Contemplating an Epson R2400 for digital negatives

[menglert]

Hello,

Today I was offered an R2400 from Epson for $639 (new), with free shipping. While I've had problems in the past with lower end Epsons like the R800, I think I need some help deciding this matter.

As far as I know, the R2400 does not have problems with pizza wheels (ejection rollers) leaving marks on the print. This is probably due to faster drying inks, and also the option to slow print times, and control ink density. Although I am worried about the issues with venetian blinds/banding that shows up in final prints sometimes where there are constant tonal values, such as in a sky or fog. Is this really that much of an issue?

I posted a question on another thread asking if QTR would solve this issue because of different options for algorithms.

My intention is to use this printer for digital negatives with silver and kallitypes (gold, palladium, platinum).

Thanks for your help.

Regards,
Martin

 

[Bromo33333]

As far as I know, the R2400 does not have problems with pizza wheels (ejection rollers) leaving marks on the print. This is probably due to faster drying inks, and also the option to slow print times, and control ink density. Although I am worried about the issues with venetian blinds/banding that shows up in final prints sometimes where there are constant tonal values, such as in a sky or fog. Is this really that much of an issue?

I have a Epson 2200 and have not had issues with banding, pizza-wheeling and so on - so I's wager that the 2400 won't either.

 

[menglert]

I've read a few posts from others who have had banding/venetian blind problems in final prints when using negatives from the R2400. Although, I have heard that some of the 2200 have not had this problem.

Regards,
Martin

 

[donbga]

I've read a few posts from others who have had banding/venetian blind problems in final prints when using negatives from the R2400. Although, I have heard that some of the 2200 have not had this problem.

Regards,
Martin

Martin,

I can tell you from first hand experience that I've never had any pizza wheel marks using Pictorico, Epson OEM inks, printing with the 2200 and the 2400. The offer you got seems like a great deal, jump on it. And I've never had banding - knock on wood.

Don Bryant

 

[menglert]

I'm thinking I will go with it. The other option is for a 3800, although I don't think I'd be able to afford replace inks once they ran out :rolleyes:

BTW, if anyone else here is interested in the offer let me know, as I think anyone could log into the site and make the purchase.

R2400 - $639
R1800 - $409

Regards,
Martin

 

[Joe Lipka]

I use the R2400 for both digital negatives and as a photo printer. I have had success with both types of output. I use QTR for making digital prints, but I use the regular Epson drivers for the digital negatives.

 

[menglert]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for letting me know your success with this printer. Late last night I placed an order with Epson, and also one for some media from Atlex. So I'm hoping they will send it out and I'll get everything before Friday.

I'm kind of excited to see what this printer can do.

Regards,
Martin

 

[sanking]

Martin,

I can tell you from first hand experience that I've never had any pizza wheel marks using Pictorico, Epson OEM inks, printing with the 2200 and the 2400. The offer you got seems like a great deal, jump on it. And I've never had banding - knock on wood.

Don Bryant

I have had the problem of Venetian blinds with the Epson 2200, and Mark Nelson on another forum states that this can also be a problem with the 2400. He also adds that Venetian blinds is not a problem with the R1800, but I used this printer for a wile and definitely got pizza wheel marks.

Someone suggested that I try another driver for the 2200 and I downloaded a newer version from the Epson site, and the first two negatives did not have Venetian blinds. However, I also changed a couple of the cartridges and this could have corrected the problem. Pizza wheel marks have not been a problem for me with the 2200.

For printing with alternative processes I would choose the 2200 over the 2400 because the results are just as good, but the 2400 is more of an ink hog. For making negatives for silver printing the R1800 would be a better choice, IMO.

Sandy

 

[menglert]

I ended up going with the R2400. The reason was I couldn't find any 2200 available for a good price new. I haven't printed any negatives yet, but I am really hoping I won't have issues with this printer. I would have like to tried the R1800, but I was getting pizza wheels with the R800 and pictorico, so I saw no sense in trying it.

Regards,
Martin

 

[donbga]

I ended up going with the R2400. The reason was I couldn't find any 2200 available for a good price new. I haven't printed any negatives yet, but I am really hoping I won't have issues with this printer. I would have like to tried the R1800, but I was getting pizza wheels with the R800 and pictorico, so I saw no sense in trying it.

Regards,
Martin

Martin,

You shouldn't have any negative (pun intended) issues with the 2400.

Enjoy,

Don Bryant