Better Printer?

I have been using Epson printers for about 4 years. I have had different models : two R2200's and I am on my 3rd
R2400. After about a year they all seem to start developing lines in my prints that can't be removed by head cleaning. I have been using the bulk ink tank system by mediastreet. Right now I have one R2400 sitting idle the factory authorized repair shop wants $350.00 to refurbish it. The second R2400 is starting to act like the one that needs refurbished. I don't really want to get a lot of money in a new epson printer.

My question is: Is this normal to have to get the Epson's refurbished or replaced so often?

Is there another printer out there that is more of a work-horse? If I change brands my bulk tank systems will have to be replaced.

Any suggestions? As always I appreciate your input.

I have found this website to be a great help to me in any number of ways. I tell every photographer I come in contact with about it.

Thanks, Jim Parker

Hi James, I am not going to be much use to you but would just say that I am never going to buy another Epson for EXACTLY the same reason as your problems...

> After about a year they all seem to start developing lines in my prints that can't be removed by head cleaning.<

..I have got 'the lines' on my last 2 Epson printers after about a year or so and no amount of head cleaning or alignment has cured either, even a cheap LEXMARK that I got just to tide me over until I decide on another printer is better quality now than my Epsons - my next printer will be a Canon.

Tell

Jim,
Yes, it is "normal" for this to happen to these Epson printers. Epson's are notorious for this. the lines you are talking about are from malfunctioning heads that usually need to be replaced at around 9 mo. to a year. In the last 4 years our studio has had 7 epsons of various models and all 7 are now setting in the basement collecting dust. a couple of them were replaced by the factory because of this problem and usually they do it without asking questions. one tech told us this was a know problem with epson heads and they are aware that it will happen to all of them eventually. espon will try and claim it is your bulk ink system (we use it too) but it's not. it has happened also on those we've had with only the factory ink cartridges. what we found out is that for the best results you should use these printers everyday. if ours sat unused for a week or so, you could count on going through a couple of cleaning cycles (and lots of ink) to get it to print properly.

we were eventually going to buy a wide format epson, but decided we were through with epson and are now looking into Canon or HP wide format printers. In the meantimve, to print contact sheets, we bought a $79 HP which has been more reliable that any epson we ever owned. it's not pro quality, but it's enough for proofing. personally, i think the inkjet technology is flawed and these problems are not just epson.

on the other hand, we also print larger proofs (8 x 10/ 8 x 12) using a Shinko dye-sub printer and after 3 rolls of paper (that's 600 prints) we've never had a misprint or problem with this printer, plus the quality is outstanding. unfortunately, these printers are heavy (75lbs), expensive ($2000+), and the rolls of paper are about $250. If you didn't print any larger than this and could make the investment, you'd have a trouble free printer that would last for years. All the event photographers we know, use these dye sub printers religiously. They've all had them for years and one guy hauls his around in the back of his pick-up.

Sorry for the long-winded response, we (and many others) have had the same experience.

I had two Epson printers and spent more time running cleaning cycles than printing. I currently have a Canon Pixma Pro 9000. It is a little over a year old. I generally only use it once a month to print 6 to 10 - 13 x 19" prints. I am afraid to mention that I have never had to run a cleaning cycle with this printer. I hope the clog gods are not listening and are busy in the Epson camp!!! BTW the color and monochrome output is excellent.

I thank all of you for your help. I must now consider my options. Thanks, Jim

I have always had Epson printers and have NEVER had a problem with clogs. I presently have their R1900 and find it superb!