I just got myself this printer and even though setting it up is easy, it's reassuring to watch you do it first ;) Thank you for this very clear explanation.
Hi Keith, loving the videos and learning loads and I know this video is two years old but good info is always good info, so anyway I finally invested in the SC-P900 along with an brand new set of Epson ink and after weighing both the provided ink and the new ink I can confirm they are identical give or take .5 of a gram; total weight for the provided ink is : 1,250.60 grams and the brand new set was : 1,251.40 grams. Hope this is helpful to someone.
Thanks Keith. You are the number one resource on printing and color workflow. I received it on the 5th of October. It makes absolutely stunning prints. But I found some minor annoying aspects and look forward to hear your take on rear paper feed of heavyweight paper >300grams and and front loading of paper. Compared to my old Epson R1800 it makes astonishing prints and now my Soft proof looks more like the prints. With my old printer, even with a calibrated workflow my prints looked too dark. But now it's more correct and the prints even a bit lighter than my calibrated screen.
Thanks - the paper feed is working well at A2 but like the P700 I find that loading multiple sheets of some photo papers, especially smaller (A4) can slip when loading. Obviously I'll cover this in the review, but if you've any questions, please do feel to email me.
Keith, delighted to find such knowledgeable teacher. Q: Recently read to leave 'Print Preview' off. Always used it in past with 3880 & 800. Now finding prints better when it's off. Haven't heard you mention this issue, but quite new to your videos. Opinion? Thank you.
Thank you for this setup video. This is my first photo printer. I belong to a camera club and we have competitions and gallery shows a couple time a year. I also print to give as gifts to family and friends. I am a control freak when it comes to my image output and look forward to doing my own printing. Needless to say, this printer seemed daunting to me until I found your video. Its much appreciated.
Thanks - do have a look at the articles about using the P900 as well (and P700 since it's identical, just smaller). All my printer related stuff can be found via www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/
Thanks - I'm glad they are of interest. I still have to thank someone at Canon for twisting my arm into starting to make them - a review is on its way...
Excellent Keith. A great start and I'm looking forward to the next video on the P900. I must congratulate you on a well written article on your website, well done mate. I'll be buying you a coffee as soon as I get paid.
Thanks for this, Keith! I just received my P900 to replace my R3000, which broke a while ago! It's an amazing piece of tech and my first couple of prints look really good!
Great - do have a look at the full review as well, since the videos are only ever an overview www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/ It has links to related articles (and videos)
@@KeithCooper Will do! (But I've probably seen it already) 😂 One more question if I may: What's a good place on the interwebs for printing enthusiasts? Like a forum? I've seen you post on dpreview.com...Would that be a good place to hang out with likeminded people?
The DPR print forum has some good input. There is quite a bit of advanced expertise on the Luminous Landscape print forum, but it's a lot quieter there these days than it used to be (actually true of many such forums)
I have also just set mine up, nothing on the nozzle test print out. I wondered if there is some packaging I failed to remove. Can’t see any more blue tape inside. All the setup worked as you showed Keith, thanks for that
@@KeithCooper thank you Keith, I’ve seen a lot of people with the same problem, unfortunately was looking forward to using it. Thanks for all your hard work, really useful.
Thanks - glad it helped. I guess there is a very wide range of opinions of what counts as 'proper instructions' ;-) I probably don't count given the variety of printers I've set up, and because sometimes I get a printer before any documentation is provided...
I've had mine for couple of weeks now, really impressed so far, print quality is excellent. There was still over a 1/4 of the ink left after setup, which was a bonus. Only thing I didn't realise is that I couldn't manually feed roll paper through the rear, the printer detects if you have the roll adapter. This was a bit disappointing as I had to go and order the roll adapter which is not readily available at present, so I can't do panoaramics just now. I thought that I could have cut the length of paper of the roll and manually hold, but no :-(
The top load will take long cut sheets - obviously not as easy as with the roll unit, but a 1 metre print should be quite doable. See my P 700 review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p700-printer-review/ I'll try this with the 900, for the actual review just to be sure.
I can't give any meaningful info here I'm afraid. I'm doing profiles, half prints, long prints, different paper sizes, cards, deliberate cleanings etc. very atypical usage.
@Bosingr Hi, Ive printed 6, A2 images so far and the inks still haven't move that much, apart from the 2 grey inks they have moved the most, but not much. I have a full set of inks to swap once the setup ones are done. I am keeping track.........
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith, just my luck that I really wanted it for panoramic canvases, however the canvas just won't load through the top load. I have ordered the roll adapter from Epson, they estimate it will be 4-5 weeks before they have stock. I was eager to see what canvas looked like as I have never printed onto canvas, so I cut an A4 piece of canvas and glued to a piece of standard photo paper just so I can print on the canvas, looks really nice, much better quality that the canvas I have been getting from online print shops.
Hi Keith, when you did the nozzle check did you notice the top edge of the paper has a slight disturbance after printing? My new P900 does the very same thing, like the top edge of the paper is slightly catching on the feed mechanism. From your great review and all your beautiful samples I am hopeful this will not be a big problem with the heavier art papers and canvas. Thank you for all your great information!
