michael_matsil Posted August 30, 2003 Share Posted August 30, 2003 Hi Folks: I know this is a well worn subject in this forum, but I did a search and found what appeared to be many informative and thoughtful threads. However, I found many contradictions between the threads. Mainly in the area of using glossy and semi-glossy papers with a pigment based printer like the 2200. Some threads, like.... http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=004Yju ....speak of "bronzing" when attempting to use glossy papers with the 2200 and recommend trading off longevity for the glossy look obtainable with regular ink epson printers. I have also read that official Epson papers are the best route with this machine. Other threads I found....... http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=004y3 w.......speak well of glossy papers with the 2200, such as Pictorico glossy film, one of the glossiest around. Of course all of these discussions assumed that the correct "black" or "matte black" inks were employed. Can we clarify this issue a bit more? I am considering purchasing a 2200 for some portfolio production. For some work, gloss or semi is desired, while for other work, matte is required. I presently use a 3000 with epson normal inks. My understanding is that the 2200 is way ahead of the 3000 in its ability to deliver a more continuous tone because of smaller dot size and greater dot density. For those who already own 2200's, any recommendations on dealers. Also, the printer dimensions. Thanks.........Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genec Posted August 30, 2003 Share Posted August 30, 2003 Epson semigloss or better still, luster, and Epson enhance matte are wonderful with the 2200. I use them about equally depending on the subject matter. Glossy papers, in my experience, just do not work will with pigmented inks. It is possible to tweak the ink config setting in the Epson driver to eliminate most of the bronzing (-10 if memory serves)but I still do not find that it has a pleasing look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan_ratzlaff Posted August 30, 2003 Share Posted August 30, 2003 The printer is best with matte papers. Even with luster paper, there is some bronzing in dark areas when viewed at an angle. will not be a problem with framed prints. I just prefer the matte finish with the matte black ink. Very nice rich colours, as good as it gets in my book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdumais Posted August 30, 2003 Share Posted August 30, 2003 The footprint of the printer is 13x25 inches, with the paper tray leaning back another 8 inches or so... Although the matte finish is very nice, I find that for 'photo-realistic' images the glossy finish works just as well. I can't say I find the bronzing effects objectionable, but that may be just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arniemilowsky Posted August 31, 2003 Share Posted August 31, 2003 Stay away from the Epson Glossy papers with the 2200. Print with the Epson Premium Semigloss paper or better yet, try the Red River UltraPro Satin 62lb paper. It is about half the price, and prints as well if not better (if no custom profile, print as semigloss, and set ink density to -10). If you are printing for a portfolio, and want matte surface, try Epson Velvet Fine Art paper, using the matte black ink. Its awesome. If you really want glossy, and I mean really glossy (with no bronzing), print on Pictorico Hi-GLoss White <u>Film</u>. Its like Fujiflex for ink jet printers. Amazing stuff, but its not paper based (either acetate or polyester, like Fujiflex). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_matsil Posted August 31, 2003 Author Share Posted August 31, 2003 Thanks all! These are great responses...and not too technical...Thanks! I can see that there is subjectivity involved in what is acceptable and what is not (just like in the chemical world of printing, I'm more used to.) One man's mistake is another man's triumph. Gene feels that the bronzing that occurs on many glossy papers with pigment inks can be mitigated with some density adjustments, but still does not suit his needs. While Patrick is OK with a little bronzing; I'll have to find out for myself. I am quite interested in doing some of my fine art work in an "Iris Print" look on the matte materials. I've already been experimenting with this on my Epson 3000 on Lumijet soft suede. I'm surprised to hear from Arnie that the Pictorico White Film is OK with the 2200 and pigment inks. I've heard reports of "dusting" of the ink off the surface. That is currently a favorite of mine for "official" commercial portfolio pages and promos and it looks great coming out of the 3000 with regular old Epson stock inks. Perhaps I should keep the 3000 on line for that kind of work and use the 2200 with the matte black ink cartridge installed for fine art endeavors....that's really where I want to push ahead in digital printing. It will be nice to have print longevity somewhat assured in my color work.....finally! What has been your experience purchasing the 2200: any good honest dealers out there with good prices (I'm in USA)? Also: what about switching from matte black to normal black ink cartridge? I've heard differing reports on what's involved with making this change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim batzer Posted September 1, 2003 Share Posted September 1, 2003 I just saw the 2200 for sale at Newegg.com - ends up being $611 with an instant rebate (applied when placed in your cart) and free fed-ex shipping. That's the cheapest I've found it. I've ordered computer hardware - processors, video cards, motherboards, etc. - from Newegg before and they've always been good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott aitken Posted September 2, 2003 Share Posted September 2, 2003 There is a fairly comprehensive review of different papers for use with the 2200 at this website:http://www.drycreekphoto.com/Learn/printers/epson_media.htm They also recommend Pictorico high gloss film. I have not used this paper yet, so I can not give you any personal experience (I plan to try it soon). I used to have an Epson 1280, and now mostly use a 2200. The 2200's two primary advantages are the archival qualities and the 2 shades of black, allowing better shades and better black & white prints. If you want really shiny color prints (you know, that cibachrome look), then you are actually better off with the Epson 1280. The prints will not be as archival, but the 1280 makes a much nicer shiny color print using Epson Premium Glossy Photo paper. For matte papers or the fine art Velvet (nice stuff!!) the 2200 is a better printer. I am guessing that for portfolio production work, archival qualities are not as critical. A 1280 print on Premium Glossy will last 10-15 years, which might be sufficient for that type of use. If you want to hang it on a wall and keep it for 50 years, then a 2200 print is a must. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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