Green tint on b&w prints using Epson 3800

[claus]

Hi,

I just bought an Epson 3800 and I spent the last week doing some tests using the Canson Rag Photographique paper.

I only work with b&w images so I'm using the ABW mode within Photoshop on Mac OSX, but I can't make neutral bw prints, it keeps coming out with a green tint. I'm comparing my test prints with a b&w print made by a friend (Epson 3880 + Epson Velvet paper) and the difference is astonishing!

I did a nozzle check and everything looks ok as you can see it here:

http://i.imgur.com/JISzBYg.jpg

Here's my print dialog box settings:

http://i.imgur.com/vuzMFK3.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/8a6LAWE.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/njisOHt.jpg

My supply levels:

http://i.imgur.com/nah9qFV.jpg

Any thoughts?

[Jim Jones]

http://i.imgur.com/njisOHt.jpg shows the dialog box settings where you can adjust the color for your particular image, your paper, viewing lighting, and personal preferences. The cross in the center of the color wheel can be moved by the horizontal and vertical adjustments next to the wheel.

[djdister]

Your first problem is that you need to change the setting to "Photoshop manages colors" NOT "Printer manages colors." Also, your nozzle test is missing one of the Magenta cartridges. Also, assuming you bought this used, you may have inherited some other problems with this printer. Regardless of any nozzle test, I would suggest starting with new Cyan and Yellow cartridges.

[claus]

Your first problem is that you need to change the setting to "Photoshop manages colors" NOT "Printer manages colors."

The problem is if I change to "Photoshop manages colors" I can't use the Advanced Black and White mode.


Also, your nozzle test is missing one of the Magenta cartridges.

Isn't the Light Magenta just between the Cyan and Yellow on the nozzle test ?


Also, assuming you bought this used, you may have inherited some other problems with this printer. Regardless of any nozzle test, I would suggest starting with new Cyan and Yellow cartridges.

I will replace the Cyan and Yellow cartridges. I just notice that all the cartridges are out of date. Is it a big problem?

[claus]

http://i.imgur.com/njisOHt.jpg shows the dialog box settings where you can adjust the color for your particular image, your paper, viewing lighting, and personal preferences. The cross in the center of the color wheel can be moved by the horizontal and vertical adjustments next to the wheel.

I tried to apply a little bit of magenta in the color wheel but I really don't want to mess with it. Do you think it's necessary to get a nice neutral b&w print?

[dangregphoto]

I have seen this a few times on some students work. It was one of three things.

1. Head was clogged and it takes just on nozzle so I would check again and run a cleaning.
2. Head alignment issue where a realignment fixes it
3. Monitor calibration issue where the monitor was properly calibrated and sent green to the printer

Hope that helps

Daniel

[claus]

1. Head was clogged and it takes just on nozzle so I would check again and run a cleaning.


Should I run a cleaning even if the nozzle check looks OK?

[Jim Andrada]

I have a 4880 and there are 2 nozzle check utilities. One prints the squares made up of thin lines and the other (Auto???) prints solid patches and scans them to check for gaps.
I'm not sure if 3880 supports both of these but if it does it's worth running the full patch version IMHO.

[faberryman]

Have you checked to make sure Image->Mode->Grayscale?

[claus]

I've found a solution: I used a driver called Quadtone Rip instead of the Epson one and now everything's looking neutral. It seems to use less color inks than the advanced black and white driver.

[Jim Andrada]

I'm planning on installing it as well. Glad it works for you.