Konica C3080 replacement C4080 vs C7090

[Eric Boucher]

Hi, I know there are some information on both the C4080 and the C7090 on this forum in other threads, but...

We have been running a C3080 for almost 5 years now. Quite happy with the machine, we really like the output (had a C1070 before that was similar). We have what would be considered a "low volume" for such a machine (about 20-30 K a month) but we need the quality. We are not commercial printers, we use the prints in custom products we manufacture. We only run the same 3 substrates (160 gsm color copy, 170 gsm silk and occasionnally 300-350 gsm duplex coated card).

We've given up on Xerox and Canon a while ago. Have looked at the RIcoh C7500, the samples we got didn't look as good as what we get from the Konica. Sharper print on the Konica. So we're basically set on sticking with Konica.

Our main grudge against the C3080 is the corona wires that need to be cleaned constantly. Konica is suggesting a C4080 or C7090. My questions are:

- Is anyone running a C4080 with feedback on the machine?
- Is the enhanced resolution on C4080 a noticeable improvement?
- Are the corona wires easier to clean with the new set-up where you don't have to take them out? (or do you still have to?)
- Is the C7090 really such a bad machine as ALL the other threads suggest?
- C4080 is a 4-5 year old machine, should we expect a new model soon? Anyone with insider scoop?

Our set-up would include the IQ-501 unit.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Digi_Wiz]

Hello Eric here is a bit of feedback I can provide you.

- Is anyone running a C4080 with feedback on the machine?
Having run a good few different Konica Minolta models over the last decade I can say that I absolutely love our C4080. Its a small machine but a total work horse some of the other konica models I've ran need maintenance quite frequently but the 4080 has been less frequent on average. It is on the slower side speed wise but have had no major issues running its full range of GSM, except weirdly enough letter size copy paper (jams in the fuser).

- Is the enhanced resolution on C4080 a noticeable improvement?
Cant speak on the resolution change as i have not ran the C3080 but the Color and Image Quality has been consistent.

- Are the corona wires easier to clean with the new set-up where you don't have to take them out? (or do you still have to?)
The corona wires are extremely easy to clean and the machine does not allow you to run until you have performed it when necessary. You do not have to take the coronas out to clean.

I have been very happy with our C4080 and it is one of the most dependable Konicas in our shop currently. Additionally I have found the IQ-501 unit on our C12000 to be excellent and heavily recommend it for any KM machine you would be using, it's ability to adjust the tray automatically is great.

 

[jwheeler]

- Is the enhanced resolution on C4080 a noticeable improvement?

I doubt it will be significantly noticeable compared to your C3080, but the best way to find out is to print samples on both and compare.

- Is the C7090 really such a bad machine as ALL the other threads suggest?

Yes. You've probably seen my posts about it, but there are other people posting many of the same concerns. Additionally, I used to work for Konica Minolta and speak to my former coworkers still employed there, along with our service techs and they said it's been a very problematic machine for nearly every customer who bought one. It's like the C8000 all over again. They are replacing them with C12000's in many instances, or even downgrading to a C4080. Save yourself the headache and stick with the C40xx series. It's perfect for your volume.

- C4080 is a 4-5 year old machine, should we expect a new model soon? Anyone with insider scoop?

KM always kept this VERY tight-lipped when I worked there. However, just about every manufacturer comes out with an upgrade every 3-5 years so it is likely they will come out with a new color series soon. If the monochrome 7136 upgrade from the 6136 series is any indication, I wouldn't expect there to be any significant changes for the next color series. The production print specialists and service techs that we work with couldn't even name anything significantly different about the 7136 compared to the 6136...they said it was mostly firmware updates, and replacing some frequent problem components with better quality components. Quality, speed, finishing, etc are all the same.

 

[Eric Boucher]

Hello Eric here is a bit of feedback I can provide you.

- Is anyone running a C4080 with feedback on the machine?
Having run a good few different Konica Minolta models over the last decade I can say that I absolutely love our C4080. Its a small machine but a total work horse some of the other konica models I've ran need maintenance quite frequently but the 4080 has been less frequent on average. It is on the slower side speed wise but have had no major issues running its full range of GSM, except weirdly enough letter size copy paper (jams in the fuser).

- Is the enhanced resolution on C4080 a noticeable improvement?
Cant speak on the resolution change as i have not ran the C3080 but the Color and Image Quality has been consistent.

- Are the corona wires easier to clean with the new set-up where you don't have to take them out? (or do you still have to?)
The corona wires are extremely easy to clean and the machine does not allow you to run until you have performed it when necessary. You do not have to take the coronas out to clean.

I have been very happy with our C4080 and it is one of the most dependable Konicas in our shop currently. Additionally I have found the IQ-501 unit on our C12000 to be excellent and heavily recommend it for any KM machine you would be using, it's ability to adjust the tray automatically is great.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[Eric Boucher]

I doubt it will be significantly noticeable compared to your C3080, but the best way to find out is to print samples on both and compare.

Yes. You've probably seen my posts about it, but there are other people posting many of the same concerns. Additionally, I used to work for Konica Minolta and speak to my former coworkers still employed there, along with our service techs and they said it's been a very problematic machine for nearly every customer who bought one. It's like the C8000 all over again. They are replacing them with C12000's in many instances, or even downgrading to a C4080. Save yourself the headache and stick with the C40xx series. It's perfect for your volume.

KM always kept this VERY tight-lipped when I worked there. However, just about every manufacturer comes out with an upgrade every 3-5 years so it is likely they will come out with a new color series soon. If the monochrome 7136 upgrade from the 6136 series is any indication, I wouldn't expect there to be any significant changes for the next color series. The production print specialists and service techs that we work with couldn't even name anything significantly different about the 7136 compared to the 6136...they said it was mostly firmware updates, and replacing some frequent problem components with better quality components. Quality, speed, finishing, etc are all the same.

As always thanks for your input! I think I'll try and extend my click contract for a year or so (the machine is ours) and see if Konica comes up with a "new" machine in the meantime.

 

[Robohopar]

@jwheeler is spot on

 

[Ynot_UK]

- Is anyone running a C4080 with feedback on the machine?

We have a C4080 and our colour volumes are slightly less than yours
Love the machine, hate the KM IC-609 RIP and should have opted for the Fiery

- Are the corona wires easier to clean with the new set-up where you don't have to take them out? (or do you still have to?)

You don't take them fully out, just pull them out & in a few times. Not a big deal IMO and we tend to do it after calibration before larger jobs rather than wait for the prompt.

- C4080 is a 4-5 year old machine, should we expect a new model soon? Anyone with insider scoop?

4 years old this month. We received the first UK installation of the C4080 this week in 2020
I'm with @jwheeler in expecting an announcement in the first half of next year.
Also bear in mind the C40xx series would have been announced at least 6 months earlier if the pandemic hadn't struck.
Because of the well documented C7090 issues, I'd wager the replacement for the C4070/80 may configure with the PF-812 extra long vacuum paper deck - that would be a good move IMO. Probably also expect some unnecessary minor modifications to the PF-707m and RU-518m to prevent otherwise perfectly good peripherals either side of the current C4070/80 engine being redeployed with a new C50xx engine

Our set-up would include the IQ-501 unit.

We didn't bother with this and have no regrets. It would have added circa £10k to the purchase price at the time.
The 'both sides' adjustment is just fine for our needs, registration is consistent and the RU-518m relay unit is great at achieving nice flat, cool output.