I noticed it occasionally in the middle of the leading edge with some papers and with softer papers it might well be a reason to choose the front feed. It never happened consistently and the printer had to go back to Epson after what was probably some damage originally from shipping. I can't link the two, but the second printer only did it once with a soft art paper. If it does it with an Epson paper that should work in the top slot, I'd make a warranty enquiry. You need to show the problem with Epson paper though, otherwise I can guess what they would say.
@@KeithCooper okay thank you so much for your thorough reply! I just found out that any paper going through the printer has to have zero curl because there is only 1mm clearance. So I will see how it goes. Hopefully I won’t have to send it back. Good thing I kept the packaging!
Glad it was helpful! There is more detailed info in the written articles if you need any more info www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
Yes, just working on a video about setting it up. I'll also be doing an article about making a big print (as I did for the P700) The full review will cover everything, but with extra articles to cover specifics. Yhe full review will be a couple of weeks though, but feel free to ask anything directly via the Northlight site?
Hello, first, your videos are great, interesting and informative and I thank you for posting them. A quick question. My wife and I are retired and we are looking for a hobby we can enjoy together. She is artistic and very computer literate. I’m somewhat computer literate, but I love making things out of wood. We were thinking about doing some “artistic” printing using a moderately priced printer. Our plan was to produce mostly 16 inch by 24 inch images on canvas. We were hoping that an Epson T2170 would provide enough print quality to hopefully sell some of our prints to recoup the cost of the equipment, but we are being told that the print quality just isn’t high enough for a sellable product. We are thus looking at an Epson P900. Its more expensive than the T2170, but we have also heard that because of mechanical issues, it my be replaced sooner rather then later. I guess my question is this, would an Epson T2170 produce a quality print on canvas suitable for sale, or is the purchase of an Epson P900 the “safest” way to go? Thank you.
Thanks The T2170 is pigment ink and roll paper - so with good icc profiles it might well make acceptable prints [see my Canon tc-20M review] - but no-one makes profiles and it's limited to supporting 2" core rolls [IIRC] which you can't easily get canvas on. For the 900 there is the issues that 17" canvas is not common and the roll unit is a bit light for canvas use - there is no cutter, but you shouldn't really use the built-in cutters for canvas anyway [blunts the blade quickly] Who says it's being replaced? Not for a year at very least I'd suggest ;-) However, quality wise, it's a much better choice than the 2170 However, read my written review - there is always far more in these than the videos www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
Thanks a lot for this review it helped to decide to buy a P900. I received the printer today. Nozzle check is perfect. After first prints I'm very frustrated because there are stripes in printing direction on the prints. I made 4-5x cleaning and 3x power cleaning. Nozzle check looks still perfect but the issue is not resolved. I made 5x A4 prints with different paper types. Nothing changed. Now the original inks are nearly empty and maintenance tank full. Is somebody there who had the same issue?
A new printer should never need a power clean, yet alone 3. Unfortunately this rarely does anything other than waste ink if the nozzle check is fine. I assume you did the nozzle alignment check? I'm afraid this could suggest a potentially faulty printer - a warranty issue I'd suggest. Contact Epson
@@KeithCooper Thanks a lot for a quick response. Yes I did nozzle check before first printing and after each cleaning (5-6 times). I was hoping to find a solution because of the availability of the printer. Thanks & Best regards
@@wrobi2267 No, not the nozzle check - the head alignment check. Multiple cleanings do nothing but waste ink I'm afraid See the mention of head alignment in the actual printer review at www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/ If this fails, the contact Epson.
@@KeithCooper Wow, Keith this is a really great review You did. Very professional job. Thanks! I did both, head alignment and nozzle check. Unfortunately w/o any positive impact. It seems the printer head is damaged. Waiting for answer from Epson dealer.
Keith, fantastic video - many thanks. I would be especially interested how the print quality compares to Canon’s Prograf 1000 and the predecessor P800: What about Dmax, the new carbon black and the wider color gamut? Many thanks in advance.
Thanks - For more technical info on print quality see my P700 review - The 700 is identical to the 900 in print terms. All the detailed stuff goes into the written reviews rather than overviews here on YT www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p700-printer-review/ I will have a longish review for the 900 in due course, but once again, all the detail will go in the written version ;-) My PRO-1000 review also looks into quite a lot of info www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-1000-printer-review/ (it long predates any videos) The biggest change from 800 to 900 is in the lack of ink swap and size/usability/roll related aspects. Oh, there's the violet ink, but it won't very often make a difference you can see. Maybe in a specific test print, with a high quality custom profile, but unlikely I could tell the two apart from one of my normal photos. The carbon black is an interesting marketing feature - for B&W printing it may help a bit on matt fine art papers, but for gloss/lustre it bronzes too much at the highest (slow) settings - see my B&W print article www.northlight-images.co.uk/black-and-white-printing-with-the-p700/ DMax is a figure I only ever reference in reviews because people expect it , I don't actually use it at all in any of my personal printer/paper choices. See "The Dmax problem" section in the B&W article above for some more about this ;-)
I just bought this printer yesterday and the amount of ink dumped into the waste ink tank is staggering: an empty waste ink tank is 100 grams, after priming the system (setup cartridges) the weight increased up to 373g rams, so about 27,3 ml's of ink down the drain and hardly 18-20 ml's left for printing. It is terrible.
