Digital BW, The Print

Thanks Paul.  Here's my bag: I generally would not print color, however, some of the B&W 
work I do has an intense sepia look to it (which would require some color).  You can find 
some examples here: http://www.joelbelmont.com/pregnant.html

Would using a cheaper/older printer (such as the 7500) be able to handle this need well, 
or would I be better off considering investing in something newer?

Thanks for your time.

~Joel

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "Paul Roark" <paul.roark@v...> 
wrote:
> Joel,
> 
> > Given that I would be doing a fair amount of printing (mostly for
> > exhibitions), do you think it would be more effective to buy a 
> > printer in the lower range 7500/7600 or higher range (9500/9800) 
> 
> The size of prints you'll be making is the issue with respect to size of
> printer.  The 7xxx and 9xxx printers of the same era are otherwise the same.
> I would buy whatever you need to do your work.  
> 
> Between the older 7500 and latest 7800, budget is, of course, a major issue.
> Each generation gets better, at least in some respects.  I didn't like the
> dmax of the 7600, so I need to use a rip with that, but those are now
> reasonable in price.  Of course, if you do any color, the 7800 is the one to
> get.  The latest K3 printers also are going to allow the best control yet of
> print tones.  On the other hand, we've been doing rather well with the older
> ones also.  It's debatable whether 99% of the people can see any difference
> in quality from the 7500 with good B&W inks and the 7800.
> 
> > or have someone else print the work?
> 
> I have not worked out the cost comparison you outlined.  Frankly, from my
> experience, if you are very close to a top notch service bureau and do
> enough volume of work to deal with them easily, then that is a real option.
> It never has been for me, however.  Either due to my pickiness or whatever,
> even when I was in L.A., the inefficiencies of working with service bureaus
> was a major reason I went with inkjet technology and bought the best scanner
> I could afford as soon as I could.  It allowed me to move all my production
> in-house, and that has been a huge advantage.  Having control of the full
> process is just critical to me, but I fully understand that for many that is
> not an issue.  
> 
> My formula was to get an older printer (e.g., 7500 -- now $580 used on eBay
> or $1500 refurbished), MIS inks (bulk ink is about $50 per pint, about the
> amount that is in a four $69 Epson 7600 carts), and reasonably priced, top
> notch paper (like PremierArt 205 -- 24" x 66' roll for $122; see
> http://www.atlex.com/premier/fine-art-205.htm).
> 
> At $50 for a pint, per-print ink costs become almost irrelevant.
> Additionally, with that much ink, your consistency is better, because ink
> batches do vary even for Epson inks.
> 
> Paper is the more expensive variable.  The roll paper is probably the way to
> go there.  While many prefer thicker paper, once matted there is no
> difference that I've been able to tell.  In fact, dealing with the curl of
> the paper is easier with the thinner papers (but not a major problem with
> 300 gsm cotton paper either).
> 
> Hope this helps.
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com