AX4 & Epson 9880

[RVNG]

Through private sale we have an opportunity to buy a used Epson 9880 to replace our weary ol’ Sherpa43. I was wondering if anyone would have any suggestions in what to look for or what questions to ask the previous owner about its condition.

It would be for proofing purposes only and I would hate to get stuck with a machine that won’t calibrate under Apogee QMS/CMS or has some quirks. From what I’ve heard the 9880 has been another workhorse like the Sherpa and that’s what we’re after.

Any comments would be helpful.

Thanks,
RG

[jlee]

If that epson has been sitting around you might have to look at replacing the printheads (which can be costly) this is due to clogged nozzles from ink drying out. Relatively speaking Epson's are pretty cheap these days you could get a 44" 9900 for around 6K canadian. I think the key question to ask is when is the last time the proofer was run and also if they used the photo or the matte black, I can't remember if that model was interchangeable or if you had to choose one or the other black modes on initial startup.

JL

[RVNG]

Just saw the printer... seems its a 9800 instead of a 9880. Does anyone know of the differences? Is one more reliable than the other?

RG

[RVNG]

i found out that the 9800 seems to be more prone to head clogging... and it prints a little slower... but it is reportedly a work-horse and still a good printer.

[Colorblind]

The Epson 9800 is what I currently use with my APX 4 workflow. I was starting to have serious clogging (clogging occuring while the proof would print, so half the proof OK and the rest filled with white lines) after 3 years of use. Just got the printhead replaced and while it improved the overall clogging problem, I will have to get the dampeners changed. So if you can test the printer before buying it, do so.

[RVNG]

Thanks Colorblind,

The machine we are buying is 3 years old as well, and was reported hardly used. I had them do a nozzle check and a print, all looks really good.

Since we are going to be using this machine strictly as a proofer, I wanted to ask what paper and ink combo you use with your AX4 system?

Thanks,
RG

[Colorblind]

I currently use Epson Ultrachrome inks along with Epson Standard proofing paper 240 size 44" x 100 ft, results are great and I feel safe since I use Epson supplies (so one less variable to worry about in case the Epson print quality declines). Also, the Epson paper I use is Gracol-certified and costs half the price Agfa is asking for their media.

[RVNG]

Great, thanks very much.

RG

[RVNG]

Sorry, one last thing... I guess you're using the Photo Black ink and not the Matte Black ink for proofing?

Thanks,
RG

[Colorblind]

Yes, photo black is what I use.