Ordering Pictorico OHP over the internet for delivery in Canada

[Zero_Equals_Infinity]

I just had an unpleasant experience ordering Pictorico OHP over the internet for delivery to Toronto.

The company in question is Mitsubishi Imaging -- see Mitsubishi Imaging (MPM), Inc. - Ultra Premium OHP Transparency Film

I paid via credit card for 5 packages of 20 sheet at a cost of 133 USD including shipping and taxes. And what a surprise I had when it arrived with a 105 COD on it for brokerage and taxes. No mention was made of these charges on their FAQ, and I was shocked by it. I have ordered from other suppliers in the past, and never had this experience.

I will be writing back to them today to express my disappointment. The very least a supplier should do is indicate that additional costs will result from brokerage and taxes which are not included in the price. Best of all, they should offer a shipping method such as USPS (as per the e-bay link Dead Link Removed) where brokerage is not required, (even though delivery times may be substantially longer.) To add insult to insure the value of the shipment was severely overstated (by a factor of three), resulting in higher taxes. I will ask for at least a partial refund, and will update people on this forum about what they are willing to do. I also will include the link I provided here about shipping to Canada, as if they are willing to step up to the plate and offer this type of shipping option, they may yet be a vendor worth considering. If they treat me well and are willing to offer more attractive shipping options they could very well become a preferred vendor, but as it stands, they get two thumbs down, way down.

 

[DennyS]

I order Pictorico from B&H, probably less expensive and more shipping options.

 

[Zero_Equals_Infinity]

I have ordered other things from B&H in the past, and may order by Pictorico from them in the future. One thing that is really disappointing here in Canada is that the retail option has disappeared. It sounds like the company either lost their distributor or decided Canada was too small a market. Either way it sucks.

Lesson learned ... B&H all the way .... $119.09 all fees included.

 

[rogein]

The only time I've ordered Pictorico directly from Mitsubishi was when they had a special including free shipping. Otherwise, if you must order from the U.S., then B+H is probably the best bet since everything is taken care of - including GST - to Canada. OTOH, I've not bought Pictorico in quiet a while since Vistek and Henrys sell and stock the most common sizes of Inkpress Transparency film.

 

[Zero_Equals_Infinity]

My main issue is that getting enough ink down on the Inkpress for dmin and dmax on a front end load is not possible. I managed it on a rear load, but with pizza wheels. The Inkpress also curls and is problematic that way.

 

[pschwart]

If your printer lays down a different volume of ink depending on the paper feed used, then this must be because you are using different media profiles for each paper feed.

 

[Zero_Equals_Infinity]

That is a little confusing to me, as was seeing that my back load QTR curve was not working as expected on the front-end load. I thought that using QTR eliminated profile distinctions, and evidently I am mistaken. Is there a way to insure that the profile used is the same for front and rear loading with QTR? Knowing that would be extremely helpful.

Thanks,

Nick.

 

[pschwart]

You hadn't mentioned QTR so I assumed you were using the Epson driver. If you are printing through QTR then the Epson media types aren't used so that's not the problem. Maybe you are inadvertently using 2 different QTR profiles? You also didn't say what printer you are using. Always best to provide all the relevant details up front.

That is a little confusing to me, as was seeing that my back load QTR curve was not working as expected on the front-end load. I thought that using QTR eliminated profile distinctions, and evidently I am mistaken. Is there a way to insure that the profile used is the same for front and rear loading with QTR? Knowing that would be extremely helpful.

Thanks,

Nick.

 

[Zero_Equals_Infinity]

I am using the R3880, and its inks are not as UV absorbent as I would like ... such is life.

I simply reused my curve that I derived for the back and used it for the front. Very disappointing, but I had noted that others have had a similar problem ... see http://www.dpug.org/forums/f8/3880-qtr-quirk-2459/

Hence my desire to get the Pictorico which I am told can handle up to 200% ink load, whereas the Inkpress starts puddling at around 120%.

 

[PVia]

Arista OHP from Freestyle is an excellent alternative...

 

[pschwart]

Arista OHP from Freestyle is an excellent alternative...

I like it, too. For my workflow, Arista, Pictorico, and Inkpress all behave equivalently. I like Inkpress because it comes in 50 sheet boxes with interleaving.
It is very easy to lay down too much ink with QTR. If negatives are coming out of the printer visibly wet, then I think the profile needs to be tweaked. One way to reduce the ink load is to turn off ink channels that don't contribute much density. The QTR ink calibration page will identify poor UV blockers.

