ET 8550 printer Q and A - Using the 8550 A3+ EcoTank printer

[@JakeLeenerts]

Your ET 8550 videos have been great. I’m a novice at best here. Trying to get started with home printing cards and some 13x19. Nothing commercial. Just fun with friends and family. Anyhow your videos have been quite helpful. Thank you, sir.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - much appreciated! If you go to my main [written] review of the 8550 it has links to every article/video I've made about the ET-8550 www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@laurcollins]

Keith, I don’t ever comment on videos but wanted to let you know how helpful your series on the Epson XP-8550 has been for me!! I just got it last week and you have answered so many of my questions. So much troubleshooting on horizontal lines showing on A4 photos, didn’t realize it was the paper!! *face palm* Going to stick with Epson and their profiles now :) Thank you for all the help!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it's been of help!

[@richardvincil6988]

Hi Keith, I've had this printer for several months, and love it. Regarding roller marks on thicker papers, there is a setting on the printer screen panel: Settings > Printer Settings > Thick Paper (turn on). It usually turns off when printer is turned off, and i have to reset it. Also check: Settings > Printer Settings > Paper Source Settings > Paper Setup > (scroll down to) Rear Paper Feeder > then select paper size and type when changing paper type or size. There may be an easier way around this, but it's what i've worked out so far. It is a very interesting, and nuanced study to see how different papers produce differing results, profiles included. Very happy with the print quality this printer is capable of. Thanks for your review.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - the settings do work for some, but it seems that some people's printers are better for paper marking than others.

[@BigbyGralla]

I'm facing some problems with Hahnemüher photo rag papers, I tried your advice and it certainly got a bit better but I can't get rid entirely of the paper roll horizontal marks... any other idea? I don't think it's a printer problem cause other papers print perfect :( thank you

[@nick066hu]

Is the printer capable of disabling (physically lifting or reducing the spring force?) the rollers that touch the paper in the paper path after the printhead? Or is it just some software setting, that manipulates ink quantity that somehow results of less imprint these rollers make? I don't understand how it works. Btw. I see some people who removed those rollers (looks quite easy, no tools needed, and can be remounted again), so nothing touches the paper after it is printed.

[@Ian-gw2vx]

Thanks!

[@Ian-gw2vx]

Great advice Keith. For starters I just ordered Epson A4 Matte Heavyweight Inkjet Paper to start with the 8550 when it arrives soon. I am hoping this is a good starting point for my colour and black and white fine Art images. Bit too apprehensive to order A3 yet as want to get it right.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'd also suggest a lustre paper. The HW Matte can seem a bit flat for some images - see the types I tested in the main review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@ALIRAQI-A]

Hello, when I print with standard quality, there is no problem with printing photos, but when I print and choose high resolution and without a frame, I have paper jam, all my appreciation for your honor and your wonderful effort

[@KeithCooper]

'without frame' - do you mean borderless? Suggests a paper mismatch - is it a qood quality paper?

[@fabricioantonello8023]

Thanks Keith, your videos have been very helpful. I wanted a multi-functional printer that does a decent job printing photos and you helped me a lot. Now the struggle with papers and profiles starts as where I live there is really only 3 options of Epson paper.

[@KeithCooper]

If you've not seen it, do check the main [written] 8550 review - it covers all the papers I tested and created profiles for www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@fabricioantonello8023]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for replying my message. Yes, I saw the list of paper on your website but the problem Dublin is in the 60's when it comes to papers and I am limited to what I can find in Amazon. I'd love to test Metallic papers but none available in Amazon, and the only rag available is the Canson one which one day I'll test - I hope.

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

Great video Keith! You are a great instructor…thanks for sharing. Finally, after a long wait (back log I suppose) I will be getting the 8550 that is arriving at stores here in the U.S.. Be safe, Cheers..

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - Have fun!

[@draginator6]

Wow I picked a great time to start looking for a printer, these videos you've made are such a helpful resource and also showed me so many new paper types. I can't wait to buy this printer and start seeing my best photographs as prints.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful! Questions are always welcome, since they also give me ideas for new videos. I don'r always remember that people come at this stuff from afresh!

[@draginator6]

@@KeithCooper Thank you, I'll definitely send them your way if I think of any! I've been into photography for years but never printing of my own so this is all new to me.

[@herinternest3958]

Hello Keith! Thank you for another very informative video. I have been using ET8550 for about 4-5 months now and after innitial painful period I found my way around it. I can definitely see that the printer is a bit more «tricky» but once you figure it out, you can get incredible results. I have friends who have much cheaper printers and they put any kind of paper lying around in the printer and get decent result. With ET8550 this doesn´t seem to be possible. It is either excellent or pretty bad. I can definitely say that using the EPSON Velvet Fine Art paper was a great stepping stone for my discoveries about this printer as the print is impacable, and my watercolor reproductions are almost not recognisable from the original. It´s a lot of trial and error and I think one need to be a bit more nerdy about printers to get the best results out of this one, but now I am really happy I got it!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - it's very much a printer where you get out what you put into it ;-) Of many printers I've tested over the years - this one is where an understanding of colour management really pays hefty dividends

[@DanSme1]

I’m in the market for a new photo printer. I’m hoping these newer ink tank technology will encourage me to print more of my landscape & cloudscapes. Thanks for your channel.

[@KeithCooper]

Excellent - have fun!

[@whatthewhat9127]

Thank you. Still weighing my options on purchase.

[@KeithCooper]

If you have any specific questions, let me know - I have the printer here for a little while yet.

[@jeitrheim]

I bought the ET-8550 after having seen your reviews, and I'm very satisfied so far. I print using the Epson Photo+ software, but I also print directly from Lightroom Print module. Both prints well, but I need to use the Epson SW when I want borderless prints, I haven't solved that problem with Lightroom so far. I enjoy very much to watch your short videos.

[@KeithCooper]

I carefully avoid Lightroom ;-) ...but Photoshop will allow me to use borderless at certain sizes on my Mac. EPL is a much better specced bit of software than Photo+ and I can directly export from PS My test set-up is having to change, in that my computer broke and I've finally moved from Photoshop CS6 to the latest version, so I'll be looking again at some of the printer stuff I've done over the last year.

