[alt-photo] Re: Fwd: Epson printer 3880

[Diana Bloomfield]

Hi Kerik,

Thanks so much.  And, yes- exactly the same thing-- clogging with the  
magenta inks, and also some clogging with one of the blacks.  I did  
several cleanings, along with a "power cleaning," and it just never  
got any better.  One day it worked great, and the next day (when I  
needed it the most, of course), it just stopped.  I didn't really  
check with anyone, but I assumed something needed replacement that  
would cost more $$$ than it was worth.  I did buy it when it first  
came out, so it's been a great printer for all that time-- but, like  
most printers and computers, seems to have a definite end-life (of  
about 5 years).

So thanks again, Kerik-- very helpful information.  It looks like B&H  
has the 3880 for about $1100, so that's where I'm headed next  
(online). :)

Diana

On Jun 14, 2011, at 11:55 AM, kerik at kerik.com wrote:

> Diana,
>
> First, I'm wondering what happened to your 3800. Mine had clogging  
> problems with the magenta inks that couldn't be resolved without  
> replacing the print head ($$$). I've heard similar magenta problems  
> from other 3800 users. So, I replaced it with a 3880 in November. I  
> am getting great digital negatives with the 3880 and QuadTone RIP.  
> It's easy to get plenty of UV density without resorting to a highly  
> colorized negative. As far as I can tell, the only difference  
> between the 3800 and 3880 are the magenta inks. I don't know if the  
> dithering has changed but the negatives print beautifully in  
> platinum and gum and it makes great inkjet prints.
>
> One interesting thing I stumbled on while calibrating the 3880: If  
> you use the front feed slot to load your transparency material to  
> avoid pizza wheel marks, the UV density of the resulting negs is  
> lower in the densest parts of the negative (about 0.3 log density)  
> than if you use the regular sheet feed. This effect was also  
> confirmed by a user of a 3800. Very strange.
>
> Kerik
> www.kerik.com
>
>
>>> FROM: Diana Bloomfield
>>> DATE: June 14, 2011 5:48:00 AM PDT
>>> TO: alt-photo-process-list at lists.altphotolist.org [2]
>>> SUBJECT: [ALT-PHOTO] EPSON PRINTER 3880
>>> REPLY-TO: The alternative photographic processes mailing list
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> I've had an Epson 3800 printer for several years now-- love it,
>>> never had a
>>> problem with it-- until now. So I'm thinking of upgrading to the
>>> 3880, but
>>> I remember someone here (Chris?) having trouble with their 3880,
>>> specifically in making digital negatives. Is that correct, or did I
>>> dream
>>> that? I'm assuming that the 3880 is comparable (better than?) to
>>> the 3800,
>>> especially when making negatives. Any advice here? Is there another
>>> printer that would be better? I'm not interested in going larger
>>> than the
>>> 17" carriage.
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>> Diana
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