What's the cost - paper and ink A3

alexam

alexam

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Malcolm
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So, has anyone worked out the cost of each print of A3, using only genuine original ink cartridges on an Epson R2880 and how many prints on a new set of inks would you get?
 
That's really helpful. Thanks so much!

Others have been a tad more helpful and I now know what I was looking for.
 
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Epson used to have a chart on their website, have a mooch around.

Joan
 
Thanks Joan,

I did have a mooch and found the Epson site that shows ISO testing information on the yield from each cartridge. However, this is based on only 5% coverage, ( like 1505 pages on the Cyan cartridge) which is really rather silly. I contacted Epson chat with a technical adviser and a similar useless reply saying that it was difficult to assess.

So much for Epson efficiency on such things. I would have thought that it would not be difficult for Epson to know how many A3, or A4 full colour photographs can be produced from a new set of cartridges. Anyway, I have gained other info from someone else who PM'd me to give me a rough guide.

Malcolm
 
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alexam said:
That's really helpful. Thanks so much!

Others have been a tad more helpful and I now know what I was looking for.
Click to expand...

well did you search google first?


I know there is some data out there for per paper usage (hence why I suggested google. I'm not going to search for you lol ) obviously depending on the cost of paper but IIRC its something like £1.50 per A4 sheet of epson premium gloss.
 
Just for the record, I always try and find what I am looking for via Google before asking for help. I wouldn't expect you to look for me, but from what I understand from your previous posts, your cost will be lower by not using genuine inks and possibly buying discount papers.

As I have said, I have the information I need now with help from others.
 
why not check with marrut - who say their inks as 1/5th the cost... so they must know the average costs!
 
Is that on Genuine Epson inks?
 
The problem with working out ink costs, which are the main variable depends on how much ink is laid down on the paper. A high key image will not have as much ink used as a low key image.

I tried to work this out a year or so ago but lost track of what was printed and the ink lay down. Doing this for Photographic paper is simple as you have effectively two fixed costs, paper and chemical. However with variable ink lay down it's not easy.

I have seen some figures from Epson but this tends to be for business images, text and the odd chart, not very useful.

The only way you could do it, if you could be bothered, is with a complete set of full carts, make a note of how many A3 prints you can make before a cartridge runs out. The extrapolate the volume in the others, and come up with a cost. This is where I lost interest.:)
 
Hi John,

I agree, it could go too far to establish exactly what it cost and yes, your solution could work. The problem is always that some cartridges will run out before others and the need to change them will displace to calculations.

I suppose I could keep a careful check on how much I actually print over six months and see how much I have spent, bit I have a near-enough guestimate and am not too worried. It was more a question of establishing what it cost me to produce an A4 or A3 print so that I don't give away too much when printing for friends and cover my costs.

I think with the high quality I am able to produce, the cost to cover would be £5 and £10 respectively for friends. If they want cheap, they can go to a Lab.

Have a great Christmas

Malcolm
 
You'll probably find that the magentas and cyans will run out first when printing colour. Then most likely following will be the gloss black.

I as you know have a Canon and those colours run out first as they did in my R300 Epson.

Mine also oddly has a red and green cart, they seem to last forever.
 
Hi John,

that's an excellent little video on costs and possible changing to other ink. However, based on 6 A4 per week, I think I will stay with original even though I will initially be using far more to produce my portfolio and some nice display A3's.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I will also have a look at Lyson papers, they seem to be low cost. Have you any experiance with those papers? Or anyone else?

Have a great Christmas

Malcolm
 
Malcolm

I seem to have tried lots of papers over the last few years, however I seem to keep coming back to Ilford's Galerie Gold Fiber Silk. Although I do also Like Hahnnemuhle Fine Art Pearl. For something a little cheaper Try Ilford's Galerie Smooth Pearl.. The Ilford profiles work well with there papers on my 2880.

If you can find a paper you are happy with,and stick to it until you find one that is better. I don't like dead matte surfaces so I always look for ones that have a sheen to them, like unglazed glossy paper ( If you remember such a thing, The Hahnamuhle is not unlike that).

I found that sample packs were a good way to go and it's usually a lot cheaper than buying the smallest packs available.

Have Fun and a great Christmas

John C
 
Thanks again John,

I have some really super prints from Epson's Premium Semi-Gloss and if I find something better then great! I also am not a lover of gloss, although Matte can be good for B/W prints, particularly with the matte ink.

Christmas time is Fun Time this year in the office/studio. Santa may also bring me some photo frames and this is another area I am looking into. The Never ending story!

Malcolm
 
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