[@stephenmuller5098]

Great reviews Keith, greatly appreciated to get tips like these when doing research. Not having much luck accessing your articles however, it appears too many others are trying to do the same.

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful! I've checked and the web site is running OK - if you have difficulties, drop me an email, We upgraded web servers a few months ago and have not seen any issues of late www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@stephenmuller5098]

@@KeithCooper thank you. Still having issues but quite possibly at my end.

[@rolfhogfeldt7645]

Just recently found your videos by accident. I'm happy to say I'm glad I did!! I've also become a new subscriber too. I'm getting ready to purchase a new printer and have been watching your videos ( a long with others ) and your knowledge and insight are pure gold. I don't know if you've covered the subject or not regarding printing on canvas or textured faux canvas materials. Do you have any experience, thoughts, insights on that ? I did see another comment regarding canvas and would love to hear what you think or know about it. Thanks for taking the time to share and I'll be on the lookout for more of your informative videos.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - If you've not seen it, have you read the main [written] review for the 8550 My videos are always supplements to any written articles, not the other way round ;-) www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ I have tried sheets of canvas...

[@nick066hu]

Hi Keith, thank you for the professional reviews and tutorial about the ET 8550. I got a question for you. If I have interpreted the available technical descriptions correctly the piezo printhead in this printer is a XP600 model. This printhead has six ink paths, the left two paths have 360 nozzles, and the right four paths are jetting out of 180 nozzles each, this gives a total of 1440 nozzles. Btw. this very same printhead is used in many industrial printers, some of them come with sublimation inks, some with pigment inks (for DTF printing) and some are using even UV curable inks. Some large and very fast printers have up to four of these heads, with the same ink fed into all of their six channels. The printhead's technical descriptions, datasheet (at least what I found so far) do not suggest any difference between the six ink channels neither electronically, chemically nor physically ie. in terms of nozzle dimensions, frequency, drop size and most importantly in usable ink types. The only difference is that two channels have more nozzles than the other four. So considering that the ET-8550 comes with a pigment ink fed into one of the six channels (let's say they randomly selected the leftmost ink path for this - one of the 360 nozzle ones), and uses dye inks on the other five paths. Am I right with the assumption that the printer does not really care - from a chemical, physical, fluid dynamics point of view - what type of ink is used in any of the six channels as far as the ink is within the printhead's specs? (and these specs do not exclude pigmented inks or else Epson could not have a black pigment type in one of the channels) So I think I can change the remaining five ink channels also to pigment inks without harming the head. And in case if I get (or make?) an ICC profile for this setup or use some RIP software that can freely redefine ink channels, I will be able to produce pigment ink prints. What do you think?

[@KeithCooper]

No idea whatsoever I'm afraid - this is way outside of any aspects of printer design I look at. I have heard that people have used other inks - but these need choosing with care, so as not to cause mixing problems/reactions, or affect the ink tank/lines used to supply the head. The other issue is that the firmware and driver are tuned to the characteristics of the normal 8550 ink set - adjusting to a pigment ink set may be beyond what an icc profile can usefully 'fix'.

[@nick066hu]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for your feedback, my new 8550 is just arriving. Some prints I intend to make will be used in well-lit places, I am a little worried about how these dye inks withstand fading.

[@KeithCooper]

I don't have any longevity info on the 8550 ink-set I'm afraid

[@jacobfulwiler9393]

This video is over a year old so hopefully this will get seen. When just taking photo print quality into account when using the best paper, profiles, etc, which has better prints, this or the Canon Pixma Pro 200?

[@KeithCooper]

Depends on the paper - no clear advantage in general The mixed ink set of the 8550 is interesting, but obviously needs care in media selection (see the linked written review)

[@jacobfulwiler9393]

@@KeithCooper Good to know. So you're saying the extra colors of ink the Canon uses doesn't really improve it's quality over this Epson?

[@KeithCooper]

That's so - there is no simple correspondence in this respect. See the importance of media settings here for example. www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@jacobfulwiler9393]

@@KeithCooper Thanks again. If you were going to buy one and it was going to be your primary focus for printing color photos, which would you go with? :)

[@KeithCooper]

Neither... :-) Two very different printers aimed at different markets. I sell prints and do B&W, so I'd want pigment ink... The bulk ink of the et-8550 does make it easier to experiment if ink costs are a concern

[@filetdelumiere5037]

Thank you so much for these valuable advices on this printer.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I've tried to cover as much as I could in the review and other videos.

[@2010GRABOWSKI]

Hi, a newcomer here and seriously looking at this printer for my photos. The bit that goes over my head is the profile setting...what are profiles and if a manufacturer sends me a profile for the paper...what is it. A list of settings to change or something to download? Sorry if I sound thick. It's been years since I printed my photos and it was either glossy or matte lol

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - read the proper [written] review. covers all this stuff www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@joshstyer1960]

Keith, First let me say your videos have been great! I had a 8500 and now a 8550 and I print mostly portraits. I been using Durico paper (300GSM/11.5mil) as its cheaper then Epson especially in larger sizes and its available directly from them on Amazon in the states when there's actually stock. I was wondering if I'm missing out not printing with an ICC profile (I use the Epson's ICC for there ultra glossy) since the results look slightly better to my eyes then actually using the Epson paper. Have you ever used Durico paper or heard about them? My second question, should I manually set a "Print resolution" in lightroom when I am printing? Thirdly, in my printers extended settings there's a "Change Standard Resolution" setting from 300-720. There is no documentation on this and I was wondering what the default is and if changing it can result in sharper images? Sorry for the long comment I really do appreciate your help!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks... 1 Not a paper I've ever heard of - drop me an email at Northlight if you'd like the profiles from my 8550 review? 2 As to lightroom, I couldn't say - I dislike it greatly - I use Photoshop I'd suggest looking at EPL - see my main [written] review for much more www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ 3 Not a setting I've ever seen - is this a win pc thing?