No - it is entirely expected... The ink system, tubes and print head need to have ink run through them. There is a shipping fluid in the lines to protect during transport [especially by air] which needs flushing out. Your weighings do not actually reflect ink use. Some is indeed used to fill the lines and some will go through to the tank. Whilst it might have been unexpected, it is not terrible...
I have used many Epson printers and this one is the first time after setup I am eft with only 1/3 level in all my inks. I have yet to print out one photo!! Is this standard after set-up? VERY Disappointing!!
Hi Keith. Thank you for the good videos. I just received my P 900 and it work perfect except that the it doesn't print the cut line. Something special to do? or is it and error in the printer
I can't remember when I've seen this - it's to do with roll printing settings See the main [written] review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/ I don't have it here any more to test though If you can't find an answer I'd ask on the printing forum at dpreview.com
Hi Keith, I have EPSON SC P906 and it suddenly won't let me print A2 size. The printer itself does have an option of A2 but when I try to print from my computer, there's no A2 option. Any advice for me? - Appreciate your help on this matter.
Have you got the right driver version selected? See www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/ 'Suddenly' almost never happens without some update/change somewhere... ;-)
I enjoyed your video and followed it just now to setup our P900. We have a problem during the Recognizing/Initializing wheel spin. It sounds all good and then the print head is making a clicking sound and then is moving back and forth, and the posts a Printing Error. Then wants to be shut down. If we restart the procedure we get the same result. Any ideas? This is a Saturday and we can't talk with Epson until Monday.
Yes - both 17" both capable of excellent print quality. No roll support on the PRO-1000. The 1000 is a lot heavier and more heavily built I have a lengthy review of the PRO-1000 on the Northlight site - this long predates my videos though! www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-1000-printer-review/
Hi Keith. I just received mine and set it up just like you did. Many issues from the first print on. The one that was the most irritating was the banding / head misalignement. I ran the alignement check on it many times, to no good results. Any tips on this?
As a new printer I'm afraid this sounds like it may have sustained damage in shipping - you've done the testing I'd try. Much as I hate to suggest it, this may be time to call Epson about the printer. The one you see in the video had to go back after a while, due to shipping damage - nothing obvious, but there were cracks in the packing in the box. It turned out to be a minor problem, but it's still stuck at Epson, due to the lockdown here in England. I have a spare one here.
I bought the P900 but I am struggling to print with the iPad app to non Epson paper (Ilford in this case). I thought selecting “let the printer manage colors” would work when you download the paper icc to the printer with the media management tool. But it comes up with an unexpected error. Shouldn’t the media you downloaded to the printer automatically show up in the iPad Epson Printer Layout software? Thats how Canon works with their media management
Unfortunately, much as I'd expect for trying to print with any mobile device. The custom media setting does not send profiles to the printer, just media settings. The profile remains on the computer (for access as needed). Note that Canon mobile printing is similarly limited - their approach to custom media (on desktop printers) does not involve icc profiles in the printer Remember that media settings and profiles are usually two different things. On a computer, with a full printer driver, custom media settings will show up in Epson Print Layout (similarly with Canon). I'm generally of the opinion that with reliable colour management pretty much broken on mobile devices, the only way to get predictable prints is to transfer images to an application on a computer. I have yet to see a properly colour managed workflow on a mobile device. AirPrint (and hence apps using it) fundamentally restricts printing abilities - this rarely matters for most people wanting to print from phones, but it is implemented as a very 'consumer level' product. So, great for holiday snaps, but precious little else (if colour matters!)
@@KeithCooper I finally got it working, but I don't know why. I could see the printer communication with the iPad app and then breaking up with an error message on the iPad and a canceled message on the printer. But suddenly it started working. And with "printer manages color" I can select the icc profile I installed on the printer with the media management tool on the printer side and it will use it. It ignores the media selection in the iPad app in this case. I probably would call it not really stable. You are wrong about Canon. I installed several ICC profiles in the Pro-1000 and it worked. It took a while before those profiles would show up in the Canon app and in the Canon driver on my Mac. But at the end they showed up. But the process was not stable. It took a while, but now the profiles are in sync. Thats not the case with the Epson, there seems to be no sync between the printer and the app on the iPad. But on the Mac where I had the media management tool running the paper now turns up under the media menu if the Epson Print Layout tool. But it recommends that you select the paper ICC separately. To install media on the printer you need a special format, you cant use the ICC directly. Illford offers that for the P900, I couldn't find it for Canson.
Excellent BTW I asked both Canon and Epson about icc profiles stored in printers and they both said they are not stored as profiles on printers. Obviously, next time I have a suitable printer here I'll investigate this further, but, since it worked for you, all the better! :-)
Thats what the iPad manual says, but it is not working, the media information is not transferred back to the iPad: You can add media types when the printer you are using supports Epson Media Installer. If the paper you want to use is not displayed in Media Type from Printer Settings, add the paper information for the paper you want to use on a computer connected to the Internet and your printer. From a computer connected to the Internet and to your printer, open the Add Paper Information screen (Epson Media Installer) to add paper information. See your printer's manual for details on how to add paper information. Note: If you are using Epson Print Layout for Windows or Mac, you can also add paper information from Epson Print Layout on Windows or Mac. Start this app, and then tap - Printer. Make sure your printer is displayed, and then tap . When printer information acquisition is complete, the paper is added to Media Type in Printer Settings.