I reread that old thread about different densities for different paper feeds. I didn't pay much attention at the time as I have a 3800 and never experienced the problem, but if Kerik says it's so, I believe it It's true the 38xx inks are not great UV blockers. At some point I will probably start testing 3rd-party inks. I know I will get a LOT more density for a LOT less money

 

[Kerik]

"It's twoo, it's twoo!"

 

[Zero_Equals_Infinity]

Has anyone here tried third party refillable inks such as InkRepublic - R3000 CIS, R2000 CIS, Artisan 1430 CIS, Workforce 1100 CIS, R2880 CIS, 3880 CIS, 3800 CIS, R1900 CIS, R2400 CIS, R1800 CIS, R800 CIS, Artisan 50 CIS, 1400 CIS ?

The thing is, it is difficult to know what the UV blocking characteristics are unless someone else has done it first. It would be nice to ditch the inks that have zero blocking or almost zero blocking and load the cartridges with a range of UV blockers, or to even "roll my own" by mixing them. In the case of refillables, there is no particular reason why a blend could not be used in some of the ink holders.

As for the problem I am having with Mitsubishi, they have not responded, and I am still a little hot about the userous fees UPS hit me with, effectively doubling the cost. (In the future it is B&H all the way.)

Kerik, thanks for confirming the problem with front end feeding, and it is the only way to get around the pizza wheels ... so there it is.

 

[Zero_Equals_Infinity]

Nothing yet from Mitsubishi about the doubling of the price which occurred through their use of UPS, (who over-evaluated the order by 3.5 times.)

My recommendation is buy only from B&H for Pictorico if you are outside of the United States, and for any purchase do not allow it to be shipped by UPS. If my example is representative, what they did is userous in the extreme, and from talking with others my situation is not unique.

 

[Zero_Equals_Infinity]

A satisfying conclusion to my shipping problem.

Below is a most satisfying end to my problem. Please consider Mitsubishi Imaging an honour company worth dealing with.





From: xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 9:53 AM
To: Nicholas Fulford
Cc: Customer Service
Subject: RE: Order #7234 - Shipped

Good morning, Mr. Fulford –


Thank you for bringing this to our attention and with such thorough detail.

In our research to find out where this problem occurred, we discovered that there was an error on our warehouse’s part. The declared value was entered incorrectly and at a much higher amount than it should have been. In addition, our commercial invoice with your order indicated our company as the importer, which means that the import charges should have been billed to us and not to you. However, the UPS invoice incorrectly lists you as the importer. This issue should not have been yours to deal with as a customer and we apologize greatly for that.

We will issue a refund for the amount shown on the UPS invoice. Please allow for a period of seven to ten business days for the credit to appear on your card statement. We thank you for your patience and understanding while we rectify this unfortunate situation. Again, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience that this has caused.


Regards,

xxxxxxxxxxx

Customer Service

 

[KenS]

I like it, too. For my workflow, Arista, Pictorico, and Inkpress all behave equivalently. I like Inkpress because it comes in 50 sheet boxes with interleaving.
It is very easy to lay down too much ink with QTR. If negatives are coming out of the printer visibly wet, then I think the profile needs to be tweaked. One way to reduce the ink load is to turn off ink channels that don't contribute much density. The QTR ink calibration page will identify poor UV blockers.

I reread that old thread about different densities for different paper feeds. I didn't pay much attention at the time as I have a 3800 and never experienced the problem, but if Kerik says it's so, I believe it It's true the 38xx inks are not great UV blockers. At some point I will probably start testing 3rd-party inks. I know I will get a LOT more density for a LOT less money

For what is worth..
I use Pictorico for printing scans of my B/W negatives using a 'greeinsh/blue' ink....ie dependant upon the colour of the ink that Is indicated by a 'test' of the whole.... i.e. I don't use 'black' ink.

And its all done on an 'el cheapo' $75 (Canadian) Cannon printer. I am not disppointed with the results I'm getting for use for VDB prints.

Ken

 

[KenS]

Has anyone here tried third party refillable inks such as InkRepublic - R3000 CIS, R2000 CIS, Artisan 1430 CIS, Workforce 1100 CIS, R2880 CIS, 3880 CIS, 3800 CIS, R1900 CIS, R2400 CIS, R1800 CIS, R800 CIS, Artisan 50 CIS, 1400 CIS ?

