Digital BW, The Print

Been thinking about this myself.  Recent article in Digital PhotoPro:

"  The companies who have been most active in the professional printer market are Canon and Epson.  HP makes some strong contenders, and several top professionals are especially attracted to their very large models, but over the past few years, HP seems to have chosen to put more efforts into other parts areas of its business.  "

From what I have read on various forums, HP has great print quality, doesn't have the head issues of Canon or the clog issues of Epson.  They are initially somewhat more expensive, but seem to have relatively few maintenance issues.  I have read mixed evaluations of their service.  That said, if they aren't actively pursuing large format printing in the future, it could be a concern.  Check out Luminous Landscape and Northlight for some comparisons.

Good luck!


--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "LouisD" <lou@...> wrote:
>
> I need some advice from the group on a new large format printer.
> 
> I've been using a Canon iPF6100 24" printer for the last 3 or 4 years and have been pleased with it for both color and B&W work. The weak point of this printer is the head life (less than 2 years, and at $500 each, and two heads per printer, it can get expensive. At least they are user replaceable). It never clogs, but when the heads go, they GO NOW!
> 
> I want to buy a 24" (or possibly a 44") wide printer. I print much more color than B&W, so I want good gamut and Dmax. I plan to use the driver with custom color profiles, not a RIP. Ink costs are always a concern, and so are clogs. Low maintenance is HIGH on my list of priorities.
> 
> My biggest problem is that I print only occasionally, usually in spurts, and sometimes I won't use my large format printer for 1–3 months at a time. I know that's begging for maintenance and head clogging problems. I guess I could farm out my larger work, but I lose control over the printing process, quality, etc., and as good as color management tools are, I still often like to print a 2nd or 3rd print to get exactly what I really want.
> 
> I'd appreciate any printer suggestions. I am also open to other advise. 
> 
> I'd even consider a reliable used printer (workhorse) that will accept 3rd party inks. 
> 
> Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
> 
> Lou Dina
>