New to digital negs, which printer

[johnwe]

I have done a lot of antique print processes in the past and wish to get into digital negs. Was thinking of buying a used, perhaps older printer to start, maybe later getting a more up to date and higher priced version.

What do you suggest for a printer?

Ideally I could see getting the Epson 3880, I like the idea of doing large 16x20 prints.

For now was thinking of something under 300, probably used, to dip a toe in.

Probably won't do a lot of printing other than digital negs.

[sully75]

I'd try to get a 3880, not that I know anything about digital negatives. It's a really good printer, can't go wrong. Basically the cheaper you go, the crappier you get, with printers (less ink, more problems). The 3880 is at the price point where it comes with a lot of ink and can do whatever you want (unless you want to print bigger than 16x20). It's also relatively modern technology.

A used 2400 might get you in the door, I think that was a pretty good printer. But I'd go with the 3800, sometimes they come up on wicked good sales new and then you end up with something that (hopefully) has no problems).

[Andrew O'Neill]

I've been making excellent negatives for carbon transfer printing on an old 4000. If I were just starting out, I would go for a new model. I save tons of money by using ink cartridges from China. I've made up to 16x20 negatives.

[Jess C]

I've had a 3880 for about 18 mos. and I think it's a great printer for paper prints as well as digital negatives on OHP. Epson has run some great rebates on the 3880 in the past (it's how I got mine) so I would watch for that.

[johnwe]

where can I get curves and a "step wedge" for an Epson 3880/digital negs?

can i make my own step tablet in photoshop? instructions?