[@rosdykalat2620]

Love your channel Keith ! So informative and I have learnt a lot from watching your contents. Keep up the great work mate !

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@Secret_Geek]

Thinking of upgrading from my XP 8600 to this. Would I notice a difference in colours because the Xp8600 uses LM and LC inks and the ET 8550 doesn't .

[@KeithCooper]

Probably not - if using good icc profiles - BUT I've never seen an xp-8600

[@jaylasky5589]

Great video! Could you please tell me the maximum length you can print with this printer Can you go beyond 19”

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - See the main [written] review for info on this www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ On a Mac I was able to set a size just short of a metre

[@jaylasky5589]

Thank you very much for the info

[@rachelhilton1196]

Hi Keith, I have finally purchased an et8550! I was very happy with it until I tried to print some 9x12" art prints onto a3+ paper (so it goes to the edge for mounting onto a wooden board - it has to be exactly the correct size). I tried adding bleeds but still not the right size - both on the print dialogue and by manually putting cut marks into photoshop. Also tried printing two up on a3+ and sized them exactly...still smaller and losing the crop marks - still smaller when I make the photoshop artwork 9x12'.Unfortunately even though the artwork is 9x12" in photoshop it is printing out at just over 8" wide by 11" .... I just can't seem to get it to print the size I want. I was printing direct from photoshop but then loaded the epson print layout, however now I seem to have lost the large a3+ size in my print dialogue? I tried putting it in manually...I guess it would be ok if I was printing a3+ but I want 9x12!!! Im at a loss on what to do. Wasted too much expensive paper trying to get it right! I have deselected size to fit ...that didn't work either. Thank you for all your help (in advance). I hope this is something simple and I hope this makes sense! Rachel

[@KeithCooper]

As long as the image size is 9x12 it should be printable on a 13x19 sheet If you are selecting the wrong feed slot, A3+ won't be there... Try using EPL - far better in many respects than printing from PS - Also read the main [written] review - it has all my 8550/8500 info www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@rachelhilton1196]

Hi Keith, aha wrong feed slot…you’re right. Plus I just found out that there were two printer drivers for the Epson 8550 so I changed to 2nd one and my a3+ came back. I think it might be ok now, plus the Epson print layout software does seem much better. Thanks so much for saving my sanity and my paper! So kind of you to get back so quickly. Rachel

[@-OzSteve]

Do you think they will ever make an A2 version of the 8550 ? I'm guessing not, as their marketing people will probably not want to detract from the 'pro' large format printers. I'd love one though !

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, I was told delivery was arranged for the 30th of February...

[@-OzSteve]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for your quick response. Not sure I understand what you mean by delivery for 30th Feb though, given that was almost 2 months ago.

[@KeithCooper]

@@-OzSteve Sorry... There is no 30th of February ;-) I would like to see a 'pro' dye ink option, but it doesn't fit the narrative

[@dougsphoto]

Hi Keith does the 8550 use the pigment black ink when one use the Epson Print layout software and the the Epson Semi Gloss or Gloss profiles when printing on those 2 papers if not does your profiles use the pigment black ink when printing on those 2 Epson papers thx a lot

[@KeithCooper]

Rather more simple and complex ;-) See my ink use discussion in the main written review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ Understanding this is IMHO the key to getting the best out of the 8550

[@dougsphoto]

@@KeithCooper Hi I have looked and looked at your review and from what I can see is that the Epson Profiles do not use pigment ink when printing using the Epson Semi and Gloss paper profiles but I still don't know or can see if the profiles that you have made use pigment ink

[@KeithCooper]

The profiles don't set the ink use - that is set entirely by the media setting. VFA is the one which uses both blacks. My profiles have the general format printer_name-paper_name-media_setting So, you could use the VFA setting on a photo paper and it would use the pigment black - but the black would likely rub off since it's the Matt Black pigment ink.

[@KeithCooper]

I've just updated the review itself with more explanation - thanks for asking.

[@dougsphoto]

@@KeithCooper Hi thx a lot for your reply but if it would rub of then theres obviously no point in using it thx again

[@mathu_stans]

I am planning to buy this printer after learning all about it through you. I really do enjoy mounting photos for friends and family. See whether you can convince Epson to also make us a 17" version as well. An Eco tank for A2 size prints & panoramas.

[@KeithCooper]

A wider tank printer (like this) - simply not going to happen any time soon (IMHO) It is known how popular it is for higher end printing, but don't hold your breath ;-)

[@homestylecharlie146]

thanks for your videos, I've learned so much and I already thought I new some stuff about printers. But your knowledge and experience has been a super help to me!!! Question, how do I make sure the Epson are NOT installing an Airprint version of the driver/software? I have an airprint version on my Mac now, should I delete and try to reinstall?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - yes, delete Read my main [written] review for more detail www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@homestylecharlie146]

@@KeithCooper THANK YOU! I deleted and reinstalled the non-Airprint version and now I have OPTIONS! I was going crazy missing these important features. I appreciate your reviews and tips! This saved me from having to buy another new printer.

[@davidbertrand895]

I bought an ET-8550 and it prints beautifully out of the box. But there's no mention of printer profiles in the documentation or in the print menu. It doesn't list Epson papers either. Do I have the wrong driver?

[@KeithCooper]

If a Mac, do you have an airprint version of the driver installed. Profile settings only appear in software which uses them Get a copy of the free Epson Print Layout - also see my main [written] review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@bifcake]

Hi Keith, Thank you for taking so much time to go through the various printers in such great detail. You mentioned the need for profiles of both the printers and the papers in order to get the best looking prints. However, I was wondering that this printer has only six inks vs other printers with many more, how much of a difference does that make? Are six inks enough? In fact, how many inks are enough? Should the number of inks that a printer uses be of any consideration when purchasing a printer for photographic use (I don't mean post cards or canvas printing or anything of that sort)? Thanks again.

