Photo Print Longevity

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Regarding a message I read here concerning the HP Photosmart vs. the Epson 1520 printers - I am new to digital photography although I've owned computers and printers for almost 20 years. My question is this: How long do prints last when made by a photo printer (as compared to a regular 35mm print)? Is fading a problem?

Thanks in advance, Dave.

-- Dave Schambach (DSchambach@Compuserve.com), July 30, 1999

Answers

Hi Dave, There is an article in PCPhoto Magazine (July/August issue) on page 18. It is a question and answer format. The question asked deals with "Ink Permanancy". I found it very interesting myself. I would type it out for you but I am a very slow typist and it would take me forever. If you can't find the magazine, let me know and I will very nicely ask my wife(Professional Secretary) to type it for you. Rich Hajduk rgh115@prodigy.net

-- Richard G. Hajduk (rgh115@prodigy.net), July 30, 1999.

Here is a some information on Epson print fade with Epson photo paper.

http://www.tssphoto.com/sp/dg/fade.html

http://www.tssphoto.com/sp/dg/lyson_spray.html

-- Bob B. (rgreg88721@hotmail.com), July 31, 1999.


This is a question that the genealogy forums have been dealing with for years. Most the info shows that "old fashioned prints"..i.e. black and white photos will still outlast things done by our current inkjet printers with current inks and papers commonly used. In fact they are quoting times in single digit years...5-7 years for them to last. Of course that depends on the light source, length of time, etc., but all things being equal the photo print will outlast the inkjet print. I've gone to an Alps 5000 with a dye sub mode of printing for now for most my important photos that I don't want to get more "regular prints" made of, but want them to last for a few years. Hopefully, from what I've read, these will outlast the inkjet prints.

-- Jan McNeill (jan@sellingcharlotte.com), August 19, 1999.

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