Printer for B&W

[Patzer]

I am researching printers for B&W, more specifically, pigment inkjets.
I only need A4/8.5x11 size.
I want NO color cast problems, which would probably mean B&W and grey cartridges.
I would prefer not going a third party special B&W ink route.
I do not want to have to swap cartridges in and out.
I would like to print on both glossy and matte type surfaces both, without color cast.
Want to be able to use "fine art" papers.

So far, the Epson 3800 seems to fit the idea, but its price prompts this post.

Cheaper alternatives?

Thank you.

 

[donbga]

I am researching printers for B&W, more specifically, pigment inkjets.
I only need A4/8.5x11 size.
I want NO color cast problems, which would probably mean B&W and grey cartridges.
I would prefer not going a third party special B&W ink route.
I do not want to have to swap cartridges in and out.
I would like to print on both glossy and matte type surfaces both, without color cast.
Want to be able to use "fine art" papers.

So far, the Epson 3800 seems to fit the idea, but its price prompts this post.

Cheaper alternatives?

Thank you.

I'll have to say that IMO, you can do a lot worse for the price of a 3800 which is a bargain considering the amount of ink one gets with the printer.

If you are planning on moderate usage the 3800 produces the best quality for the buck, IMO. If you plan on heavy usage then a printer higher up on the rung should propably be considered as the 3800 is at the bottom of the heap as far as pro quality printers go. There are many good options out there if you want to spend the money.

Don

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

If it hasn't been sold yet, Amy Rafferty was advertising her late husband, Ted Harris's HP B9180 for $300, and I think there are a few spare cartridges in there (I inquired about buying the extra cartridges, since I have the printer). It should be fairly new, and by all reports Ted took excellent care of his gear.

Here's the listing--

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?p=391270&highlight=b9180#post391270

For $300 it's a fantastic bargain.