[@KeithCooper]

You are right to wonder just how much the number of inks makes a real difference ;-) There is an awful lot of wishful interpretation of marketing and specs going on... The differences in how the inks are used is key. This particular printer is unusual in having those two blacks - on some media this makes for some interesting results (see my written reviews for more detail than I put in the videos). The grey in the 8550 is more about taking the place of light cyan/magenta inks. The ink numbers also depends on dot sizes and dithering patterns - so Canon and Epson behave differently. I've a video coming up looking at differences between the Canon G550 and PRO-200 (I'd pick the 200 every time, but I can see why people ask) The two greys of the 200 contribute to smoothness in colour as well as B&W performance, whilst the grey in the 550 is more about mixing with colours. So, yes, ink numbers matter at the higher end, but potentially at performance levels that few will notice. I still maintain that user skill throughout the workflow (inc. basic photo skills) is a bigger (often the biggest) limiting factor in print quality (whatever that means - nobody ever explains the term when they use it ;-) ) Now, that is not something 'Printer marketing' can say, no matter how much they might agree, and it's not what many people buying new printers (and cameras and lenses) want to hear. However I don't have printers to sell, or photo courses for that matter :-)

[@bifcake]

@@KeithCooper Thanks so much for that reply. When I refer to "print quality", I mean sharpness, smooth tonal gradation, accurate colors, seamless color and tonal transitions, and how close I have to be to see the dots. What would be the "tipping point" between an office printer that can do photos vs a dedicated photo printer that may or may not offer office printing capabilities? What would separate one from the other and make you say that a printer A is suitable for printing quality photos vs Printer B, which is more suitable for office work and casual photo printing? Thanks again for a detailed response.

[@KeithCooper]

IMHO it is a continuum - different for each person's interpretation and acceptance of the variations you mention. There is no line in the sand - this is not a quantitative thing. Sure, you could look at prepared test images and decide that a gradation is not smooth enough - but what are you evaluating the paper? the profile. Similarly with 'sharpness' - what does this actually mean, and are there transferable objective measure that two different people would agree on - and accept as useful? Measurement is possible but needs a meaningful framework, and there lie many of the problems in any attempt at a quantitative approach. I could, for example, dismiss all dye based printers out of hand since I do a lot of B&W and might want prints that last far longer than I will. That's a sharp line, but far too high for many, who when we look at it really just want 'cheap' ;-) The difficulties here are why I generally review printers at the higher end and occasionally 'dip' into lower end ones. I know people like numbers, tables and ratings, but that is an area of reviews I've deliberately avoided for nearly 20 years. My simple rule is that any (modern) printer produced at A3+ can potentially produce great looking prints. The flexibility of the printer (media types, paper interactions) can affect all of this, but A3+ is my own 'line in the sand' This is one reason I had a look at the G550 (A4) where performance is critically dependent on the software driving it (Mac or Win). The six inks it has are capable of moderately good prints, but external factors (Canon's printer driver decisions) impinge in a major way.

[@colintucker7140]

Hi Keith, Thank you for your very informative videos. I have recently had an issue crop up when printing on A3+ epson premium semi glossy on my 8550. When printing in colour I have small regular blobs of print colour running down the print at regular interval of about an inch about 2-3 inches from the left hand side. (it is not a pizza wheel line) . I can send a photo if that would help you in helping me to identify the solution. Have you come across this before? I have done a google search and all I have found is the black ink showing on the edge of the photo paper problem and this is not that.

[@KeithCooper]

It's ink buildup on the print head assembly - needs cleaning I have an 8550 video IIRC. I use the folded kitchen paper technique, with the head freed to move Start here and take care. www.northlight-images.co.uk/inkjet-printer-cleaning/

[@markreed2643]

the ET8550 the best of the best here from.......KC........... ....please include the little tricks like how to tell what side is the printing side thanks again

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - will do that when I remember to!

[@ilmarij6029]

Thank you Keith for your reviews. I bought the ET8550 a month ago influenced a lot by your review and I've been very pleased with the purchase. Lucky I got it back then, now it's sold out everywhere where I live at. I've been using my printer to print photos and not planning to use it in any other purpose. I've been using the "Epson photo+" software on windows so far. Is there any other software to print photos or is this adequate to this purpose? I plan to use only Epson papers (premium glossy photo paper and the regular photo paper). I presume the profiles are done to these papers already in the Epson software?

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - that's great to hear. I can't really help with PC software (we're entirely Mac based here), but if you stick to Epson aper, their software works well Moving on from that really starts needing to edit images and more complexity entails. Depends on just what you want - if the current software works, then go with it?

[@mariadelgado0003]

Hello Keith, your videos have been so helpful. I have an issue. My paper got jammed and I tried to remove the duplexer unit as you mention in your guide. It says that it's supposed to be easy but I have tried for hours and it seems stuck. Any tips?

[@KeithCooper]

Did you see the video about using the back feed slot? This removes the duplexer It was quite some time ago, see my et-8500 info as well

[@mariadelgado0003]

@@KeithCooper Thanks for your response Keith! Fixed the issue. Appreciate your time in making these videos! I was trying to buy some stuff through your links but it just sends me straight to Amazon. Can you share them here? Trying to buy paper.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I believe that if you use the link and then navigate to what you want, it still counts?

[@johnburns5426]

Hi Keith, I purchased the 8550 based in part, on your videos and others. The printer is ideal for my use, that is making prints of my wildlife images. Can you confirm that I must convert a RAW file to a JPEG in order to print using the Epson Print Layout software. I find that when I print from Lightroom, I just send the RAW file direct to the printer. Am I missing something here. I also use Epson paper and the relevant profiles.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - yes - RAW files simply can't be printed, so some processing is needed. Lightroom just isn't telling you what's going on ;-) Very few images print without some form of adjustment/editing - but you can export (JPEG - highest quality) from Lightroom to do it. I don't know exactly what though, since I never use LR at all.

[@enzocolonna]

I booked this printer too based on your review.... we should sign a petition to epson in order to recognise you a royalty..

[@mcssc5]

Hi Keith, my ink was clogged(white only), so removed the printhead to clean it and put everything back to normal, did a nozzle check, now there is absolutely no ink coming out (no color no white), nothing wrong with the maintenance box either, i'm getting white pages, any suggestions on what to do next

[@KeithCooper]

What printer is this?

