Quote Originally Posted by gahspidy
Yes, the 9900 is quite a printer and the vivid, quality and SPEED is remarkable. Did I mention SPEED? It spits out prints so fast you have to be ready lest you get hit in the neck with a 13x19 sheet. But, it cannot handle a variety of papers.Your basically stuck with Canon Photo Pro paper whaich is a high gloss 9.5 mil paper that will give approx 38 years. Not bad. But if you print on anything else, especially another brand, the print life could be reduced to just a few years! I did not feel comfortable selling or exhibiting anything like that.
The Epson allows me to print on very thick Quality papers and be assured that they will last a very long time, plus there is much support as well as profiles for the 2200 from various quality paper manufactures. But, I had no idea how fast the Canon was until I started using the 2200. Especially at its highest setting, a 13x19 could take as much as 30 minutes. The Canon did a 13x19 at highest quality in about 5 or 6 minutes!
Unless I missed something, I had noticed in Wilhelm imaging site that the Dye Subs had a very short resistance to fading. I wil ahve to look that up again to see if I am not mistaken. But they do have a reputation for making very nice prints. Too bad about the QuickGamma not available for the mac.
Thanks for checking out the gallery. . I ran into Yu the other day and she asked me to prepare my exhibit as she has extended her gallery into the spring( She will be eventually moving her location) and will come by to help me choose the pieces for exhibit. Problem is now that I'm using the new printer, it is going to take me a little time before I decide and get comfortable with what papers and setting results I will be pleased with. And some other inherent expenses involved. . .so I will let you know any further info. I appreciate your inquiring and would look forward to the chance to meet you if you visit the city.
Hello Gary,

Wow, the 9900 was fast! I gave a look at the Wilhelm imaging site. All I could find is an old (1995) report were various printers/methods where compared. At that time, dye sub prints would have an average life span of more or less 15 years (which is really bad) but the average ink jet printer would make print that would last 6 years moreover....
Quite obviously, this report is totally outdated and probably doesn't hold any value in 2005 as the technology improved so much...
Which bring me back to my search to find out how durable today's dye sublimation print are. Kodak claim that their new 1400 produce "archival prints which will last a lifetime" without saying anything about the actual life span of the prints in years. By searching further more, I found that these prints using their pro grade "Ektatherm" paper and ribbons should equal the life span of a traditional silver halide print (apparently 20 to 30 years depending on the sources...).
Quite frankly, there are so little informations outhere that it's hard for me to have a clear view of the situation. I hope that more informations will be available soon.
I wish you the best with your new 2200. Since you seem to print quite a lot, did you ever had banding or clogging issues with the Canon (or the Epson)? My only fear with inkjet printers is that the head would end up clogging as I wont print on a regular basis...
I'll be glad to visit the Philosophy Box whether your show is on or not (I obviously hope that it will be) and would also be glad to meet you if the opportunity arise.

Seb