Interesting - I'll have another look next time I have a suitable printer here. My general opinion is still that iPads and phones have no meaningful place in a colour managed print workflow - AirPrint printing is very much a 'consumer level' feature. Custom media works a treat on larger Epson and Canon printers (I've several written articles covering this in detail, over the years) but as part of a working colour managed workflow.
Keith, I have the SC-900 and recently noticed a few white specs on some of my prints using Red River Paulo Duro Softgloss. I recently used some Canson Arches BFK matt paper and think possibly some small particles of the paper might be in the printer. I use a soft brush to brush off the paper before putting it is printer to avoid any bits that might be on the paper. Do you know a way to manually clean the rollers or other parts inside the printer to eliminate this problem. I tried a little compressed air but the problem still occurs. I always keep a dust clover on the printer when not in use. Hopefully it is not a problem with the Red River paper I am using. Any suggestions would be helpful. John
Brushing is one way for paper [I use a feather brush] whilst the rollers can benefit from a slightly moist sheet of thick paper run through and access to a good an air line Mainly though, a paper which flakes is either returned or consigned to the bin
Thank Keith. I have to assume that the textured rag paper is the problem and the white specs I see on the semigloss papers is because of of small bits of paper prevents the ink from getting to the surface of the paper, which ruins the print. @@KeithCooper
Yes - that's usually what does it This is where the powerful vacuum and dust reduction system of the P5000 and now P5300 comes in. Mind you, it's a lot noisier siting on any nearby desk...@@johndoddato2662
Hi Keith: My P900 has arrived but unfortunately as I run El Capitan 10.11.6 I cannot get the printer drivers to install. Do you have any suggestions to get me going? Thank you Neal
Try at the print forum at www.dpreview.com/forums/1003 My Mac is at 10.15 I suspect the p900 is not supported on s system this old. I tested under 10.13
This is not a question that can really be answered - depends on size and image content. Office printers have this sort of info, but this is not an office printer ;-) After setup, at least one cart is likely to need replacing after less than a hundred prints, but that's due to the initialisation process (and that number depends on the print sizes) You can get an idea by starting here and doing the maths with your local ink prices www.redrivercatalog.com/rr/cost-of-inkjet-printing.html
I don't know I'm afraid - my dealings are not with the 'sales side' of Epson. I do know their supply lines have been hit (like many others) with covid delays (boats don't wait if your containers of printers are delayed in getting to the port)
Keith, I just bought the new P900 printer. I did everything from the setup in order and ran a nozzle check but no ink shows on the paper. I did a complete clean and after this again no ink shows up. Any ideas? Thank you
@@KeithCooper Did you resolve this issue? I have had the same problem with two of these printers in a row. It seems unlikely to get 2 DOA printers in a row but that seems to be the only likely scenario.
Hi just wondering if anyone is experiencing the same as problem. Bought this a couple weeks ago and more often than not the edge of the paper is hitting something on the way out. This is really annoying because it ruins very expensive paper. Also Im seeing a black streek/ scuffs on the other side of the print. It’s all updated and Im using epson papers with the appropriate profiles. Any help/ suggestions are much appreciated
Well done, Keith. My P900 coming today (April 10, 2023). Your vids are a big help.
Excellent - see the main [written] review for all my related articles/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
I just got myself this printer and even though setting it up is easy, it's reassuring to watch you do it first ;)
Thank you for this very clear explanation.
Glad it was of help!
Hi Keith, loving the videos and learning loads and I know this video is two years old but good info is always good info, so anyway I finally invested in the SC-P900 along with an brand new set of Epson ink and after weighing both the provided ink and the new ink I can confirm they are identical give or take .5 of a gram; total weight for the provided ink is : 1,250.60 grams and the brand new set was : 1,251.40 grams. Hope this is helpful to someone.
Thanks 👍 - There are a lot of assumptions about inkjet printers which don't hold up to actual testing!
I’ve been following your blog and website for many years Keith. Thanks for these videos that you are producing, they’re a real treat.
Thanks - glad they are of interest!
Thanks Keith. You are the number one resource on printing and color workflow. I received it on the 5th of October. It makes absolutely stunning prints. But I found some minor annoying aspects and look forward to hear your take on rear paper feed of heavyweight paper >300grams and and front loading of paper. Compared to my old Epson R1800 it makes astonishing prints and now my Soft proof looks more like the prints. With my old printer, even with a calibrated workflow my prints looked too dark. But now it's more correct and the prints even a bit lighter than my calibrated screen.
Thanks - the paper feed is working well at A2 but like the P700 I find that loading multiple sheets of some photo papers, especially smaller (A4) can slip when loading. Obviously I'll cover this in the review, but if you've any questions, please do feel to email me.
Thanks Keith! Just set up my p900 to print some of my paintings...really enjoy your videos, very instructive
Thanks - glad it was of interest
Keith, delighted to find such knowledgeable teacher. Q: Recently read to leave 'Print Preview' off. Always used it in past with 3880 & 800. Now finding prints better when it's off. Haven't heard you mention this issue, but quite new to your videos. Opinion? Thank you.
Thanks
Print preview? In what context? - what software? what system?
Mine is arriving today, can’t wait! Thanks again for all of your expertise.
Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for this setup video. This is my first photo printer. I belong to a camera club and we have competitions and gallery shows a couple time a year. I also print to give as gifts to family and friends. I am a control freak when it comes to my image output and look forward to doing my own printing. Needless to say, this printer seemed daunting to me until I found your video. Its much appreciated.