[@mcssc5]

@@KeithCooper its an epson et 8550 , coverted to dtf

[@KeithCooper]

Unfortunately, asked and answered I'm minded to suggest... This is one reason I never test such inks - they invalidate any warranty. One place where I'd ask for more info is here, where people pull printers apart more than I can these days: www.printerknowledge.com

[@mcssc5]

@@KeithCooper thank you, I'll definately go to the website suggested

[@fishl94403]

How do I use just the black pigment for printing black text

[@KeithCooper]

If the printer is printing text on plain paper or using the VFA setting, the matt black will be used

[@rachelhilton1196]

Hi Keith, could you give me a bit of advice on software? I used to be a graphic designer but in those days i owned photoshop…now it is only available on subscription of £20 per month. Would photoshop elements be adequate? I want to creat prints and cards to sell…the illustrations I create often have white backgrounds so I want to be able to correct any background colour casts, get the colour right and clean up ready for print…that’s about all I need. I suppose I might want to add text to cards, I think it’s possible in photoshop but I don’t know about elements. I’m likely going to get the Epson 8550 and use a Mac book because the running costs aren’t so expensive as going pro level! Also it has a scanner, at the moment I can only photograph my work and that isn’t good for white backgrounds!! Thank you in advance! Rachel

[@KeithCooper]

What about Affinity Photo? V2 is getting even more photoshop like

[@rachelhilton1196]

I’ve not heard of that … will do some research. Thank you 😊

[@rachelhilton1196]

One last thing, does affinity 2 handle ICC profiles like photoshop?

[@KeithCooper]

@@rachelhilton1196 Yes. I've not tested it a lot though, but I still might use Epson's EPL for actual printing [and selection of profiles for paper] Have you seen the artwork scanning section in my main ET-8550 review? www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ A copy of Vuescan might help

[@rachelhilton1196]

No, I haven’t seen that one, will take a look. I’m going to watch all your videos…thank you very much for helping me to make an informed decision. Also, thanks for making me aware of so many things I did not know about digital printing! Best wishes, Rachel

[@0Orion]

Your videos are awesome with excellent information and It would be great to listen to your voce with more clarity. Have you considered using a lavalier microphone? They are the mics that attach to shirts. They can help reducing room reverb when they are not too far from mouth.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks! I tried that and kept hitting the microphone, and tripped on the cable... I'm hoping to be able to do stuff in a less echo prone location at some point - the current videos are shot in our kitchen... :-)

[@michaelwolfe1105]

Hi Keith many thanks for your vids, very informative. Hoping you can help me troubleshoot this issue. I've just purchased a 8550 and when I try to print A3 using the top loader it wants to use the rear paper feed and I can can't figure out what setting to change? TIA Michael

[@michaelwolfe1105]

Frankly, it's really not working at all. Clearly I've done something wildly wrong because the top feed will not work at all and every time I set it to A3 it it wants to print rear feed. Anyway, hoping you can help when you have a mo.

[@michaelwolfe1105]

Hi again! I've reinstalled the driver and utilities and it appears to have fixed whatever the glitch was. Phew.

[@KeithCooper]

Excellent - I've had that happen too... Needed a driver re-install and, in my case, making sure AirPrint wasn't accidentally selected

[@michaelwolfe1105]

Many thanks @@KeithCooper

[@barteklipski6270]

Is EcoTank L8180 the same model, but under a different name? Epson brochures for ET-8550 and L8180 look identical, but I haven't found a clear statement on it, and the fact that the inks have different numbers (114 and 115 respectively) makes it even more confusing.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, I'm told they are the same ...when I asked someone at Epson UK

[@groovebotcafe]

Thanks for the video! Awesome. My Et-8550 all of the sudden just stopped feeding from the top feeder and the front feed. Says there is a paper jam, but there most certainly isn't. It will only feed from the manual rear feed in the back. Any thoughts?

[@KeithCooper]

With a new printer, this is one to call Epson about. Once you've taken the rear duplexer and trays out, checked and put them back then there is not much else to check

[@erickitain8954]

Hello Keith, Thank you for such an informative and honest video on this printer. I am moving from a canon photo printer to this printer for its economy of ink usage. My photo papers presently are all Canon. I have canon High Gloss (PR101) as well as their Matte Finish photo paper. Was hoping if you had color profiles for this paper and if you can share them with me. If not, can you direct me to a website where I might be able to find them Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it was helpful, but I'm afraid I only test Canon papers on Canon printers and Epson papers on Epson printers. I test other makes for both. There are no downloadable profiles that I know of for such combinations. All the profiles I made for the 8550 are listed in the main [written] review - there may be some 'similar'. Remember that a basic photo matte and photo gloss are likely to be similar for both makes - a quick test with a known good test image should check...

[@susannaylor1416]

Please help while I have hair left that hasn't been pulled out. Got ET 8550 2 days ago. Trying to print on Acetate via rear single feed slot. send print job to printer and it prints a totally alien document....a sheet from the manual, not the print I want. Can print it on paper but for some reason when I choose the rear feed slot with a sheet of acetate a strange document emerges. What am I doing wrong?

[@KeithCooper]

See other reply

[@xeninweb]

Hi Keith, have you encountered the problems with heavy paper that you read about on the internet? It seems that when using paper greater than 260g the sheets are marked by the rollers. Have you tried with heavy paper? If yes, is there a solution? Thanks

[@KeithCooper]

It depends what bit of the internet... ;-) See my detailed review and the papers I tested www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/ However - if it marks, I don't know of any 'fix' - If it does it on an Epson paper, I'd get them to replace it

[@GreenlifeFin]

Thanks for this again. I have some questions about the clearly very much needed paper profiles. How do we install the ICC profiles and to what software? Can we use ICC profiles when printing from Android phone and iPad? Thanks in advance.

[@jwenneberg]

I can't find anywhere a clear answer if this printer can be front loaded with normal thickness A3 paper? or will it have to be top loaded? I'm looking for an A3 printer that doesn't need much or take much space above (or behind) it. Thank you very much.

