Customer Rating:  
Summary: Not worth the money and head achs
Comment: I bought the Epson 1900 to back up a old 2200 I have and have had nothing but problems since. To start off it eats through inks getting half the total square inch coverage I get on my 2200. I have had continuous paper feeding issues using Epson papers. Every now and then in the process of printing a image it dumps a ton of ink on the paper making the print worthless. Now in switching ink cartridges it won't recognize the new cartridge. In fact it won't recognize any of them. I've re-booted the printer several times, re-installed the software several times and am ready to trash it. In the 5-6 years I've had the 2200 I've never had a issue. I even recommended Epson to another photographer and they've had nothing but problems. Obviously Epson cares nothing about quality anymore and this will be the last Epson I buy. To top it off the customer service number is not a 1-800 number.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Epson Stylus PHOTO R1900
Comment: I've had the R1900 for several weeks now. The installation was simple and went without a hitch. It would be nice to have an image of the printer with all of the componets labeled so when they say to "slide roll edge guide" I don't have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out what piece they are talking about. Not a big deal, but there is room for improvement.
Was a bit annoying that when I went to do the test print an ad about buying genuine Epspon ink kept poping up. I've already bought the printer, I don't need to see any more advertising.
The first print I made came out way too dark. After a little investigation I found it was operator error. I had selected the wrong printer profile. When I selected the correct one the prints came out looking great.
I did buy a box of Epson Glossy 4"x6" Photo Paper. This paper has perforated borders so that you can get edge-to-edge prints. However I have yet to get a correct print. No matter what I try the print will not center on this paper. I've been using some Canon 4x6 paper instead and it works just fine.
Quality of the prints is very good. I haven't had to replace any ink cartridges yet, but after reading some of the other reviews I'm a bit apprehensive.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Now Five Stars!!! If Calirated, It's Wonderful
Comment: I received my Epson, fired it up, and it made a horrible whining/grinding noise. I thought, man, this thing is toast. I tried a few more times and the print head wouldn't engage. So I called Epson, and they sent me a brand new unit right away. I asked if it was new, because I heard they will send you refubs sometimes; but it was new. The second one printed no problem, and I was off and running.
I did notice with the first prints that the colors were a bit cool and on the bluish side. iPhoto said the same thing, so I have played with the settings, but I still get so so results. The problem really lies with my monitor. It isn't calibrated. So what I am seeing isn't what is being translated onto the paper. So I have upped the ante and sprung for the Spyder3 Studio Suite monitor and print calibrator. Now I will be able to get the screen dialed in, and display on my screen what color gamut my printer can actually do. Now I can make my own profiles for paper and color. In theory everything should be spot on. I know it's an extra $350 (with current rebate to 11/30) but what use is an amazing printer if the colors aren't what they should be because of un-tuned hardware? If you get this printer, at least calibrate your monitor.
I have read also that the Epson glossy profile is a bit cool, but if you use the watercolor paper and profile, the colors come out much better and truer to life. And the paper is about or equal in price with the glossy, but with a much more professional look.
As for the machine itself, it seems pretty well built. Quiet and smooth, I am amazed I can print a 13x19 professional looking print in the comfort of my own house. So far the ink consumption hasn't been too bad. I am a bit bummed the cartridges are so small, but what can you do?... I was also a bit upset that I had to do a nozzle cleaning after a week of inactivity. With the amount of ink used in a purge, those are precious ml. I shouldn't have to clean after a week of non-use. Come on Epson...
But I suppose I can't complain. I think when tuned with a properly calibrated monitor, this thing is going to rock. I will update as we go along.
Update: November 23, 2008
I received the Spyder3 Studio Calibration System the other day. I installed, followed directions, and made two custom profiles in about an hour. One for matte and the other for glossy. The colors that were reproduced were fantastic and matched the screen amazingly well. I noticed the black and whites printed with the Epson profiles were a bit blue in cast. That was all fixed with the Spyder3, and the prints look neutral and pleasing to the eye.
Also, I was in a store the other day, and the shop guy said he knew one of the fellows who designs the color profiles for Epson. The Ultra Premium Matte profile is "supposed" to be one of the better profiles. Well, the printer coupled with my own profiles kicked the Epson profile to the curb. No comparison whatsoever.
All in all, this is a great printer. I am giving it five stars once calibrated. It's smooth, quiet, and prints amazing photos once you get it dialed in. I highly recommend this printer.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A great printer for the price
Comment: Epson 1900 Photo Printer
For over 40 years I have been a professional photographer. I have printed many 1000's of images. Most of the time it was trial and error until I got what I wanted! There were long hours in the darkroom or working with Photoshop.
A good friend of mine suggested I buy the 1900. He kept telling me how great it a printer the 1900 was! Well the first print out of the box blew my socks off. I had given up printing photos of the grand kids because the quality from my former printer. I am now going to start printing again with a renewed energy. The color is vibrant. The print is sharp as a tack.
My only negative about the 1900 was there was no USB cord included. For that much money a cord could be included.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Phto Printer
Comment: Absolute wonderful printer for an entry level photography studio. Easy installation and excellent performance -- color representation is dead on!
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