Re: Laser printers

Sam Wang (stmwang@hubcap.clemson.edu)
Fri, 8 Sep 1995 10:45:37 -0500

>There was a thread a month or 2 ago on using laser printers to produce
>negatives for gum printing. I read along with great, but not careful
>interest - were any particular models of printers discussed or
>recommended? I'm ready to roll, but I'd love to hear of peoples'
>experiences with particular printers. Also, has anyone used an ink jet
>or bubble jet printer for negatives?
>
>Allan Janus

ANY printer will work, as long as it can print on transparency materials.
It all depends on how picky one is in terms of resolution and smoothness.

In my limited experience, I've found that the 600dpi Apple LaserWriter
(Canon engine), when new, can print very nice 300dpi transparencies, and
300dpi is quite acceptable, somewhat reminiscent of 35mm Tri-X developed in
Rodinal, or High Speed Infrared. Once the drum has some blemishes, it tends
to streak. One of my students told me she had absolutely no streaking
problem on her 300dpi LaserWriter. I was impressed, until I discovered that
she was printing 75dpi dot patterns!

Inkjet printers tend to develop banding as well, especially when using
refilled ink cartridges. The more suitable printers that we have used
include the Epson Color Stylus (@360dpi) and HP Color DeskWriters
(@300dpi). These are printers that can be directed to print to
transparencies (for Macs, "Transparency" is an option in the PageSetup
dialog box.) The Avery transparency materials for inkjet printers seem to
work well. Still, the maximun density may not be quite sufficient, and a
"second coat" may be necessary.

The Iris is an inkjet printer of a different price range. I understand it
prints negatives beautifully. Price is prohibitive unless your rock band
has a gold album I'm told. Give HP and Epson a couple of years and I expect
them to catch up, and sell theirs for $59.95. ;-)

Sam

Sam Wang e-mail: stmwang@hubcap.clemson.edu
Art Dept - Clemson University voice: 803/656-3924
Lee Hall, Clemson, SC 29634 FAX: 803/656-0204