[@KeithCooper]

See the media handling section in my detailed review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@jwenneberg]

@@KeithCooper Thank you for your kind and fast reply and link also which I have checked out now, but still can't find that it is able to take larger than A4 into the front loader. I also watched your excellent video review... at 09:07 Paper loading and handlig, but it didn't give me the answer either. I'll keep searching 🙂

[@KeithCooper]

In looking at the photos including the paper tray, i'm almost positive that it won't support larger paper. Having a tray to support A3 would be so unusual that I'm sure I'd have mentioned it. But not 100% - ask on the printing forum at DPReview.com - several 8500 users there Just thought - look at he very first photo in the review. It has a sheet of A4 on top of the printer. The printer is not physically deep enough to hold A3 in the tray... Look at this photo too - with A4 in it. The tray won't go wider www.northlight-images.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cd-tray-storage.jpg

[@jwenneberg]

Thanks again @@KeithCooper My old HP 7000 had that feature, but it died on me - and I'm determined to try another brand this time. But as you say, apparently it's an unusual feature, so could be hard to find. Thanks also for the forum link.

[@jwenneberg]

@@KeithCooper I am of the same opinion, same conclusion. Thank you very much again for your reply. I was determined on a new brand, but since I maybe cannot find what suits my lack of space on the shelf, I have chosen to get a refurbished HP 7000, which may be the only model to meet my A3 front load demand. Thanks

[@jamesrainey9654]

Hi Keith. I'm a huge fan of your videos. I hope you can help me with a question on the ET8550. Does this printer print Postscript files (specifically .EPS files from Illustrator and Postscript fonts)? I just wonder if I have to open the Illustrator files in Photoshop and convert them to JPG of TIFF files before I place them? I'm both a graphic designer and a professional photographer and I'm looking at this printer as something that can handle a small, but highly varied, workload for my small business. This isn't a deal-breaker for my decision, but more of an exploratory query as I put together the pros and cons to help make my decision. THANKS!

[@KeithCooper]

I don't think it does, but it's not here any more to test I'm afraid

[@susannaylor1416]

Help... got a new ET 8550 yesterday but envelopes keep jamming

[@KeithCooper]

What paper feed? What media settings Envelopes are always tricky - sometimes a size/brand just doesn't feed properly

[@susannaylor1416]

@@KeithCooper Thank you. Tried rear feed tray and front feed. I think my envelopes are too thin. I will persevere and tuck in the flap before feeding.

[@Jenny-MyEliasson]

Hi! I have an Epson ET-8550. An A3 paper got stuck, I followed the instructions and got all of it out. Now I can´t printe anything because of the message 000025 Turn off and turn on again. I´ve done that several times but it doesn´t help. Any suggestions on how to solve it? The manual says (on page 139) that I should clean the transluscent film with water and detergent, but since I don´t know what detergent and Epson customer service doesn´t answer their phone I´m to scared to do something wrong. Please help if you can.

[@KeithCooper]

Not one I've come across. Weak washing up liquid/water is fine as detergent

[@Jenny-MyEliasson]

@@KeithCooper thanks, I'll try that.

[@itwasme2435]

@@Jenny-MyEliasson did it work ?

[@Art_by_Nicole]

Hi Keith, I’ve watched multiple videos from your website about this printer. I have a question and I can’t seem to find the answer. Hope you can help me. I don’t use photopaper but for my drawings I need images to be very sharp. I don’t use photopaper ‘cause I have to put lines and stuff on the image. So, if I use my paper (Neenah Vallum 200 gr) in this printer, does it give me a sharp image? My current printer (canon pixma 7551) doesn’t print very sharp and the colours are very flat. I also want to print on A3. So I’m looking for a good printer. Happy to pay some more money, but if it’s disappointing then every amount of money is to much.

[@KeithCooper]

If it's not a coated inkjet printer, lines may run or blur. Inkjet printers need paper meant for inkjet printers The 7551 is unfortunately showing exactly what I'd expect...

[@Art_by_Nicole]

@@KeithCooper I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you mean by ‘coated inkjet’. The paper I’m using is made for printing but it’s thicker and has a light grain. They call it ‘cardstock paper’. Does the Eco-tank can handle this kind of paper?

[@KeithCooper]

@@Art_by_Nicole 'card stock' is rarely a good sign - usually intended for commercial print. The question is as to whether it is marketed as being suitable for inkjet... If not then all bets are off.. ;-)

[@Art_by_Nicole]

@@KeithCooper ah, I assume it did… 🫢

[@lucylumi]

@@Art_by_Nicole That paper you are using is not designed for use with an inkjet printer. The print quality will be poor when not using suitable paper as Keith mentioned. You need to purchase a fine art paper made for an inkjet printer, there are many good matte papers suitable for drawings (photo paper is not just restricted to glossy). Your current paper will not produce a sharp image in any inkjet printer. Once you get a suitable paper your prints should improve :)

[@thegeneralid]

Hi Keith, thank you for your excellent and informative reviews. I'll be looking to purchase a quality printer in the near future, and I am leaning towards this one - however it is a pricey piece of kit, and with extras that I'll probably, in fact definitely not use: such as duplexing and dvd printing?? (still not sure why Epson thought that would be worth investing in?😁) and with this in mind my frugal mind is thinking "why pay for stuff I'm not going to use?" Is there an alternative printer similar to this one that doesn't have the bells and whistles? 👍

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad they are of use! As to extra functions you don't need...sorry, get over it... every printer and camera I've ever owned has had features I've not needed ;-) :-) The functionality of a model is aimed at a general market segment - the duplexing and paper trays and scanner are all to appeal to a more 'home market' who wouldn't necessarily know top notch print quality if it fell on them ;-) There is nothing similar, at the same quality level (with the same ink set) but without the scanner for example. If you were to get a P700, then it also includes DVD printing and roll paper support I have a video tomorrow comparing P700 and et-8550 which may be of some help in looking at what's important...

