Digital BW, The Print

> ...
> I'm looking for a printer to get started.  I've done some traditional
> silver darkroom work and love the look of fiber based matte papers -
> RC never did much for me.  I also want to print color images (which
> presumably means semi-gloss or gloss).  Ideally, I'd like to print
> quality B & W and color prints from one printer due to space and
> expense considerations.

The 2400 is the one I'd recommend for color + B&W.

 
> I'd also like the printer to have some longevity -

Wilhelm Research gives the 2400 good marks.  My fade tests show its prints
are not as lightfast as the MIS UT inks, however.

> 
> The Epson 1800 seems to fit most of my criteria,

It's not a good b&w printers.  No color ink can do what I consider a good
job.  The 2400 has the requisite gray inks, however.

> ... would an earlier epson (like the 2200) be a better way to go?

The 2200 with QTR can make better B&W than an 1800.

> Another possibility would be a couple of used 1280's, but they would
> take up more space than I have and would have that irritating single
> cartridge for all colors thing (limiting ink sets I could use and
> costing more cash in consumables).  I'd also have longevity and
> support issues to consider as this printer ages.

The MIS clear carts are easily re-fillable with color and B&W pigments that
are very lightfast.  I don't think the used 1280s are as reliable as the
newer printers.

> I could maybe do a pair of R800's, but I wouldn't have the wide
> carriage and I'd be afraid of outgrowing this printer if it can't do
> sizes greater than 8.5 x 11.

The C86 or R200 (and probably R2200 -- I'll test on next week) are cheap
enough that starting with one of these doesn't cost you much.

I have my recommendations with respect to the printers I've worked with at
http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/index.htm.  

Good luck on your journey.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com