Thanks - do have a look at the articles about using the P900 as well (and P700 since it's identical, just smaller). All my printer related stuff can be found via www.northlight-images.co.uk/photography-articles-and-reviews/printing-paper-reviews-articles/
Thanks for the well done introduction. Can't wait for the final review.
Thanks - working on it!
Thank you, just what I needed, short and concise
Glad it helped!
Well done. Highly valued information. I've been a fan of your web site for years. Thank you.
Thanks - I'm glad they are of interest. I still have to thank someone at Canon for twisting my arm into starting to make them - a review is on its way...
Thanks for the straight forward instructions. Always feel more confident when I follow you! Hope review lives up to the hype!
Thanks - It's a good printer, but still very new. I'm interested in seeing how it's received once more people start using them regularly.
Excellent Keith. A great start and I'm looking forward to the next video on the P900. I must congratulate you on a well written article on your website, well done mate. I'll be buying you a coffee as soon as I get paid.
Thanks - will cover the setup of the roll adapter tomorrow...
Thanks for this, Keith! I just received my P900 to replace my R3000, which broke a while ago! It's an amazing piece of tech and my first couple of prints look really good!
Great - do have a look at the full review as well, since the videos are only ever an overview
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
It has links to related articles (and videos)
@@KeithCooper Will do! (But I've probably seen it already) 😂 One more question if I may: What's a good place on the interwebs for printing enthusiasts? Like a forum? I've seen you post on dpreview.com...Would that be a good place to hang out with likeminded people?
The DPR print forum has some good input. There is quite a bit of advanced expertise on the Luminous Landscape print forum, but it's a lot quieter there these days than it used to be (actually true of many such forums)
@@KeithCooper Thank you!!
Thanks Keith very useful.All i need now is for mine to get delivered🤞. Oh, and of course your essential detailed review...
I'll try and cover other aspects of using the P900 as well in some extra articles/videos
I have also just set mine up, nothing on the nozzle test print out. I wondered if there is some packaging I failed to remove. Can’t see any more blue tape inside. All the setup worked as you showed Keith, thanks for that
I've heard of this happening. Since it's a brand new printer check with Epson
@@KeithCooper thank you Keith, I’ve seen a lot of people with the same problem, unfortunately was looking forward to using it. Thanks for all your hard work, really useful.
Just got this and your set up video was very useful. But why don’t Epson give you proper instructions?
Thanks - glad it helped.
I guess there is a very wide range of opinions of what counts as 'proper instructions' ;-)
I probably don't count given the variety of printers I've set up, and because sometimes I get a printer before any documentation is provided...
Very nice. I was waiting for this video
I've had mine for couple of weeks now, really impressed so far, print quality is excellent. There was still over a 1/4 of the ink left after setup, which was a bonus. Only thing I didn't realise is that I couldn't manually feed roll paper through the rear, the printer detects if you have the roll adapter. This was a bit disappointing as I had to go and order the roll adapter which is not readily available at present, so I can't do panoaramics just now. I thought that I could have cut the length of paper of the roll and manually hold, but no :-(
The top load will take long cut sheets - obviously not as easy as with the roll unit, but a 1 metre print should be quite doable. See my P 700 review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p700-printer-review/ I'll try this with the 900, for the actual review just to be sure.
Mee too had mine since 5th if October. Awesome printer.
I can't give any meaningful info here I'm afraid. I'm doing profiles, half prints, long prints, different paper sizes, cards, deliberate cleanings etc. very atypical usage.
@Bosingr Hi, Ive printed 6, A2 images so far and the inks still haven't move that much, apart from the 2 grey inks they have moved the most, but not much. I have a full set of inks to swap once the setup ones are done. I am keeping track.........
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith, just my luck that I really wanted it for panoramic canvases, however the canvas just won't load through the top load. I have ordered the roll adapter from Epson, they estimate it will be 4-5 weeks before they have stock. I was eager to see what canvas looked like as I have never printed onto canvas, so I cut an A4 piece of canvas and glued to a piece of standard photo paper just so I can print on the canvas, looks really nice, much better quality that the canvas I have been getting from online print shops.
Thanks Keith!
Glad it's of interest!
Hi Keith, when you did the nozzle check did you notice the top edge of the paper has a slight disturbance after printing? My new P900 does the very same thing, like the top edge of the paper is slightly catching on the feed mechanism.
From your great review and all your beautiful samples I am hopeful this will not be a big problem with the heavier art papers and canvas. Thank you for all your great information!
I noticed it occasionally in the middle of the leading edge with some papers and with softer papers it might well be a reason to choose the front feed. It never happened consistently and the printer had to go back to Epson after what was probably some damage originally from shipping. I can't link the two, but the second printer only did it once with a soft art paper. If it does it with an Epson paper that should work in the top slot, I'd make a warranty enquiry. You need to show the problem with Epson paper though, otherwise I can guess what they would say.
@@KeithCooper okay thank you so much for your thorough reply! I just found out that any paper going through the printer has to have zero curl because there is only 1mm clearance. So I will see how it goes. Hopefully I won’t have to send it back. Good thing I kept the packaging!