[@BigbyGralla]

Hi Keith, your videos about the ET-8550 helped me a ton!! I really bought this printer on your advice!! I'm happy overall but I have a problem and I don't know if you could give me a hand :( Every paper seems to work fine and so on except Hahnemühle Photo Rag! I purchased a couple of Sample Packs and while printer works fine on normal paper or Epson matte paper, when it comes to Hahnemühle Photo Rag (any gsm) you can see the lines from dragging the paper while printing. Hahnemühle does not have ICC for Ecotanks (from what Epson said to me) Did you faced this problem or how do you think I could fix it? even changing the paper config it makes no difference :( Thank you!!

[@KeithCooper]

It seems some thicker, softer papers have this issue with some printers I didn't see it, but I didn't see that problem - if the problem is there with an Epson paper, then I'd want a replacement printer - I know of people who have had replacements, but Epson will want to see the problem with one of their papers. BTW Just because it's a famous name paper gives no indication of suitability whatsoever

[@grahamlivingstone5412]

Good morning. Hope you are well. I made a silly mistake and initialised the 8550 before I put the ink in. system works brilliant but no ink on paper as it has been pumped around. Any advice please, Than k you

[@KeithCooper]

Contact Epson - I've no idea what happens if you do this...

[@grahamlivingstone5412]

@@KeithCooper Thank you Keith. Will do, I should have set it up when not tired. By the way great tutorials.

[@suzannegmirek1520]

Thank you for your reviews. They have been very helpful. I have been trying to confirm with Epson that I can print on 7x10 cardstock on this printer. I've gotten different answers. With my current Epson P600, I can't print 7x10 borderless and have to set up on an 8x10 sheet and move the image over an inch in the print dialog in order to get it to print on a 7x10 sheet of paper...without a border. Can you confirm that indeed I could set up a 7x10 custom size? Thanks much.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, but not borderless. In my earlier experiments I was able to set custom sizes in Epson print layout - last week my computer died, so I've had to move to newer kit and in trying just now was not able to set any custom page sizes with the 8550. I can set them just fine from Photoshop, but there are only limited pre-set options supporting borderless. Borderless is always problematic with smaller inkjet printers - do it often and it is a sure fire way to gum up the works with ink spray over time (this applies to ALL makes of printer). If I was to print borderless regularly I'd be very careful about keeping the insides of the printer clean.

[@suzannegmirek1520]

@@KeithCooper Thanks much for your prompt answer :-) I did, indeed, experience trouble with too many borderless prints in the past. Good reminder.

[@kristena8442]

Hi there! I love your videos on this printer and I'm saving my little teacher salary to get one for my home book-binding projects. I have a quick question! Will the printer's auto-duplexing feature work on user-defined paper sizes? In other words, can I **automatically** double-sided print a 6 x 9 or 9 x 12? I am just a bit confused about which paper feed slots you've mentioned can and can't auto-duplex.

[@KeithCooper]

No - I don't believe duplexing works at custom sizes [much like borderless] Auto duplex works for plain paper in the main print cassette AFAIK - it's essentially an office printer function. I've never seen a higher quality paper which works in it [reliably]

[@kristena8442]

​@@KeithCooper Thanks so much! This was what I was thinking. I can't seem to find a printer with that one all-important (to me😅) functionality. But the main reason I was hoping this one could do it, is because I know based on your amazing photo prints that I could print some gorgeous dust jackets with it.

[@KeithCooper]

Custom sizes have all sorts of limitations - I'm never sure why, since I can rarely see specific technical reasons

[@leeford]

Hi Keith, I’m looking to purchase this printer to replace my Epson XP 960, which is now getting on a bit. My question is my current printer periodically requests the ink sponge to be cleaned and the printer requires a restart code, does this require the same? Thanks. Lee

[@KeithCooper]

It doesn't The 8550 has a replaceable maintenance cart - see my main review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@paintingtheskykingdom9005]

this is the first video i've watched since getting my epson 8550. It all sounds like I am going to have to dig through so much just to find out how to do a few things I need to do. If the maker of the video or anyone can steer me where to find the info I need I'd be so appreciative, although I realize I may be asking too mucvh. I just want to figure out how to scan my paintings - that are usually a little bit bigger than the scanner, so I am going to have to stitch them together in a software (it sounds like I will need to buy photoshop) and then I want to be able to print high quality prints of my paintings of different sizes (the paper i bought to start with is Epson's Watercolor Paper, Radiant White,. 13 x 9" 51 lb/190 g/m2 11.5 mil.

[@KeithCooper]

Read the main written review - indexes everything www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@AZJack]

Keith, I would like to start printing my own photos. Would the Epson ET-8550 be a printer that a novice could start with? I probably should continue using outside print shops but I hate the time lag before I see my work. Looking for instant gratification, I guess, or instant disappointment? Thank you, your videos have made me think maybe I can do this, even at age 88. I would like to print up to 13x19 inch.

[@KeithCooper]

For best looking results you do need profiles for the paper, but if you start with some Epson papers directly supported, it can give good results. A lot also depends on how you are editing photos before sending them off at the moment. As you suspect, there are more steps in this than just getting the printer ;-)

[@AZJack]

@@KeithCooper Thank you, stay safe and enjoy the holidays.

[@donglu8883]

How Long does the ink last without fading?thank you!

[@KeithCooper]

Depends entirely on media choice and how you look after the prints. Prints on archival paper kept in the dark will last well over 100 years. Cheap photo paper and sunlight may well cause fading in a year Read up the research by Wilhelm to find far more about this.

[@donglu8883]

@@KeithCooper How long can it stay on the wall without fading

[@KeithCooper]

@@donglu8883 longer than either of us will be round :-)

[@preetrajsingh9807]

Hi Keith. Thanks for your informative videos. I’m thinking of purchasing the Epson 8550 or the Canon Pro 200. I’m going to be mainly printing illustrations with bright bold colours either for greeting cards or for art prints which are for children’s bedrooms. Which would you suggest that’d be more economical/ better?

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - I have longstanding a policy of not doing recommendations ;-). The 8550 ink is cheaper - it needs good profiles for optimum results. For both, cards will only print well if you get a card stock that is meant for use with inkjet printers. Both are good quality, but easily let down by poor media choices or lack of colour management.

