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Epson 4880 (2008 model)

Purpose/Overview
Specifically for the 4880 in the IdeaLab Weitz 027: How to make high quality photographic prints (up to 17"x22") using the "Premier Premium Photo, Micropore Luster 10.4 Mil" paper. Or for using Epson Premium Lustre paper, found in the IdeaLab.  For details about the settings that Premier recommend, see the Epson Ultrachrome section of the following webpage: http://www.premierart.info/pp_driver_settings.php

TUTORIAL:

I.  THE PRINTER:

1. Put a stack of Epson Premium Pro Luster Paper into the paper tray face down (usually the shiny side).

Note:  the printer works optimally if you have a stack in the tray even if you only plan to make a couple of prints. The paper that you will use for CAMS classes and      most PEPS printing is the "Premier Premium Photo, Micropore Luster 10.4 MiL" Matte and Glossy paper is also available.  For detailed pictorial instructions about how to load paper SEE page pp153-158 in the Epson 4880 Manual.

II.  PREPARING YOUR PHOTOSHOP FILES

  1.  Adjust your images in photoshop to your taste. 
    Note:  Epson printers, print out DARKER than the image appears on-screen so you may want to over compensate a little to make up for this in the levels settings.
  2. Once you've prepared your file, you need to "Convert to Profile" by choosing Edit > Convert to Profile in Photoshop.
  3. Select the "Destination Space" P4880 PLPP260" (which stands for Premium Luster Photography Paper, 260 pertains to Epson's grading settings).  
    1. Engine:  Adobe (ACE)
    2. Intent:  Colorimetric
    3. SELECT: Use Black Point Compensation
    4.  SELECT:  Use Dither

      See screenshot below for a visual of the Convert to Profile window and settings.

 

  1. The wise photographer saves paper, ink, and money by printing test strips with different levels applied and ideally a color Profile Proof.
  2. 1.  If you would like a detailed list of what these ICC color profile codes translate to, you can download this spreadsheet "key" and assorted PDFs which explain the ideal settings for each.


IV.  PRINTING:

  1.  File > Print opens the Print Dialog Box. There are several settings to be aware of in this box.
  2. Printer: make sure that the Epson Stylus Pro 4880 is selected.
  3. Copies: 1 (even if you're printing multiple, print one at a time)
  4. Layout: be sure that your paper selection matches your photoshop image layout.
  5. Color Management: the "Document Profile" should read Pro488- PLPP260 because you defined that Profile in previous steps.
    1. Color Handling: "Photoshop Manages Color"
    2. Printer profile: Reselect the printer profile again from this list, e.g: Pro4880 PLPP260  NOTE:  WHEN YOU MAKE THIS SELECTION, a dialog box will pop up, with dire warnings, prompting you to "GET IT" or "CANCEL."  Just press "CANCEL."  This is a bug in CS 6, and we can just ignore this warning.
    3. Normal Printing: Leave this selected.  Do not choose hard printing.
    4. Rendering Intent: Perceptual–as it appears most "natural" for photography printing
    5. SELECT: Black Point Compensation
  6. When you have verified that the settings above are correct, click PRINT SETTINGS at the top right of the window, next to Copies. 


See screenshot below for a visual of the Print Settings window and settings.


5. The print settings button opens the printer's settings as opposed to Photoshop's print settings. You can check each of these setting groups specifically by using the scroll menu (labelled "Layout" in the screenshot pictured below). The only setting in the scroll menu that you need to work with are: Layout, Color Matching and Printer Settings. Layout is important as it is here where you can define the precise paper size, this is crucial if you are working with non standard paper or a paper roll.


6. In the Color Matching controls make sure that they are set to use "ColorSync" this allows the printer to interact with the ICC profile defined in Photoshop.


7. The most important controls are the options for Printer Settings. In general you will only ever have to work with the Basic settings, however if you plan to use the Advanced B+W mode you may need to look at the advanced settings to make the appropriate color temperature tweaks.
Important Settings:
Page Setup: you defined these settings in the Layout window, but you do need to let the printer know whether you are using a paper roll or the Paper Tray.
Media Type: it is really important to pick the correct paper type other the printer may not print at all (or the results will be erratic). The settings shown below are correct for the "Premier Premium Photo, Micropore Luster 10.4 MiL" used in CAMS. If you are unsure of the correct settings, check the manufacturers website or the ICC spreadsheet which is linked to in this tutorial.
Print Mode: AccuPhoto HD, but since Photoshop is managing colors, this isn't changeable.
Color Mode: No need to worry about this field since Photoshop, not the printer, is managing the colors.
Output Resolution: SuperPhoto 2880dpi this is specified by the manufacturers for the "Micropore Luster".

8. When you are finished click "Save" to store all of your settings. You will be sent back to the dialog shown in step 4, click print and you should have a beautiful print in a few minutes. Remember to allow luster a bit of time to dry, we have art handling gloves in the IdeaLab if you need to borrow some.

Other Resources

  •  Please make a printing consultation appointment by sending an e-mail to: idealab@carleton.edu
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