I've had time now to make about twenty test prints with the P600 to compare against the same photos on the same paper/sizing as I previously made. The older prints are all good, but the new ink set shows its mettle: I think all my cameras have now picked up another stop or so of dynamic range and have finer grained micro-contrasts in the prints. Optimizing my rendering for the new printer, I think I've just gained a useful increment in processing capability.
The printer is bulkier looking than the R2400 but takes up about the same amount of working space. Closed up, it's a bit more regular in size so making a simple cover for it is easier. In use, the new control panel is very handy, gives an instant readout of the the ink supply, and having both the PK and MK blacks available with Auto Switching enabled is a big convenience. (Note that switching does consume a bit of ink and time, particularly going from MK to PK. There is an option to "Save Ink" which speeds up the switch and cuts ink consumption by 50% or more, but it's still worthwhile to batch up prints to papers that need the different ink and minimize switching, and it is best to set the default for the inks you are going to use most.) The P600 instruction manuals are pretty nicely put together: I've been able to find everything I needed to know quickly and easily. Likewise, paper profiles for the Red River, Hahnemühle, Moab, and Epson papers I use have been both available and easy to find. Of course, I have to update all my Lightroom printing presets but I would need to do that for any new printer. The only negative to the P600 I've found so far is that Hahnemühle Bamboo paper in 8.5x11 inch sheet size is a bit more of a pain to load properly due to its strong tendency to curl; it's fine in 13x19 inch size sheets. It will load, it just takes more fussing and coaxing. Bamboo is a wonderful paper, though, so I'll keep using it. The P600 has a bunch of useful new features and is a bit different to load … Likely more reliable although a bit slower in operation. Altogether, I'm happy with it. G > On May 8, 2015, at 10:56 AM, Jack Davis <[email protected]> wrote: > > Thanks, Godfrey! > > J > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Godfrey DiGiorgi" <[email protected]> > To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" <[email protected]> > Sent: Friday, May 8, 2015 10:41:00 AM > Subject: Re: new printer ... > > Yes, if you do B&W prints you really want the P600 of these two. Even doing > color-managed B&W via profiles you'll get better prints with the dedicated > inkset. > > G > >> On May 8, 2015, at 9:07 AM, Jack Davis <[email protected]> wrote: >> >> Appreciate this info, Paul. I find the P600 the more attractive of the two >> as I like the idea of a dedicated B&W system. >> The R2000 B&W system reminds me a lot of the R1800. >> Again, Thanks! >> >> Jack >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "Paul" <[email protected]> >> To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" <[email protected]> >> Sent: Friday, May 8, 2015 8:24:53 AM >> Subject: Re: new printer ... >> >> The P600 sounds like an excellent choice. >> >> Jack - If you're looking for a step up from the 1800, the R2000 is a >> great printer at a little better price point. Atlex.com has them on >> sale for $639. >> >> Here's a comparison between the P600 and the R2000... >> >> http://tinyurl.com/ozbrh94 >> >> -p >> >>> On 5/8/2015 9:42 AM, Jack Davis wrote: >>> Good luck with that, Godfrey. >>> I'm facing the dilemma, but with the additional factors of limited use >>> and age. Both the R1800 and I are wearing out. >>> >>> Jack >>> >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Godfrey DiGiorgi" <[email protected]> >>> To: "PDML" <[email protected]> >>> Sent: Friday, May 8, 2015 7:13:42 AM >>> Subject: new printer ... >>> >>> My "reliable for the past ten years" Epson R2400 is still reliable and >>> chugging along, but I decided to update my printer with a newer model to >>> gain WiFi connection and printing for iPad/iPhones, as well as the latest >>> Epson ink set. I acquired an Epson SureColor P600 to take over the job … >>> Just configured and set up last evening. I'm hunting up all the appropriate >>> paper profiles for my choice of Hahnemühle, Red River, etc, papers now. >>> >>> I'm looking forward to doing some print testing tomorrow. :-) >>> >>> G -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
