It's 2011, I want easy b&w prints. Replace my HP 8450?

<p>In 2005 or so, I bought an HP 8450 because I wanted convenience in making decent black and white prints just for my home. At the time, the Epson 1850 and other Epsons appeared to be more tweakable with possibly better output, but with a lot more work. I'm lazy. I didn't feel like messing around with clogged printer heads, different profiles and such.<br /> I have to admit that it's been some time since I used it, but I have a feeling I'll be churning out b&w prints again soon.<br /> So, I'm wondering, what's an easy, little-fuss printer that you can put out nice b&w prints using these new-fangled papers that weren't available in 2005-- Ilford Galerie Gold Silk, Harmon Gloss, etc.; that can come closest to a fibre print? All I'm currently set up for is Lightroom 3 (I don't even bother with Photoshop on my newest computer), possibly also purchasing something like Alien Skin Exposure to get different b&w profiles... and a calibrated monitor.<br /> Or, is sticking with the 8450 and just getting into these newer papers the way to go? Which papers would you then suggest?</p>

<p>My advice, based on six years of owning similar HP printers (as well as their ill-fated, but artistically superb pigment-based B9180), and a couple of 13x19 pigment-based Epsons, is to keep what you have and enjoy it.</p>

<p>Those dye-based printers that HP made in the mid-2000s that had a photo-grey cart were the peak of HPs pro-sumer printing technology. It is still the best moderate budget B&W output on glossy paper that I've seen. I've printed exhibition prints on newer baryta papers with pigment inks, but there are still some residual artifacts visible.</p>

<p>If you stay with HP Premium Plus paper, then your dye-based images will be last for many decades according to Wilhelm. I like the soft gloss in particular. Ilford still markets a very similar "classic" paper that works 98% as good.</p>

<p>I don't know how much longer HP will be making those no. 100 grey ink carts as only a few printers, all now in their digital late middle ages, require them. So enjoy them while you can. And yes, HP carts are outrageously expensive. But I've never had a clog.</p>

<p>If you want to spend near a thousand bucks then the new Epson 3000 I'm sure will produce a killer pigment B&W. But having so many papers to choose from complicates matters as much as it provides artistic benefits, because one tends to have a fair amount of trial and error. You use the word "easy," and what you got is the easiest solution I can think of.</p>

<p>ME</p>

<p>I bought a HP printer in 2006 especially for the no. 100 grey cartridges. Problem for me now is nowhere local sells the cartridges anymore. If you can get the cartridges easily and you like the output then stick with them.</p>

<p>I see the HP 100 grey cartridges on eBay still. I did like the output and I have some prints from that time that still look nice. </p>

<p>I guess I'm also an optimizer, on top of being lazy! (not the greatest combo) I guess my question was also, can I get a lot better for maybe a minimum little more work? But I've read from the responses that the HP dye-based printers are still pretty good.<br>

Maybe I'll look for an 8750 somewhere, to expand the print size.</p>

<p>Thanks,<br />André </p>

<p>HP still sells the HP 100 Grey cartridges for the 8450. Better yet is to buy the HP 102 Grey cartridges. These are generally listed under the 8750 printer. They have 23 ml of ink versus 15 ml for the HP 100.</p>

<p>As to new printers, I don't see HP offering any printer of interest. Epson does have the 2880. It has great output and offers many paper options. The only problem I have is that I now live in a very dry climate. I don't know if this will cause ink clogging.</p>

 

<p>After getting frustrated by the abysmally engineered HP B9180, I purchased a used 8750 on ebay for $50. It even had two of the carts. The difference in models is that the 8750 has an additional photo blue cart that brings even more intensity to color output. And it outputs up to 13x19 inch prints.<br>

A real bargain to me.</p>

<p>ME</p>

<p>Honestly I said I would never buy another Epson printer due to 4 of them in a row stopped printing around 1 year of usage. I feel Epson is ripping off its clients so I moved to HP. I've never had a single head or cartridge issue with HP but I too feel they are moving away from the photo type of printers. </p>

<p>Yes, HP have pulled out of semi-pro level printers leaving only their office stuff and the large format bureau printers. A shame. I have had both Epson and HP and they all never seem to last. If you have 5-6 years out of them then that's what you have to expect. I've given up on home printing and use a good printing service now myself. My wallet and blood pressure are better as a result.</p>

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<p> I've given up on home printing and use a good printing service now myself.</p>

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<p>I am with Robin on this. I find the quality of mpix, WHCC, and even Costco (at least the one closest to me) are on par with home printing and far less headache. It can also be cheaper than home printing, especially if you have problem prints. You don't pay for problems with the others. Some Costcos use Epson high end printers too.</p>

<p>And I'm with Jeff on this. Most of my prints are made by Mpix. This works well if you are okay with the paper choices offered by Mpix and similar services.</p>