Sometimes it can be nice with some good reviews of photographic tools. So, here is one from imaging resource, which looked into the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 printer (which mainly uses dye based inks). I like how the write is resonating about not always requiring top notch quality and longevity.

Let's face it - it is mostly photo art you wish to sell, that require (or should require) photographers to use most longstanding material, which also means printers based on pigmented ink. But not all photos are for galleries and exhibitions, right ? Albeit it appears that the ET-8550 is a damn good printer, and the Claria inks damn good for being dye based.

That was a surprise. (And the more i read about the printer, the greater the impression, I must say. It appears to be a marvel of printer. Did I mention the affordable inks ? Boy, i LOVE that you can print, print, and print - without worry that they end after 10 large images, like 25 years ago) and then used to cost a fortune to buy new ink in tiny, tiny cartridges like 11 or 14 ml. I really hated it. (and gave up on that kind of BS).

Now 25 years later - things look a lot brighter.

Literally.

Longevity ?

Apparently the Claria ET inks last 200+ years in darkness, while 89 years framed under glass, and bit longer if you frame it in UV glass. It should be noted that the choice of paper, as well printing function also impacts how long a photo will last. Some papers with this printer can last up to 140 years in moderate indoor light, framed under glass.

Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Glossy (printed with Epson "Advanced Black & White Print Mode")
When framed under glass: 140 years. Framed under UV glass; > 170 years. On the wall without protection: 37 years. In darkness storage: >200 years.

Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Glossy
When framed under glass: 90 years. Under UV glass; > 150 years. On the wall without protection: 28 years. In darkness storage: >200 years.

Source: www.wilhelm-research.com

Review 1

Click on the banner to get to the review

Imaging Resource wrote
in the very end of their article

The Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is a great option for:

• Amateur and enthusiast photographers who want to print their photos at home
• Photographers who hate spending hundreds of dollars on new ink every few months
• Photographers who make many small to medium-sized prints

The printer isn't a great choice for: 

• Photographers who need to make prints larger than 13x19 (33 x 48 cm)
• People who don't print often, since the printer is pretty costly
• People who sell their work and require the best print quality and archival materials

Overall, while the list of "dislikes" is almost as long as the list of "likes," I really like the Epson EcoTank ET-8550. It does almost everything well, and it does so with extreme efficiency. If you do a lot of printing, you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself at home with the ET-8550. The print quality is impressive, too. I highly recommend the ET-8550 to most photographers.

written by Jeremy Gray.

 

One Note of Caution !
(overprinting / borderless printing)

Sometimes you will encounter the mentioning of "borderless printing" - which means that the prints come out without any white frame.

Northlight images writes:

Note that if you want to print a lot of borderless prints, there will be overspray, and you will need to clean the inside of the printer to prevent ink buildup. I used absorbent kitchen roll to dab the plastic and foam under the print area.

It means that ink will be sprayed on the sides, outside of the paper - which (i assume) will be captured by some sort of cushion capture inside the printer. Which eventually should fill up with all the spilled ink... (I don't know if that can be replaced, or if the printer needs to be send in to Epson - which certainly costs *cough* a lot - as it is cumbersome to deal with). I simply don't recommend it.

Therefore, I do NOT encourage to use borderless printing.

(Unless the overspray can easily be cleaned afterwards. I can't judge that, because I haven't gotten the printer yet. Usually howebver, I always leave a white border around images. Like when enlarging prints in an analog film negative based darkroom).

Professional review 2
by Northlight Images

Click below in order to get to the review. NOTE: It is an amazingly detailed review. Fantastic if you wish to know all the finer details, as well how to install the printer and other obsercations. Northlight Images is perhaps the best review site for printers.

The guy does an absolutely fantastic job, truly !