Can't wait to get hands on mine in a few days hopefully! Thanks for all these informative videos! Cheers, happy printing
thanks - hope to have the full review available in the next week
Thank you
You're welcome
Many thanks, very clear.
Glad it was helpful!
There is more detailed info in the written articles if you need any more info
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
Can you do a video showing how to set up your artwork to include a border. Also is it possible to print A5?
See here for all my P900 info/videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
Hi, will you be reviewing the print roll add on for the p900? Thanks
Yes, just working on a video about setting it up. I'll also be doing an article about making a big print (as I did for the P700) The full review will cover everything, but with extra articles to cover specifics. Yhe full review will be a couple of weeks though, but feel free to ask anything directly via the Northlight site?
Hello, first, your videos are great, interesting and informative and I thank you for posting them. A quick question. My wife and I are retired and we are looking for a hobby we can enjoy together. She is artistic and very computer literate. I’m somewhat computer literate, but I love making things out of wood. We were thinking about doing some “artistic” printing using a moderately priced printer. Our plan was to produce mostly 16 inch by 24 inch images on canvas. We were hoping that an Epson T2170 would provide enough print quality to hopefully sell some of our prints to recoup the cost of the equipment, but we are being told that the print quality just isn’t high enough for a sellable product. We are thus looking at an Epson P900. Its more expensive than the T2170, but we have also heard that because of mechanical issues, it my be replaced sooner rather then later. I guess my question is this, would an Epson T2170 produce a quality print on canvas suitable for sale, or is the purchase of an Epson P900 the “safest” way to go? Thank you.
Thanks
The T2170 is pigment ink and roll paper - so with good icc profiles it might well make acceptable prints [see my Canon tc-20M review] - but no-one makes profiles and it's limited to supporting 2" core rolls [IIRC] which you can't easily get canvas on.
For the 900 there is the issues that 17" canvas is not common and the roll unit is a bit light for canvas use - there is no cutter, but you shouldn't really use the built-in cutters for canvas anyway [blunts the blade quickly]
Who says it's being replaced? Not for a year at very least I'd suggest ;-)
However, quality wise, it's a much better choice than the 2170
However, read my written review - there is always far more in these than the videos
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
See also www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-tc-20m-printer-review/
Thanks a lot for this review it helped to decide to buy a P900.
I received the printer today. Nozzle check is perfect. After first prints I'm very frustrated because there are stripes in printing direction on the prints. I made 4-5x cleaning and 3x power cleaning. Nozzle check looks still perfect but the issue is not resolved. I made 5x A4 prints with different paper types. Nothing changed. Now the original inks are nearly empty and maintenance tank full.
Is somebody there who had the same issue?
A new printer should never need a power clean, yet alone 3. Unfortunately this rarely does anything other than waste ink if the nozzle check is fine.
I assume you did the nozzle alignment check?
I'm afraid this could suggest a potentially faulty printer - a warranty issue I'd suggest. Contact Epson
@@KeithCooper Thanks a lot for a quick response. Yes I did nozzle check before first printing and after each cleaning (5-6 times). I was hoping to find a solution because of the availability of the printer.
Thanks & Best regards
@@wrobi2267 No, not the nozzle check - the head alignment check. Multiple cleanings do nothing but waste ink I'm afraid
See the mention of head alignment in the actual printer review at www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/ If this fails, the contact Epson.
@@KeithCooper Wow, Keith this is a really great review You did. Very professional job. Thanks!
I did both, head alignment and nozzle check. Unfortunately w/o any positive impact. It seems the printer head is damaged. Waiting for answer from Epson dealer.
Keith, fantastic video - many thanks. I would be especially interested how the print quality compares to Canon’s Prograf 1000 and the predecessor P800: What about Dmax, the new carbon black and the wider color gamut? Many thanks in advance.
Thanks - For more technical info on print quality see my P700 review - The 700 is identical to the 900 in print terms. All the detailed stuff goes into the written reviews rather than overviews here on YT www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p700-printer-review/
I will have a longish review for the 900 in due course, but once again, all the detail will go in the written version ;-)
My PRO-1000 review also looks into quite a lot of info www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-1000-printer-review/ (it long predates any videos)
The biggest change from 800 to 900 is in the lack of ink swap and size/usability/roll related aspects. Oh, there's the violet ink, but it won't very often make a difference you can see. Maybe in a specific test print, with a high quality custom profile, but unlikely I could tell the two apart from one of my normal photos.
The carbon black is an interesting marketing feature - for B&W printing it may help a bit on matt fine art papers, but for gloss/lustre it bronzes too much at the highest (slow) settings - see my B&W print article www.northlight-images.co.uk/black-and-white-printing-with-the-p700/
DMax is a figure I only ever reference in reviews because people expect it , I don't actually use it at all in any of my personal printer/paper choices.
See "The Dmax problem" section in the B&W article above for some more about this ;-)
@@KeithCooper Dear Keith, thank you so much for this comprehensive explanation.
I just bought this printer yesterday and the amount of ink dumped into the waste ink tank is staggering: an empty waste ink tank is 100 grams, after priming the system (setup cartridges) the weight increased up to 373g rams, so about 27,3 ml's of ink down the drain and hardly 18-20 ml's left for printing. It is terrible.
No - it is entirely expected...
The ink system, tubes and print head need to have ink run through them. There is a shipping fluid in the lines to protect during transport [especially by air] which needs flushing out.
