are lots of people who recommend the older 3880, mostly because of the availability of Piezography Pro inks. I will be using it, at least initially, for B&W prints and inter-negatives for alternative processes, but over time surely for color prints. Any advice would be welcome.

 

[Richard G]

Here's Ctein before he fell out with The Online Photographer.

http://theonlinephotographer.typepa...duct-review-epson-surecolor-p800-printer.html

Good and detailed review.

 

[______]

Ctien did mention the quality wasn't as good as the 4900. Anyone with experience with the 3880 vs P800 vs. 4900?

 

[plummerl]

As far as the 3880, I've had mine for 6-1/2 years. In all that time I've never had a clog, even after letting it set idle for 3-5 months. I think I've run a cleaning at most, maybe twice. It still spits out fantastic prints and using ABW for B&W is equally great.

 

[35photo]

I've owned an R2400 clogged had the head replaced, had a 3880 while it made some really nice prints it clogged a lot and finally the black got so clogged I couldn't clean it with the software and didn't have the patience to go and buy fluids and what not to clean it.. sold it for parts... Got an Canon Pro 1000 been really happy with the prints thus far... The B&W was really great even better than the Epson in my opinion.. feels like the Canon can print more of a range if tones.. Plus you can change the head yourself on the Canon... Don't think I'll buy another Epson..

 

[Shac]

Like Larry above , I've had a 3880 for 4 years and no clogs. Produces IMO excellent prints in B&W and colour. It does allow printing from roll but that's no problem for me.
Tough decision probably.

 

[SaveKodak]

People make great prints with either. IMO get the newest one available so it has a warranty.

Peizography is basically snake oil so IMO, avoid. There is always an attraction to magic bullets in photography and this is a great example. I'd challenge you to make BAD prints using Epson inks and earnest techniques.

 

[SaveKodak]

Here's Ctein before he fell out with The Online Photographer.

http://theonlinephotographer.typepa...duct-review-epson-surecolor-p800-printer.html

Good and detailed review.

Off topic but I didn't realize this falling out happened. Good riddance IMO. That guy put the most work into the least interesting photographs I've ever seen.

 

[Dan]

FWIW, my 3800 died this past summer and I replaced it with the P800 and am very pleased with the 15 x 20 inch prints I routinely make. As mentioned above, you'll get a warranty, too. I perceived a small jump in overall image quality and can detect slightly better tonality and color. I got $350 off by using the promotion and 'upgrading'.

 

[Nowhereman]

Ctien did mention the quality wasn't as good as the 4900. Anyone with experience with the 3880 vs P800 vs. 4900?

Just saw that there is now a replacement for the 4900, called the SureColor P5000. This, published two days ago, is the first thing I've seen on this printer. Does anyone know anything more about it?

_______________
Alone in Bangkok essay on BURN Magazine

 

[Pablito]

3880 is excellent machine, I have had 3 of them. All of them die of clogged black ink. If you keep doing power head cleaning to fix it, the machine will start to spew black ink blotches. Happened to all three of my 3880. Repair is about $350. The P800 has a roll adapter at extra cost. If you print a lot that can save you a lot on paper cost.

 

[PaulDalex]

35Photo,
I have an Epson R3000. Not only it clogs frequently, but now, like all Epson I have had before, has started staining the prints.
I don't like glossy papers. I use Ilford Gallery Smooth Pearl (semigloss)
Have you tested the canon with matte or semigloss papers?
Cheers
Paolo

 

[Dogman]

I agree with SaveKodak--get the newest model with a warranty. I've never had great luck with refurbished anything.

I don't do commercial work so I'm only making prints to satisfy myself. But I am a pretty tough critic. I've been using an R3000 for about 5 years. My printing schedule varies from several daily to nothing for 3-4 weeks at a time. Sizes 6x9" and 12x18". I've only had to do cleaning cycles a few times with mine. It just keeps on cranking out beautiful prints. But I know Epson printers have the reputation for clogged nozzles that eventually kill the machines.

I only use matte finish rag papers (therefore, the R3000 is only printing with the matte black ink cartridge). I never use any other type of paper at all. While I've only been printing B&W most recently, I also follow Ctein's advice on color management when color printing--let the Epson printer's software manage the color and forget about custom and downloaded profiles. Since I started doing that, I've had less frustration, fewer reprints and I'm getting better looking prints.

