Digital BW, The Print

You guys are going to laugh!  A couple of days ago, I finally 
mustered up the nerve to dive into my "trashed" Epson 7600 on my own. 
(When I told the Epson repairman my intention he scoffed ---
understandably.) But what did I have to lose?  My primary tools: red 
nail polish (to tag the exact position of moving parts), a stick of 
incense (the stem of which I used as an adhesive applicator), and 
Superglue!  There was a piece broken off in two places from the 
carriage housing. It engaged with several moving parts. It took 
several attempts, but I re-secured it in its original position.  To 
my utter amazement, the printer appears to be functioning as before.  
After multiple, large, high resolution prints, I do not know how long 
it will ultimately last ---but, hopefully, until the new 7800 is on 
the field and some of you pros have had a chance to test and analyze 
its capabilities. ---I am still in a state of disbelief. I can't 
believe it, but I am back to work.

Anyway, thanks all.

Nathan Jones
Salt Lake City



--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "chiron1961" 
<NTJSLC@a...> wrote:
> OK Clayton:
> 
> That makes good sense.  I'll reign in the horses and pin my eye to 
> the new prospect.  I'll be watching closely. (In the meantime, I am 
> going to dive into the "trashed" old 7600 myself to see what I can 
do 
> to fix it. I have some ideas. I'll keep you posted.) Thanks again. 
> Keep up the good work.
> ---Nathan 
> 
> --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Clayton 
Jones" 
> <cj@c...> wrote:
> > Hello Nathan,
> > 
> > >Thank you kindly Clayton for the suggestion.  I think I'll start 
> > >searching for another Epson 7600 ---this time with a warranty.  
> > >It is a machine that seems tried and true.  After just one week 
> > >of waiting, I can hardly stand the thought of waiting months.  
> > 
> > Understood, but think about this ("months" might have been to big 
a
> > word) - In a relatively short time (a week or two?) the new 
printers
> > will be shipping and there probably will be lots of 7600s for 
sale 
> at
> > good prices from folks upgrading to the 7800, so by waiting a bit
> > longer a better deal could be found.  But, if you are willing to 
> wait
> > that long, a bit more time will probably produce some real 
feedback 
> on
> > the 7800 BW quality - you'd be kicking yourself if the 7800 turns 
> out
> > to be BW nirvana and you just bought a 7600.   Just food for 
> thought.
> > 
> > 
> > >Any suggestions in how to avoid a machine with micro banding? 
> > >Any particular models that seem less inclined to this malady 
> > >than others?
> > 
> > Best I can tell from reading this forum, it seems to vary from 
one 
> to
> > another.  I sold an 870 once to someone who had one and wanted
> > another.  He said mine was smoother than his.  Reports about 1280s
> > have been all over the map re clogging and banding.   Re the new 
K3
> > printers, Epson did say something to the effect that the 17" and
> > larger models will have tighter testing/alignment standards than 
the
> > smaller models, so that may be in your favor (can anyone fill in 
> here
> > with some details?).
> > 
> >  
> > >Incidentally, I have been doing alot of reading and research on 
> > >the digital process for fine art photography.  Your writings 
have 
> > >been among the most helpful and important to my getting 
started.  
> > >I thank you for your generosity in sharing your expertise so 
> openly. 
> > 
> > You're welcome, and thanks for the kind remarks.  Good luck in 
your
> > printer quest, let us know what happens.  
> > 
> > 
> > Regards,
> > Clayton
> > 
> > 
> > Info on black and white digital printing at    
> > http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm