Thinking of buying a 44" printer

Create a Post
troyveluz

troyveluz

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Sep 5, 2007
Posts
875
Loc
Plano, TX
I was looking to buy an Epson 7900 (24 inch - 9 inks) and the sales guy told me that they have a new Canon imagePROGRAF iPF8300 (44 inch - 12 inks) for $3299 (- $1000 rebate) = $2299 (Free shipping).

Anyone using wide format canon printers can give me pros and cons?
(and if you have this one in particular so much the better).

Thanks in advance,
Troy
 
My opinion is that all 3 companies have really good printers and when working properly, will give you great prints. That said, each printer has its quirks and shortcomings that you might want to research.
Check out this link: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/index.shtml and look for postings about the various printers people are using.

Oh, and... forget the 24" printers. You can always print 24" on the big printer but you can never print anything larger than 24" on the smaller one. If you are going to do this on a regular basis always get as much as you can afford.
 
The comment that I once heard about comparing Epsons to HP & Cannon printers "it takes them 12 colors of ink to do what the epson does with 8" this was a while ago and now the epson has even more then 8.

I have used Epson large format printers for close to 10 years. I love them and my customers love the results that I get from my 9900.
 
So far I am very happy with my new Epson 7900.

At this point I both could not afford the cash or the floor space for a larger unit. (I do have a 60" CMC but most of the mats I cut are 40" or less.) In the case of the printer I projected that most things I print there for would be 30x20 or even 36x24 which I can do. When/If I need larger, I will simply farm it out until the demand requires me to upgrade.

One of the major reasons I opted for Epson was for all of the support I could find here on the G. Dave and Jeff are a wealth of information and willing to share.
 
Troy
So much changes in large format printing so fast that it's hard to keep up with it all.

I will tell you that I have been using an Epson product for a very long time and I have tried my hand at Canon imagers. It all depends on the kind of result you want to get. When I used the Canon the company I worked for used it for mostly banners and poster advertising since it was much faster than the Epson. In that case speed was the means to an end. The quality was very good but not up to the same as the Epson.
For my money I would get an Epson 9900 if you are thinking of photography and printing out for your customers. But if you want something fast and production is the main reason for sign making and such then go with the Canon.
Francisco
 
Love my epson's and looking at getting another new one but I have to say I have heard nothing but good things about canon printers. By the way where did you find Canon for that price?
 
Jim, the 7900/9900 have both inks in the machine. You still have to change inks and clear the head, but not the entire line like on the 7800/9800 printers.
 
I'm printing at least 100 pieces per month for customers on my Epson 9800. I don't print on any glossy papers so I don't have to worry about changing inks. The first thing to remember is that the glass determines the finish on the print. Clear glass gives a glossy finish and non-glare glass gives a matte finish. Makes no difference which paper you printed it on once the glass is in place as far as the finish is concerned.
 
Troy

If you are planning on printing on matboard or similar thickness - as far as I know Epson is the only one in its class that will handle that thickness!!!!
 
HB said:
Troy

If you are planning on printing on matboard or similar thickness - as far as I know Epson is the only one in its class that will handle that thickness!!!!
Click to expand...

Yes I know. I've decided I will either outsource that part of the business or I will print on paper and mount it onto a board.

Thank you everyone for your comments.

Regards,
Troy
 
PMS Inc.

A company called Professional Marketing Services, Inc. out of Arizona, is offering an additional SGIA Show Special that includes 30% off media (until October 30th). I'm considering the purchase of the Epson 9900.
 
framah said:
Check out this link: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/index.shtml and look for postings about the various printers people are using.
Click to expand...

Framah,
Thanks for the link. I found the post and the review by Scott (can't remember his last name) very informative. With the clogs that is happening with my 7600 ( I bought this used ) very frustrating I am starting to lean towards the Canon. Also, a lot of posters are saying that for people who prints one or two a week, the Canon is more reliable. No need to keep the printer ON all the time.
Also the new printer comes with a 330 ml ink cartridges vs a 150 ml on Epsons is a big deal for someone who is just starting out.

That's it for now. More research to do. I'll see if I can go to the Dallas Canon office and get the to print some thing for me.

Regards,
Troy
 
With the Epson 9900 you have 3 different size inks to order. I have sold 3 9900 printers to my customers they all love them and have not had problems with ink clogs as were noted in the 7600 and 9600 models. Epsone has changed some of the things in the ink to help prevent clogs and no need to keep the printer on all the time.

If you are printing people mostly then the Epson give the best skin tones. I know a museum that has both Canon and Epson and they do their B&W all on the Epson, they say it does a better job, and their more critical on the Epson, and they use the Canon to run volum not as critical jobs.
 
I can vouch that the Epson 9900 produces great B/W prints that are Black & White and not shifted Magenta or Cyan unless you intend to do that.
 
Took The Plunge

I finally took the plunge and bought a 44" printer from Canon (iPF8300).
I initially set out to buy the 24" Epson and my sales guy told me about the Canon. Since I already have an Epson 7600, I decided to go with the Canon. The final price I got for the Canon 44" was a few $ less than the 24" Epson. The Canon also comes with a 330ml set of ink cartridges vs 150ml cartridges for the Epson.

I called the local Canon sales office here and other online distributors to compare prices and LexJet had the best "final" price.

Free Freight and ( no lift gate fee for those that do not have a loading dock )


For Modigity & others interested, LexJet 800-453-9538 - look for Ryan West. Tell Ryan, Troy from ArtHaus Framing sent you.
The printer also qualifies you to LexJet's 10% rebate on LexJet brand print media supplies for 3 years.
Their website does not reflect the price I got so call them.
( Make sure you get everything in writing and read all the fine print before purchasing)

Regards,
Troy
 
Create a Post
Back
Top