 

[PaulDalex]

I understand your point on Epson managing color.
In fact I discovered that it is a must when one print on roll long images.
If one choses to have PS manage color the printing is interrupted or corrupted in the final centimeters.
Bug or sabotage?
I print both matte and semimatte. Now I want to try Ilford Gallery gold silk.
But I want to ditch Epson.
I am tired to open the printer and use whole rolls of kitchen papaer to absorb the excess of ink staining my prints
All the best
Paolo

 

[SaveKodak]

35Photo,
I have an Epson R3000. Not only it clogs frequently, but now, like all Epson I have had before, has started staining the prints.
I don't like glossy papers. I use Ilford Gallery Smooth Pearl (semigloss)
Have you tested the canon with matte or semigloss papers?
Cheers
Paolo

My R3000 has never clogged, I do get the occasional ink splotch at an edge, but I run thru some cleaning procedures beforehand and it has much lessened this occurance.

Digital printing can be frustrating, especially because we cede control to a mystery box in some sense. OTOH though, I do recall some frustrating days in the darkroom, and many a wasted sheet of paper. Some things are better, some things are worse. I hate to admit it but I think my R3000 makes better color prints than I ever did with an enlarger and RA4.

 

[SaveKodak]

I agree with SaveKodak--get the newest model with a warranty. I've never had great luck with refurbished anything.

I don't do commercial work so I'm only making prints to satisfy myself. But I am a pretty tough critic. I've been using an R3000 for about 5 years. My printing schedule varies from several daily to nothing for 3-4 weeks at a time. Sizes 6x9" and 12x18". I've only had to do cleaning cycles a few times with mine. It just keeps on cranking out beautiful prints. But I know Epson printers have the reputation for clogged nozzles that eventually kill the machines.

I only use matte finish rag papers (therefore, the R3000 is only printing with the matte black ink cartridge). I never use any other type of paper at all. While I've only been printing B&W most recently, I also follow Ctein's advice on color management when color printing--let the Epson printer's software manage the color and forget about custom and downloaded profiles. Since I started doing that, I've had less frustration, fewer reprints and I'm getting better looking prints.

Can you link me to this post about letting the printer manage color?

 

[plummerl]

Can you link me to this post about letting the printer manage color?

The post referred to is in the link to TOP, in the second post above. Be careful though, Ctein's advice is based on the OS that you're using. He recommends Printer Manage Color, only for MAC's. Windows, he still points to PS (or whatever software) managing color.

 

[SaveKodak]

iMac user for life. 🙂

 

[35photo]

35Photo,
I have an Epson R3000. Not only it clogs frequently, but now, like all Epson I have had before, has started staining the prints.
I don't like glossy papers. I use Ilford Gallery Smooth Pearl (semigloss)
Have you tested the canon with matte or semigloss papers?
Cheers
Paolo

I printed beautiful 17x22 prints on Canon Semi-Glass Paper that came with the printer in a bundle from B&H... I'm about to print on some matte paper I got for a zine I'll keep you posted...

 

[Calzone]

F,

The P800 has a darker black and a newer inkset with a wider color gamut, but Epson devised a lock in so you can't use third party inks. So far no work around. It has been reported that the P800 has a higher pressure pump so it kinda explains why there are no reports of clogging.

The 3880 (I own one) offers flexibility if you decide to go third part inks, and you can do Piezography. For color printing I would use Jon Cone archival pigment inks at a fraction of OEM inks for color and use refillable carts. The 3880 and 3800 are known to be very durable printers, but the P800 has the improved inkset with a wider color gamut.

For digital negative it seems my Piezography Pro would meet your B&W printing needs as well as your Digital Negative needs without any ink changes. I presently am running Piezography Pro and the results are stunning.

Best to look at Piezography.com for more printer advice. It seems the X800 and X880 printers are thought of the most durable printers Epson made. The P800 seems very good, but it is still early... Lots of reading for you to judge which is best for you.

I use my 3880 heavily, but I do a lot of maintenance. After two years it is going still strong, and at this point I got my money's worth and I consider it a free printer.

Cal