Desktop dye sub printer

[DARISC]

Been considering buying one that will print up to 13x19 borderless. EPSON has one in $300-400 range, but been reading negative reviews re their customer support, litigation over their ink cartridges (won't reliably register in the printer) and driver finickiness.

Got any recommendations, warnings?

I can get 12x18 photo prints of .jpg files from COSTCO @ $3.00 a pop and don't print large quantities. so I'm not even sure I want to get one.

[K.B.]

I don't have an answer but I am interested in the topic! It appears that ink cartridges are available for the following.

http://dyesubinks.com/index.php?pageto=printers.php

It is also important to remember that not all Epson printers support sublimation inks and cartridges. Sublimation inks are only available for these desktop printers: C120, R1800, 1400, C88+, 4880, 1280, C88, C86, C84, C82, 900(4 color), 900(6 color), 980, 3000, 4000, 4800, 7600, 7800, 9600, 9800.

[DARISC]

The Epson R1900 (replaces the R1800) can be had as low as $324 with rebate ($474 full price) but the reviews I mentioned make me feel a little skittish.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

David, Sawgrass has terrible customer support. i guess since they invented the process and no one else can copy it, they can say screw you to anyone they want.

Where are you looking for set-ups (web site)?

I use a little C120 with bulk ink and it works OK.

What are you looking at doing?

[stomachmonkey]

Friggin Epson and their cartridges are such a scam.

They "estimate" the amount used and when the printer decides the cartridge is empty it sets the cartridge to dead.

Every single one I pull to replace still has ink in it.

[mikester]

I had a small Sony that worked FANTASTICALLY when it worked.

If something goes wrong with the cartridge it's toast, had to send it in twice for striping.

Finally gave up and just print through costco now.

The cartridges were way expensive too.

[Chas White]

Why do you feel you need dye sub inks? ink jet dye sub is mostly for heat transfer sheets, from what I can gather.
Real dye sublimation printers give great color coz the dye is vaporized and condenses on the paper (hence the sublimation part)—so you get a dot of real green instead of a dot of cyan and a dot of yello next to each other.
The dye sheets are wicked expensive though. And I’ll bet a good ink jet, using regular inks, could match the quality.
Good Luck,
Charlie

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Dye sub ink $ isn't too bad in the pouches.

[nostatic]

I print at adorama.com. They will do specials from time to time, and I've done everything up to 24x36 with great results. If you do the math, it ends up being pretty much a wash. The only advantage to having your own printer is instant gratification.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

What are you looking at doing?

Just prints of "digital paintings" (just has to satisfy me ).

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Friggin Epson......

Yeah. That's what I'm reading a lot of in the reviews I read today.

Originally Posted by mikester

Finally gave up and just print through costco now.

That's what I do now - and thinking that's what I'm going to continue to do.

Originally Posted by Chas White

Real dye sublimation printers give great color coz the dye is vaporized and condenses on the paper (hence the sublimation part

I think Epson is hyping their "pseudo" sublimation. No heat involved and, as you say, no actual sublimation.

Originally Posted by nostatic

I print at adorama.com.........The only advantage to having your own printer is instant gratification.

I'll check out adorama. Have you compared them to COSCO? I heard from an architect friend who's publishing a book, that their printers are top of the line.

And yes, I think the instant gratificaction grabbed me. But...I'm only 4 miles from a COSCO and I never wait more than an hour after I send them images on line.

Thanks for the input, guys. I think I'll remain printerless. I had an Epson when they first came out and it kept drying up so it sat there for years before I chucked it.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by DARISC

J
I'll check out adorama. Have you compared them to COSCO? I heard from an architect friend who's publishing a book, that their printers are top of the line.

And yes, I think the instant gratificaction grabbed me. But...I'm only 4 miles from a COSCO and I never wait more than an hour after I send them images on line.

Thanks for the input, guys. I think I'll remain printerless. I had an Epson when they first came out and it kept drying up so it sat there for years before I chucked it.

I just checked them out. There is a Costco a few blocks from my work. A couple of issues though after registering and uploading a photo. They don't provide as much flexibility with regards to paper choice and borders/cropping. In addition, everything above 12x12 is mail order, so there is no advantage. I think for quick smaller prints I might give it a try, but for larger ones I'll likely stick with Adorama.

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by nostatic

...everything above 12x12 is mail order...

Hmmm...must vary from store to store. 12x18 is available here in Carlsbad. You're right about the limitations on paper, etc.

[sunflymaster]

Printer 、ink、and CISS.


sublimation