Do you print large format with your own printer?

[boxofrocks]

I'm considering buying a 24" printer, but have had a hard time finding out what the actual materials costs will be. I know mileage varies, but have any of you ever figured out about what it costs you per __________ (20x30, square foot, or other arbitrary unit of measure) to print? I would assume costs include ink and paper, unless I'm missing something else.

does anyone know of a resource where that info might be estimated?

Thanks!!

Tom

[jeffkohn]

I don't own a LF printer, but hope to in the next year. I'm curious which model(s) are you considering?

I think the best place to get some feedback on this would be Printers and Printing forums at either DPReview or Luminuous Landscape. The latter in particular seem to have a lot of large-format printer owners.

[johnastovall]

Here is a very interesting model of true costing of printing which address more then just ink and paper but equipment depreciation.

[boxofrocks]

I'm thinking about the Epson Stylus Pro 7800, but that's just an idea. I've seen great results, and the inks are very long lasting.

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

I'm thinking about the Epson Stylus Pro 7800, but that's just an idea. I've seen great results, and the inks are very long lasting.

Yes, the K3 inks are great, and the new magenta inks are supposed to be even better. The only downside to the LF models is that you have to pretty much choose between matte and photo black, because using both is a pretty expensive proposition with those printers. I see the new 11880 takes the same approach as the 3800, it's a shame they couldn't do that for the other x880 models.

[CobyPhoto]

I looked at the article Stovall linked and I will say only a couple of things.

First, if you don't do a good amount of printing...daily...this probably isn't the way to go. I have never had a colg problem with my printers. I print daily with them and always preform maintenance on the heads in the morning that costs me about .50 cents.

I run close to 12 rolls of 100' paper a month thought my 7800 and it preforms like a champ. Canon and HP can't complete with the results nor the cost. (Canon inks are more expensive; HP even more so.)

The issue of changing inks between Matte and Photo: I wish I could, without alot of expense, however the bottom line is, it would only be when I wanted to print something personal and not for the business. I am a photo studio and I never use matte black. Just guessing, but I would think that MOST (didn't say all) business users would be in the same boat.

One thing that the article didn't cover as far as cost, is the time it takes to handle the photos once printed. If you have a lab, you don't have to do much work after they are deilvered. You have to cut, process and package the prints now that you print them yourself.

Lastly, to get the MOST out of your printer, you need a RIP. Not only will it make your printing easier, it will make sure you get the most economy out of the inks.

CJ

[Aric C. Hoek]

I used to own a very small photo lab. I mean really small. It was just me and two others. You need to find the cost per square inch. 8x10 = 80"

How much is that in paper and ink. Once you find out that number you can apply it to any sized print and give a competent quote.