Black and White printing

[bobgreen1]

I like my little Canon i960 for color prints, but it doesn't do real black and white (unless I have missed the boat somewhere). Is there currently a reasonably priced printer out there that a non professional can use for b&w? I saw an article on the web that stated Epson made a color printer in which you could substitue inks to provide true shades of gray; do they still? Does Canon do this too?

Thanks in advance.

Bob Green

[pixelzombie]

this is what you might be looking for:

http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.362672/sc.15/.f

[TommyO]

Bob,
While we cannot tell about your price range, one often recommended for b&w is the Epson R2880. Here is a link to another thread discussing it and others: Epson R2880, and a link to their website: Epson web.

[bobgreen1]

Tom,
Thanks for the link. When I checked the Epson website I must have missed the promotion. At that price I'm very interested.

Bob Green

[TommyO]

I hadn't even noticed the promotion. At $200 off and free shipping, that's pretty good. I clicked the "mail-in rebate" link and it appears it is good through 3/29/09. So, I don't think you missed it.

[bobgreen1]

I sent a query in that string to PhotoCat who had both the 2880 and 1900 regarding the comparative quality of their b&w prints, but got no response. Have you seen b&w prints from the 1900?

[TommyO]

For producing studio quality b&w prints, the 1900 just doesn't come close to the 2880. You will see a hint of color within the 1900's prints; not so on the 2880. You can request print samples from Epson; there is a link on the same page.

[Tareq]

I have Epson 3800, all the images are amazing and B&W are stunning, my mind blown away to see the quality, very very happy with it, and now i am looking to buy another large format printer from Epson.

[Tareq]

I heard before that Epson 2400 was perfect for B&W and also for colors, so Epson 2880 will be perfect as well no doubt.

[bobgreen1]

Thanks Tommy,

I suspected that the 1900 would have a color cast problem. Kind of hoped I could keep the price below $500. I'm having some automobile dramas right now so I'll have to put a 2880 off a bit. Again, thanks for the good and accurate advice.