Printing Problems with Epson R2400

[AdrianL]

My prints are dark and muddy unless I set Ink Configuration to -25%, and even then, they don't look right.
I am using an Intel-based MacBook Pro, an Epson R2400 via USB, and Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster in various sizes.  My monitor is profiled with Eye-One Display 2.
I have installed the Intel driver (Epson 11771.DMG) after Resetting in the Printer Setup Util (As described by Jeff Schewe) and restarting the computer.  I installed the iCC profiles for the Premium Luster paper (Epson11735.DMG)
Following instructions in this forum, in the Develop module, I select Print Settings, and turn OFF Color Mng.  
Set Print Resolution to 200, Profile: SPR2400 PremLuster BstPhoto.icc
In the Print Dialog, in Print Settings, under Media Type, my only choices are "Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper" and 3 types of Matt paper.  There is no selection for Prem Luster Photo Paper.
To print, I click PRINT while holding down the Alt/Option key, thus bypassing the print dialog.
I must have setup something incorrectly.  My prints were great when I was using a PCand this printer combo.  I am new to the MAC.
Can anyone shed light on this? Thanks
Adrian

[Photo Op]

To print, I click PRINT while holding down the Alt/Option key, thus bypassing the print dialog.
I must have setup something incorrectly.
Adrian
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=123120\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Adrian-
One suggestion would be to NOT bypass the print dialog in the Mac. I've found that setting the print options in Lightroom does NOT retain the settings in the Print Dialog Popup when I actually hit Print. Maybe its something I'm missing in LightRoom, but I consider it a bug. I normally set up (save) a separate preference (from Standard, i.e. "Lightroom Epson 2400") in the Mac Print dialog with all the setting you suggest, particularly turn Off Color Management. Also, occasionally check the  settings of the saved "Lightroom" preferences, because I've had them change without what I thought was MY intervention, only to discover that the Turn Off Color Management had been reversed. Personally, I still think there is an issue with either the Epson drivers or OSX 10.4.x (or both) for the Intel Mac, since this complaint of dark photo printing is all over the forums.
Regards,
Dave

[Schewe]

One suggestion would be to NOT bypass the print dialog in the Mac. I've found that setting the print options in Lightroom does NOT retain the settings in the Print Dialog Popup when I actually hit Print. Maybe its something I'm missing in LightRoom, but I consider it a bug.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=123125\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Actually, it does...always. However, you have to be absolutely sure you haven't changed the active template-otherwise it's not use the settings stored in the template. As long as you set your page setup and print delog correctly and hit save and then either make a new template or update the current one, you WILL be getting the correct settings. It should however be noted that there is an issue-and it's an Apple issue, that precludes Lightroom (or Aperture for that matter) from using Saved Presets from within the print dialog-meaning you will need to manually set all the driver options manually then save the settings.

[AdrianL]

Now I don't feel so stupid.  
I was not aware of it being an Apple issue.  I'll follow Jeff's advice.

[Photo Op]

Actually, it does...always. However, you have to be absolutely sure you haven't changed the active template-otherwise it's not use the settings stored in the template. As long as you set your page setup and print delog correctly and hit save and then either make a new template or update the current one, you WILL be getting the correct settings. It should however be noted that there is an issue-and it's an Apple issue, that precludes Lightroom (or Aperture for that matter) from using Saved Presets from within the print dialog-meaning you will need to manually set all the driver options manually then save the settings.
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Jeff-
Sorry to disagree with the Guru, but Actually, no it does not...assuming we are talking about the same "thing". In Lightroom Print module I can agree with you in regard to a template always saving the selections from the section "Print Job", i.e. Profile and Rendering Intent. But, if I select "Print Settings" to the left of the Print button I always have to select the appropriate Preset (other than Standard) to correspond again to any selections I have selected using the Print Settings... button in Lightroom. This is so even when I immediately select "Update With Current Selections" for the template in Template Browser.

Or saying it another way, no matter what I do in what order in Lightroom Print module, the Print Settings appropriate to my Epson R2400 are not saved with the selected template. And, maybe thats what you mean is Apple's issue.

By the way, thoroughly enjoy your Lightroom tutorials from Luminous Landscape. Can't wait for the update for Lightroom 1.1!  

Regards-
Dave

[AdrianL]

As I stated in my first post, my choice of paper in the print dialog, in print settings, under media type: my choices are "Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper and 3 types of matte paper, when I am using Luster.
I use Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper at work, and it is very different from the Luster paper that I use with the R2400.  I recently bought more paper for work, and noted that Epson changed the name to: Presentation Paper-Matte- the replacement name for Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper.  
Sound confusing ?
When I was using a PC and CS2, I always picked Premium Luster Paper in the dialog boxes, and my prints were great.
Something may not be right with Intel MAC OS.
Also, thanks to Jeff and Michael for very interesting, and entertaining Lightroom tutorial(s), including the Beta versions.
Adrian















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[Richowens]

Adrian,

 Perhaps a silly question, but which black cartridge do you have installed?
It would appear the printer driver thinks the matt black is installed, even though you may have installed the photo black. That is why you only have matt paper choices. Either that or you are trying to print on luster with matt black and this gives you crappy output because the ink is sitting on top of the paper. You must use photo black for luster and glossy prints.

 This is a common problem on a Mac. Uninstall the printer in your OS and reinstall so the printer "sees" the correct cartridge. Then you should have the correct paper choices in the printer dialogue.
 
 On a PC the driver recognizes the switch, this is why you never had this problem on the PC.
 
 
HTH
Rich

[AdrianL]

Not a silly question.....you are correct.  I have egg on my face (but on a forum it is hidden).  The MK cartridge was in place all along.
The last project on the PC was a B&W job.  After switching to the MAC, installing Lightroom, and CS3, getting acquainted with these was my first priorty.  Then I installed the R2400 but never checked the ink - but this is no excuse.
Now I have a printed printer checklist whenever I start a printing project which includes a check of the Epson Status Monitor first.

Thanks everyone for your help.
Adrian