[@preetrajsingh9807]

Thanks for the reply. So both are comparable? Is one better than the other in any way? There is a marked difference in their retail price (Epson is expensive by around £250-300). But seems like ink is cheaper.

[@KeithCooper]

@@preetrajsingh9807 Yes - it depends on how much printing you are going to do 'Better' is rarely a term I use - they are different and aimed at different markets, so it all depends. Read both reviews and see if any has features that matter to you? After a few hundred prints, the initial price difference will be gone - how important is price and running costs to you - how profitable do you need to be what are your margins and print volumes? Theses are likely more important than technical aspects of the printers... This is why I have lots of videos about the business side of things as well

[@DanSme1]

Any advice where the ET-8550 *IN BLACK* can be purchased online?

[@KeithCooper]

All the ones I've ever seen are black - no idea outside of the UK though

[@DanSme1]

@@KeithCooper Thanks Keith. In the US, they’re white…if you can find stock. It doesn’t seem the printer market is very robust, compared to say cameras and accessories.

[@eni6252]

@@DanSme1 i also wanted it in black 😭 i was so close to buying it from amazon UK but I’m just gonna skin (decorate) the white one

[@terryglass5664]

Have you measured Dmax on a luster or glossy paper?

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, but such numbers are pretty much meaningless on their own, so I virtually never include them anywhere :-) They get an occasional mention in the written articles, but only in context with profiling and linearity. For the 8550 on such papers, the results are pretty much typical for dye based printers - it's only with the VFA media setting where the matt black is added to the mix, which makes for some of the printer's distinctive characteristics (covered in the written review)

[@terryglass5664]

Just curious if the deep black on glossy/luster paper appears similar to a silver gelatin print on fiber paper which I think is 2.1?

[@KeithCooper]

For Epson TPP it is ~2.3 (Status T, M0 and M2) - however it's dye only, so the density rapidly drops off above 680nm with the usual issues for B&W reproduction.

[@radekkozacek7148]

Hi, I'm from the Czech Republic, I was very pleased with your videos. I own this printer. I want to ask if you can also print a photo canvas on the images on this printer. And through which feeder. Excuse my English via translator.

[@KeithCooper]

yes kzbin.info/www/bejne/r527dGqBZtBkh5I Also see www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - See the listed video/article info at: www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@tsnijder]

Hi Keith, I have the same software error as you with the Epson printer layout. When I print a border less photo on A4 and A3, I get a white border on the width side of the photo. I know when I use Lightroom or the Epson photo+ that this does not happen. I wanted to solve the problem by resizing the photo with 1mm extra width, but then I am unable to print the photo border less. I have already submitted the question to Epson Netherlands but have not received an answer. Do you already know how to solve this in Epson printer layout? Regards Theo

[@KeithCooper]

Have you checked for firmware updates for the printer? I will ask again when I next see someone from Epson

[@tsnijder]

@@KeithCooper Yes i have the latest one . And thanks

[@guidofrancazi6785]

hi, do you think that the real problem of this printer is the duration of the prints? (because it uses dye inks)

[@KeithCooper]

No, only if the print permanence of pigment is genuinely important - for most people it's a pretty irrelevant factor. I'd want pigment for selling, but that is more about the capabilities of pigment ink (for B&W for example). It's a non-problem for most people likely to get this printer. For people wanting high quality printing, the availability of ICC profiles is a more significant issue.

[@guidofrancazi6785]

@@KeithCooper thanks

[@joekubina5897]

I'm curious, if the black is a pigment ink and the other 5 are dye ink, why not use pigment ink for all of them? If all the ink runs through the same head, is it designed to only handle 1 pigment ink, or just a marketing scheme to get people to buy their other printers which use pigment ink? Will using all 6 pigment inks damage it? Just seems odd.

[@KeithCooper]

The black pigment is ostensibly to improve the quality of text printing on plain paper. The fact it gets used when VFA is selected as almost a 'bonus'. It might well work with all pigments, but the firmware is assuming the characteristics of the normal ink set, so profiling would be problematic and the dye channels may well be different before the head to allow for different ink characteristics, You are right in assuming that a lot of the precise mix of features are marketing driven - this printer is firmly (intended) to be in the consumer area. The fact that with profiles it can deliver quite good results and is supported by the EPL software suggests that this positioning was not 100%

[@joekubina5897]

@@KeithCooper thanks, the more I looked into it, the more I realized the entire operating system is set up for dye ink, I'm assuming it is less viscous. I've seen vids of older et models with users putting pigment ink in them and running them, but no reports on how long they last. It was just a thought on my part to maybe try it out. But I still wonder why they wouldn't make et models that use pigment ink, since the whole concept was being eco-friendly....

[@KeithCooper]

Ah... 'Eco friendly' is a marketing angle like many others ;-) At the moment it's cartridges for the higher end desktop printers, but I've seen ink in bags and other new technologies in large format, so this is changing, but the products do have lengthy product cycles.

[@AndrewMStein]

I've been using mine for a few months now and I love it but one thing drives me crazy. There seems to be no way to set a default paper source. When I print using "AUTO" it always sources from the internal tray. I want to print form the rear paper feeder (on top) by default but every time I print I have to go into print preferences and choose rear paper feeder. I thought there might be a way of setting it up to say A4 is always linked to the rear feeder but I can't find any way of doing this either. Any Tips?

[@KeithCooper]

I create media presets on my Mac (all we have here), but how well they stick, I'm not sure - also, the printer has gone back to Epson now, so I can't test I'm afraid

[@francobellafiore5293]

Ciao Keith, complimenti per tutto quello che fai, sono un fotografo e vorrei sapere se potrei utilizzare la 8550 in studio per fare delle stampe immediate quando me lo chiedono, faccio principalmente ritratti e wedding, mi dici se avrei qualità per vendere stampe veloci o da mettere negli album? grazie

[@KeithCooper]

Sorry? - I only speak English

[@enzocolonna]

Franco potential tradurre in inglese con google Franco you could use google translate

[@JJaynJoan]

If it wasn’t for your videos I would have taken mine back due to the crappy instructions. Thank you!!!

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it helped!