Decent prints and negatives from one printer?

[winger]

I've avoided getting a printer because I rarely want to print anything so quickly that I need my own. Digital gets uploaded and B&W goes to the darkroom. But I've been thinking about trying some contact prints on assorted things and need larger negs. If I get a printer, I'd want it to be useful for more than just that (unless a really cheap printer with cheap ink will work - which isn't likely the case). So is there a printer that can do a respectable job with regular prints as well as on transparencies?

 

[L Gebhardt]

I've been very happy with the Epson 3880. But I've mostly used it for prints, and done very few digital negatives. I'd recommend this over the smaller Epsons based on ink costs alone. When you factor in how much ink comes with the printer, and how frequently you change cartridges in the smaller printers it's a very good deal.

 

[jeffreyg]

If you don't want to print larger than 13x19 and can find an Epson 2200 (some people moving up in size are almost giving them away). It will make very respectable prints and negatives. I have been using one since it was introduced. It takes seven individual inks that run about $10 each. If you need larger I agree with the 3880 but the printer will cost considerably more than the used 2200.

HOME PAGE

 

[winger]

Thanks, Jeffrey. I may look for one. The 3880 does seem to be a great printer, but I doubt I'll print larger than 11x14 myself (probably mostly smaller). The whole color balance stuff drives me nuts as it is (boy, do I ever prefer B&W).