Epson banding

[Focus]

Hi,

I'm using an Epson C60 (with only a few hours of use) to print photo's

I know it's a budget printer, but before I rush out to buy better model I
would appreciate some thoughts on the 'banding' that is visible in the
printed pictures

It's very slight - only really noticeable on reasonably close inspection,
but it's there. It's not like the sort of thing you get with a blocked
print head - far more subtle, a regular series of closely spaced very faint
lines across the whole image, hardly noticeable at all on lighter colours.

I've tried all the usual settings, and also tried a printing chain using
assorted ICC profiles. Actually, the colours are pretty good - it's just the
'banding'

My question really is this, is this just a limitation of the machine? - or
does anyone know of a fix (or is the only 'fix' a superior printer)

BTW, if a new printer is required, any recommendations for general photo
work without raising a second mortgage?

TIA

 

[Safetymom123]

C60 is not a photo printer. Also what papers and settings are you using?

 

[Focus]

C60 is not a photo printer. Also what papers and settings are you using?

Hi

I know it's not a photo printer (but quite what the difference is between
the C60 and any other 2 cartridge machine is, I don't know) but it still
produces good colourful prints (except for the vary faint banding)

I'm using Custom settings (Adobe RGB1998 profile, microweave on, 2800 res)
on Fuji satin paper.

Since posting, I tried cleaning the print heads - before cleaning, the 'test
pattern was OK - after cleaning, the test pattern showed a lot of banding
(aghhhhh)

I fancy an Epson 300 - but the multiple cartridges (even non-genuine ones)
will work out costly. The 830 seems cheaper to run - having only 2
cartridges, but that brings me back to my original point - why would the 830
be better than the C60 (apart from things like edge-to-edge printing) when
they both use the same two cartridges?

I have noticed that the banding is only noticeable on larger prints (say,
half A4 size) What I really need to know is whether the banding is a
'fault' that I can correct, or whether I'm just pushing the printer too far
and need a better one?

Thanks

 

[CWatters]

Does this printer have an alignment check facility? Try running that.

 

[Mark Herring]

I had an Epson 600 for many years---there was always some
banding--even at the highest quality settings. I dont know if that
was associated with the 4-color system, or with the relatively large
ink drop size.

If the nozzle check is OK, and you are using the higest dpi setting,
then you are probably looking at intrisic behavior.

Hi,

I'm using an Epson C60 (with only a few hours of use) to print photo's

I know it's a budget printer, but before I rush out to buy better model I
would appreciate some thoughts on the 'banding' that is visible in the
printed pictures

It's very slight - only really noticeable on reasonably close inspection,
but it's there. It's not like the sort of thing you get with a blocked
print head - far more subtle, a regular series of closely spaced very faint
lines across the whole image, hardly noticeable at all on lighter colours.

I've tried all the usual settings, and also tried a printing chain using
assorted ICC profiles. Actually, the colours are pretty good - it's just the
'banding'

My question really is this, is this just a limitation of the machine? - or
does anyone know of a fix (or is the only 'fix' a superior printer)

BTW, if a new printer is required, any recommendations for general photo
work without raising a second mortgage?

TIA

**************************
Mark Herring, Pasadena, Calif.
Private e-mail: Just say no to "No".

 

[Mark Herring]

Hi

I know it's not a photo printer (but quite what the difference is between
the C60 and any other 2 cartridge machine is, I don't know) but it still
produces good colourful prints (except for the vary faint banding)

I'm using Custom settings (Adobe RGB1998 profile, microweave on, 2800 res)
on Fuji satin paper.

Since posting, I tried cleaning the print heads - before cleaning, the 'test
pattern was OK - after cleaning, the test pattern showed a lot of banding
(aghhhhh)

I fancy an Epson 300 - but the multiple cartridges (even non-genuine ones)
will work out costly.

Dont understand this---in principle, the separate carts are suppose to
save you money. (Note that a multi-color Epson cart shows empty after
only ONE of the colors is really depleted)

The 830 seems cheaper to run - having only 2
cartridges, but that brings me back to my original point - why would the 830
be better than the C60 (apart from things like edge-to-edge printing) when
they both use the same two cartridges?

I have noticed that the banding is only noticeable on larger prints (say,
half A4 size) What I really need to know is whether the banding is a
'fault' that I can correct, or whether I'm just pushing the printer too far
and need a better one?

If you want photo-quality, get a 6-color or better printer.

If you want the lowest possible cost, refill your cartridges or get a
continuous feed system

Thanks

**************************
Mark Herring, Pasadena, Calif.
Private e-mail: Just say no to "No".

 

[=?ISO-8859-1?Q?BenOne=A9?=]

Hi,

I'm using an Epson C60 (with only a few hours of use) to print photo's

I know it's a budget printer, but before I rush out to buy better model I
would appreciate some thoughts on the 'banding' that is visible in the
printed pictures

It's very slight - only really noticeable on reasonably close inspection,
but it's there. It's not like the sort of thing you get with a blocked
print head - far more subtle, a regular series of closely spaced very faint
lines across the whole image, hardly noticeable at all on lighter colours.

I've tried all the usual settings, and also tried a printing chain using
assorted ICC profiles. Actually, the colours are pretty good - it's just the
'banding'

My question really is this, is this just a limitation of the machine? - or
does anyone know of a fix (or is the only 'fix' a superior printer)

BTW, if a new printer is required, any recommendations for general photo
work without raising a second mortgage?

TIA

You may be using the wrong paper setting in the printer control panel.

I get banding if I choose photo glossy film, but I don't get banding if I just
choose photo glossy paper, or photo paper. That's when I'm using Ilford smooth
pearl paper (which is a semi-gloss).