Digital BW, The Print

On Sep 2, 2007, at 10:03 AM, chriskjezp wrote:

> I recently posted about upgrading to an 1800 or 2400 from my 220.
> After more reflection I'm not completely sure I'm ready to spend that
> much on a printer (and ongoing ink costs).
>
> Since I'm fairly happy with the B&W results with MIS UTR2 & my 220,
> and I don't a pressing need to print larger than 8.5x11, I've thought
> of getting another 220 and dedicating it to color with MIS PRO inks.
> However, 220s aren't available anymore.

They are available used, Chris, and I'd take a chance on one locally  
available on which I could print samples before buying, but of course  
you'd have to wait for one to turn up and invest time and energy in  
the testing.


>   I see I have the following
> choices: 260, 280, 380.  Right now they will pay me to buy a 260 ($60
> minus $75 rebate) and the 380 will cost about $35.
>
> I have a few questions about these printers though:
>
> 1. Are they compatible with MIS inks?  They're not listed on the MIS
> site, but printer models change frequently...

I don't know and haven't heard.


> 2. Do these printers have the same problem feeding thick art papers as
> the 220 and 800?

Ditto.

> (I can use Premier Hot Press 205 on my 220 without a
> problem, but that's as thick as it will go without a lot of hassle)

> 3. What about these Claria inks?  I know they're dye-based, but Epson
> claims they are fade resistant and last up to 200 years.  Perhaps I
> don't need the MIS inks?

Probably not if you can keep a good digital archive refreshed to  
protect your option to re-print - and keep the Claria prints close to  
you until you are confident they won't make you look bad after you  
circulate them.

What gave me the most pause about the Claria inks when they first  
came out is that they weren't promoted for use on any matte paper,  
which I prefer almost to the exclusion of other paper. But maybe  
someone on the list has since found them to do OK on matte.

Incidentally, Chris, I can't tell whether you know that the Claria  
ink are also available in "Hi Capacity" carts:

<http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/Landing/HighCapacityInks.jsp? 
BV_UseBVCookie=yes>.


> 4. Anyone know what the significant differences are between the 260
> and 380 are?  The only thing I can see is the 380 has card slots to
> print PC free which I could care less about.

I think both it and the 280 also will print on CDs and DVDs, but I'd  
rather use archival sleeves I've written on by hand. Plus the deal  
currently available on the 260 is hard to pass up.


> I know this is slightly OT as a "color" post, but it pertains to my
> overall strategy for printing with B&W as well so I hope it will be
> excused!

Good luck, Chris; I think it's good you're going into this as  
thoroughly as you are.
--
Sam