Recommend me a printer for digi negs...

[Benito]

I'm wanting to get into the digital neg thing; scan 4x5 negs to correct and enlarge them in PS and then inkjet print them at 8x10 or so for contact printing with silver and alt processes.

I've done a bit of research and am keen to buy some gear and get started, but I'm working on a pretty tight budget.

As for a printer for producing the negs, I was hoping there might be (to use marketing lingo that make me sound like less of a cheap-a$$) "an affordable solution". What are some of the least expensive printers people are having success with, and what kind of inks and 'transparency' are being used?

Thanks for your help!

[Colin Graham]

If you haven't already, check out Hybridphoto.com (http://www.hybridphoto.com/forums/). The epson 1280 is a proven printer in this area and I think you can get a refurbished model from epson for next to nothing. It uses dye ink which has higher uv blocking than some of the newer pigment printers from epson. Also I think it works with the cheaper photowarehouse OHP.

[Ted Harris]

The HP B9180 and Pictorico film are probably your best bet. Expect to pay between 500 - 600 for the printer depending on where and when you buy it.

[Walter Calahan]

Epson, Canon, HP - Pictorico film.

[Lanrod]

If you are planning on scanning B&W negs, the Epson R2400 or R3800 are nice printers. If you decided on going with an Epson printer, make sure it has the K3 inks, or you won't get a good gray scale. If your doing color, these will work great as well.

What will you be using to make your scans, because that is also important if you are making digital prints. The Epson V750or V700 are excellent. I've owned both of them.

cheers!