Your weighings do not actually reflect ink use. Some is indeed used to fill the lines and some will go through to the tank.
Whilst it might have been unexpected, it is not terrible...
I have used many Epson printers and this one is the first time after setup I am eft with only 1/3 level in all my inks. I have yet to print out one photo!! Is this standard after set-up? VERY Disappointing!!
Yes, this is an issue I mentioned in the full (written) review - after setup, I don't mind the ink levels being down a bit, but not this much
Hi Keith. Thank you for the good videos.
I just received my P 900 and it work perfect except that the it doesn't print the cut line. Something special to do? or is it and error in the printer
It's a driver setting if I remeber correctly
@@KeithCooper Can't find any settings in the driver. :)
I can't remember when I've seen this - it's to do with roll printing settings
See the main [written] review
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
I don't have it here any more to test though
If you can't find an answer I'd ask on the printing forum at dpreview.com
Hi Keith, I have EPSON SC P906 and it suddenly won't let me print A2 size. The printer itself does have an option of A2 but when I try to print from my computer, there's no A2 option. Any advice for me? - Appreciate your help on this matter.
Have you got the right driver version selected?
See www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
'Suddenly' almost never happens without some update/change somewhere... ;-)
I enjoyed your video and followed it just now to setup our P900. We have a problem during the Recognizing/Initializing wheel spin. It sounds all good and then the print head is making a clicking sound and then is moving back and forth, and the posts a Printing Error. Then wants to be shut down. If we restart the procedure we get the same result. Any ideas? This is a Saturday and we can't talk with Epson until Monday.
Sorry, but that sounds like a printer fault, unless something is visibly jammed inside.
Shouldn't happen with a new printer I'm afraid
@@KeithCooper Thank you so much for the reply!
Is it fair to compare this with Canon's Prograf 1000 ?
Yes - both 17" both capable of excellent print quality.
No roll support on the PRO-1000. The 1000 is a lot heavier and more heavily built
I have a lengthy review of the PRO-1000 on the Northlight site - this long predates my videos though! www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-1000-printer-review/
Hi Keith. I just received mine and set it up just like you did. Many issues from the first print on. The one that was the most irritating was the banding / head misalignement. I ran the alignement check on it many times, to no good results. Any tips on this?
As a new printer I'm afraid this sounds like it may have sustained damage in shipping - you've done the testing I'd try. Much as I hate to suggest it, this may be time to call Epson about the printer.
The one you see in the video had to go back after a while, due to shipping damage - nothing obvious, but there were cracks in the packing in the box. It turned out to be a minor problem, but it's still stuck at Epson, due to the lockdown here in England. I have a spare one here.
@@KeithCooper Hi Keith, Thank you for your reply. Trying to see if Epson can help remotely but I have little hope...Thank you again!
I bought the P900 but I am struggling to print with the iPad app to non Epson paper (Ilford in this case). I thought selecting “let the printer manage colors” would work when you download the paper icc to the printer with the media management tool. But it comes up with an unexpected error. Shouldn’t the media you downloaded to the printer automatically show up in the iPad Epson Printer Layout software? Thats how Canon works with their media management
Unfortunately, much as I'd expect for trying to print with any mobile device.
The custom media setting does not send profiles to the printer, just media settings. The profile remains on the computer (for access as needed). Note that Canon mobile printing is similarly limited - their approach to custom media (on desktop printers) does not involve icc profiles in the printer
Remember that media settings and profiles are usually two different things. On a computer, with a full printer driver, custom media settings will show up in Epson Print Layout (similarly with Canon).
I'm generally of the opinion that with reliable colour management pretty much broken on mobile devices, the only way to get predictable prints is to transfer images to an application on a computer. I have yet to see a properly colour managed workflow on a mobile device.
AirPrint (and hence apps using it) fundamentally restricts printing abilities - this rarely matters for most people wanting to print from phones, but it is implemented as a very 'consumer level' product. So, great for holiday snaps, but precious little else (if colour matters!)
@@KeithCooper I finally got it working, but I don't know why. I could see the printer communication with the iPad app and then breaking up with an error message on the iPad and a canceled message on the printer. But suddenly it started working. And with "printer manages color" I can select the icc profile I installed on the printer with the media management tool on the printer side and it will use it. It ignores the media selection in the iPad app in this case. I probably would call it not really stable. You are wrong about Canon. I installed several ICC profiles in the Pro-1000 and it worked. It took a while before those profiles would show up in the Canon app and in the Canon driver on my Mac. But at the end they showed up. But the process was not stable. It took a while, but now the profiles are in sync. Thats not the case with the Epson, there seems to be no sync between the printer and the app on the iPad. But on the Mac where I had the media management tool running the paper now turns up under the media menu if the Epson Print Layout tool. But it recommends that you select the paper ICC separately. To install media on the printer you need a special format, you cant use the ICC directly. Illford offers that for the P900, I couldn't find it for Canson.
Excellent
BTW I asked both Canon and Epson about icc profiles stored in printers and they both said they are not stored as profiles on printers.
Obviously, next time I have a suitable printer here I'll investigate this further, but, since it worked for you, all the better! :-)
Thats what the iPad manual says, but it is not working, the media information is not transferred back to the iPad: You can add media types when the printer you are using supports Epson Media Installer.
