KM C6000 vs Ricoh C651EX vs Canon C7055

Discussion in 'Konica Minolta Color Laser Printers & Copiers' started by Gnarled Monkey, Apr 21, 2017.

  1. Gnarled Monkey

    Gnarled Monkey New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2017
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    2
    Location:
    Philly
    I (graphic artist/screen printer) have been battling with pulling in color printing instead of outsourcing. Not doing a ton (@100k annually) but looking to hit a new market and convenience/color control counts for a lot. Most stuff is 12x18/13x19" 100lb cover gloss/uncoat but would like 110lb cover. All machines i've looked at are refurbs. I was originally stuck on the Canon C7055(600K clicks, no fiery, $5k) but the 600K scared me on a light production machine and service click was 3Xs production grades. So I'm now between a KM C6000(250Kclicks, fiery, full finishers and trays, $12K) and Ricoh C651EX(1.5Ml, fiery fully loaded, $10K). I've heard Ricoh has better reg than K/M, but any other pros/cons from users out there? Is fear of 600K clicks on the Canon merited? I could afford the Canon, but would need a lease/loan on the others. Which leads to....

    Also wrestling with $1 bouyout vs FMV leases. Is it worth the @$2,500 for a $1 buyout on an older machine?

    My biggest fear is I make the move, and any machine will not function properly in my space. No real way to climate control, jumps between 50degrees coldest to 110highest(it takes it toll on me, I can only imagine what its gonna do to a digi press). I was going to build a box/small room that I could try to moderate atleast with a heater and a dehumidifier(I know humidity will destroy print quality). Is this a decent concept, or is a small contained space also gonna kill a machine? I know this is a ton of questions, but any input is greatly appreciated. Im pulling my hair out over here!?!?!?
     
  2. Jeff

    Jeff Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 2006
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    702
    Location:
    Michigan
    For what it's worth, I've usually found 3-years to the timeframe for ideal performance. At the end of the 5-year leases (which I do to get better value) I have more issues in general.

    The one machine I bought out at the end of the lease for $6,000 ended up sitting mostly idle because there were no drivers to support the new windows version and my newer RIPs were so much faster. I personally wouldn't invest much on the premise of running beyond 3-5 years. There are too many unknowns (drivers, consumable supply chain, service, parts availability).

    I ran a canon in an 8 x 10 room that was on the extreme small side and cooling is something you need to consider more than heating. You want to keep any powder/dust away and also the paper wants to be stored where it's stable humidity or you have to constantly adjust feeding settings.
     
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  3. Gnarled Monkey

    Gnarled Monkey New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 2017
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Philly
    Thanks for your input Jeff. I have had luck running my black/white machines for many years 8+, but didn't know what to expect with color.
     
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