For what its worth.. I believe the 'colour' of the ink layed down onto the 'frosted side' of PIctorico is
more important than the "make" of the printer's ink. A few years ago I downloaded an image
with a 'range' of colours.. printed that onto Pictorico that I used as a 'test' or transmission/absorbtion
of the UV wavelengths. I think may have already 'shared' this with other 'alt-print' enthusiast over the past year or so.. but while I have the 'spectrum image on my HD, I regret I cannot remember who so generously sent me 'his 'ready to go' colour negative 'chart'

If I 'find it soon enough... I'll forward the 'source' to the 'list'

Ken

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I refuse to do any business with companies that ship UPS. I was dinged a few times in the past. Save yourself a whack of money and headache, and buy OHP material from your local silkscreen printing supplier. It's basically the same stuff for much less. I can get a 100 sheet box of letter size for about $65 Canadian. I also have bought it in 17x100' rolls... I forgot how much but way cheaper than Pictorico. The shop I deal with is in Vancouver.. not so far from where I live. Willox Graphics. Glad you were refunded in the end, though. Cheers!

 

[KenS]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I refuse to do any business with companies that ship UPS. I was dinged a few times in the past. Save yourself a whack of money and headache, and buy OHP material from your local silkscreen printing supplier. It's basically the same stuff for much less. I can get a 100 sheet box of letter size for about $65 Canadian. I also have bought it in 17x100' rolls... I forgot how much but way cheaper than Pictorico. The shop I deal with is in Vancouver.. not so far from where I live. Willox Graphics. Glad you were refunded in the end, though. Cheers!

Andrew..
There IS a store in Vancouver that sells 81/2 x11 inch Pictorico.. a few months ago I purchase their last two packages I'll try and find the 'name' for you if you are still 'interested' ( I believe the 'cost was 'well within my budget" and I'll see if 'She' can find their 'name' via our Visa purchase 'history'

Ken

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Andrew..
There IS a store in Vancouver that sells 81/2 x11 inch Pictorico.. a few months ago I purchase their last two packages I'll try and find the 'name' for you if you are still 'interested' ( I believe the 'cost was 'well within my budget" and I'll see if 'She' can find their 'name' via our Visa purchase 'history'

Ken

Sure, thank you!

 

[KenS]

Sure, thank you!

If all else 'fails' I could forward one of the two 'unopened' I have.. and you could 'replace' it when you manage to 'replenish'
your stock.. it kinda depends on how 'desperate' you are for 'immediate' needs.

Ken

 

[KenS]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I refuse to do any business with companies that ship UPS. I was dinged a few times in the past. Save yourself a whack of money and headache, and buy OHP material from your local silkscreen printing supplier. It's basically the same stuff for much less. I can get a 100 sheet box of letter size for about $65 Canadian. I also have bought it in 17x100' rolls... I forgot how much but way cheaper than Pictorico. The shop I deal with is in Vancouver.. not so far from where I live. Willox Graphics. Glad you were refunded in the end, though. Cheers!

Sir Andrew,.. as of September 2019

Beau Photo Supplies
110-1401 8th Avenue West
Vancouver, Canada,V6H 1C9
(604) 734-7771
info@beauphoto.com.
web www.beauphoto.com

Picoric trans film 8+1/2 x 11 inches
pack of 20 at $41.99 +tax



Ken

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Sir Andrew,.. as of September 2019

Beau Photo Supplies
110-1401 8th Avenue West
Vancouver, Canada,V6H 1C9
(604) 734-7771
info@beauphoto.com.
web www.beauphoto.com

Picoric trans film 8+1/2 x 11 inches
pack of 20 at $41.99 +tax



Ken

I can get stuff from local screen printers for much less. Willox Graphics.100 sheet box of letter size about $85. https://www.willox.com/supMAT.php

 

[KenS]

I can get stuff from local screen printers for much less. Willox Graphics.100 sheet box of letter size about $85. https://www.willox.com/supMAT.php

Andrew.
Does that 'film' have 'frosted one side and not 'frosted' similar (same as Pictorico?)does it 'go through the printer as easily as i have found Pictorico to 'print'

Ken

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Andrew.
Does that 'film' have 'frosted one side and not 'frosted' similar (same as Pictorico?)does it 'go through the printer as easily as i have found Pictorico to 'print'

Ken

It's milky. Like Pictorico. Behaves exactly like Pictorico.