If the paper you want to use is not displayed in Media Type from Printer Settings, add the paper information for the paper you want to use on a computer connected to the Internet and your printer.
From a computer connected to the Internet and to your printer, open the Add Paper Information screen (Epson Media Installer) to add paper information.
See your printer's manual for details on how to add paper information.
Note:
If you are using Epson Print Layout for Windows or Mac, you can also add paper information from Epson Print Layout on Windows or Mac.
Start this app, and then tap - Printer.
Make sure your printer is displayed, and then tap .
When printer information acquisition is complete, the paper is added to Media Type in Printer Settings.
Interesting - I'll have another look next time I have a suitable printer here.
My general opinion is still that iPads and phones have no meaningful place in a colour managed print workflow - AirPrint printing is very much a 'consumer level' feature.
Custom media works a treat on larger Epson and Canon printers (I've several written articles covering this in detail, over the years) but as part of a working colour managed workflow.
What's the maximum thickness of a material it can print on? I've been trying to find this info online, but couldn't.
The direct front feed takes posterboard up to 1.5mm
It's in the main review...
www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-sc-p900-printer-review/
Keith,
I have the SC-900 and recently noticed a few white specs on some of my prints using Red River Paulo Duro Softgloss. I recently used some Canson Arches BFK matt paper and think possibly some small particles of the paper might be in the printer. I use a soft brush to brush off the paper before putting it is printer to avoid any bits that might be on the paper. Do you know a way to manually clean the rollers or other parts inside the printer to eliminate this problem. I tried a little compressed air but the problem still occurs. I always keep a dust clover on the printer when not in use. Hopefully it is not a problem with the Red River paper I am using. Any suggestions would be helpful. John
Brushing is one way for paper [I use a feather brush] whilst the rollers can benefit from a slightly moist sheet of thick paper run through and access to a good an air line
Mainly though, a paper which flakes is either returned or consigned to the bin
Thank Keith. I have to assume that the textured rag paper is the problem and the white specs I see on the semigloss papers is because of of small bits of paper prevents the ink from getting to the surface of the paper, which ruins the print. @@KeithCooper
Yes - that's usually what does it
This is where the powerful vacuum and dust reduction system of the P5000 and now P5300 comes in. Mind you, it's a lot noisier siting on any nearby desk...@@johndoddato2662
Hi Keith:
My P900 has arrived but unfortunately as I run El Capitan 10.11.6 I cannot get the printer drivers to install. Do you have any suggestions to get me going? Thank you Neal
Try at the print forum at www.dpreview.com/forums/1003
My Mac is at 10.15
I suspect the p900 is not supported on s system this old. I tested under 10.13
how many photos will cartridge print?
This is not a question that can really be answered - depends on size and image content.
Office printers have this sort of info, but this is not an office printer ;-)
After setup, at least one cart is likely to need replacing after less than a hundred prints, but that's due to the initialisation process (and that number depends on the print sizes)
You can get an idea by starting here and doing the maths with your local ink prices
www.redrivercatalog.com/rr/cost-of-inkjet-printing.html
@@KeithCooper ok thanks for the information 😀
Is this printer available yet in the UK? I haven't been able to source one anywhere....
I don't know I'm afraid - my dealings are not with the 'sales side' of Epson. I do know their supply lines have been hit (like many others) with covid delays (boats don't wait if your containers of printers are delayed in getting to the port)
Keith, I just bought the new P900 printer. I did everything from the setup in order and ran a nozzle check but no ink shows on the paper. I did a complete clean and after this again no ink shows up. Any ideas? Thank you
Unfortunately, I've not come across any reason for this other than a faulty printer
A call to Epson or supplier is in order I'm afraid...
@@KeithCooper thanks Keith. Appreciate your time.
Please let me know if you get a fix for it? I update the written articles/reviews with notes and observations.
@@KeithCooper Did you resolve this issue? I have had the same problem with two of these printers in a row. It seems unlikely to get 2 DOA printers in a row but that seems to be the only likely scenario.
@@Waynesorensen I've not heard any more.
That said I've seen far fewer issues mentioned of late, but that's hardly a proper survey.
Hi just wondering if anyone is experiencing the same as problem. Bought this a couple weeks ago and more often than not the edge of the paper is hitting something on the way out. This is really annoying because it ruins very expensive paper. Also Im seeing a black streek/ scuffs on the other side of the print. It’s all updated and Im using epson papers with the appropriate profiles. Any help/ suggestions are much appreciated
This sounds like a printer issue - I'd go back to Epson
This should not happen with a new printer.
Make sure you mention you are using Epson media...
@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith. I’m waiting for a call from them so fingers crossed 🤞 it gets sorted 👍🏽
I'm crying. my printer does not print with ink. I did everything on video. the process goes on but the paper comes out empty
Possibly faulty printer - contact Epson
Llevo desde el 25/02/2021 intentando imprimir en papel epson poster board en la sc-p900 y es imposible, muchos fallos y sin solución de epson
I suggest you contact Epson about the printer - I had no difficulty in printing on to board
@@KeithCooper Llevo desde el 25/02/2021 en contacto con EPSON y sin solución.Gracias
I am surprised you are surprised the shiny plastic top is easy scratched, you must have been leaning on it for an hour.
I should say 'more easily scratched' than I'd have expected...
Several hours likely given all the testing and videos I made ;-)