Shopping for a new printer

[rmolson]

HP Printer problems

I have just recently started to print my old negatives digitally. Using Elements 11 with Windows 8.1 and a new Canoscan 9000 and I have had no problem scanning, But at present I am only using a little HP Deskjet 1010 in black only mode. The early results seemed promising indicating that it is a workable way to print my old files, I no longer use my darkroom. But after only 4 or 5 prints (5x7 images on 8x10 on photo stock) the banding started with a recently installed new cartridge..From which I conclude this printer in is an ink hog in black only mode. This is sooner than I anticipated getting a better printer, but my budget is severely limited, being retired. And the largest print I ever make is 11x14. What would the members recommend as a replacement printer for black and white work only.

 

[pschwart]

here are some basic recommendations:

- minimum 8 colors (HP 1010 has only 4)
- pigment ink (HP 1010 has 1 black pigment and CMY dyes)
- individual ink cartridges (HP 1010 has 1 cartridge for C,M, & Y)
- multiple black inks so you are not making black by mixing colors
- support for photo black if you ever want to print on non-matte papers
- ability to handle heavier paper (250 or 300 gsm)
- high resolution. Example: Epson photo printers support 1440 and 2880 dpi; the HP 1010 is only 600 dpi
- A3 printer (12" carriage) if you want to print 11x14 (HP 1010 is A4 - 8" carriage)

I think all 13" printers designated "photo" printers will meet these requirements. These may be outside your budget but the output can rival darkroom prints. If you can't buy new, consider a factory refurbished unit, or buy used if you can find on locally and check it out first.

 

[Richard Boutwell]

I think the best printer for the money for small to mid-sized prints is the Epson 2880. In terms of print quality, it will do everything the larger pro printers will do. The only downside is the size of the cartridges if you are going to be doing a lot of printing.