RE: Source for 1160 Printers for inkjet negatives

[FDanB@aol.com]

Keith said in his message...

>I've used the Epson Photo EX extensively (and the 3000, but not as much) to
>produce Quadtone finished prints as well as to create negatives for gum and
>other alternative processes...I've used color, I've used MIS
>inks - nothing comes close to being acceptable.  For me.


Keep in mind that the two Epson printer you mention, the EX and the 3000, 
are either extinct or long in tooth within the printer world.

The Photo EX is now three generations old. Not that it isn't a capable 
printer for certain tasks. In fact, in April I taught a workshop in 
Mexico where that was the only printer we had to use. Students made 
negatives with the EX (and Epson's own Transparency Film using the 
colorized method) and printed them on hand-coated platinum. Their prints 
were tonally rich and exciting. And yes, a more current printer would 
have made better negs but try getting the students to listen to that 
argument as they hold their platinum prints sporting smiles wider than 
the Rio Grande.

About the Epson 3000. That's a strange beast. It's actually made on an 
old dot matrix chassis (hence the typewriter-like wheels on the carriage 
ends and convoluted paper path) and has an ink dot size that is GIANT by 
today's standards. I too have tried the 3000 for negs and have met with 
nothing but disappointment. But like you said, with quad inks on 
watercolor paper, the 3000 can do wonders. 

Thanks for the information on paper negs and gum. That can save people 
money and trouble.

For those unable to find an 1160 or who don't need negs larger than 8x20, 
Cone will shortly have quad inks and software for the Epson 980 printer.

Hope this helps,

Dan