Part 1: Canon Imageprograf Pro-1100
I can hardly believe it's already been a little over 30 days since I welcomed my new Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 printer into my workspace. I'd like to share the reasons behind my long wait and the thought process that ultimately led me to make the purchase. Initially, I had to convince myself of the necessity of owning a professional printer. I wanted to ensure it was more than just a luxury; it had to serve a genuine purpose in my artistic practice. Following that, I needed to find the funds to invest, which I managed by selling my beloved Marshall half-stack amplifier. Letting go of my gear was not easy, but it became clear that the benefits of this printer would outweigh the loss.
The primary driving force behind my decision was the desire to archive my work. I’ve always valued the tangible nature of physical images, especially as a way to preserve my artistic journey for the future. While my collection of film photographs is safely tucked away, I was increasingly worried about the fate of my digital files. With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, I couldn't shake the concern that formats like TIF, RAW, and JPEG might one day be replaced or rendered obsolete, leaving my important memories at risk. The Canon Pro-1100 not only addresses my need for preservation but also opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing me to bring my digital visions to life on paper truly.
I went to YouTube to search for reviews of large-format printers. That wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. And they weren’t too bulky for the space I intended to place them. Behold, the Canon Pro Series was the more dominant one in my search results. Most of the Pro series I saw were the Pro 2600 and higher, much too large for my space and wallet. Then I stumbled upon the imagePROGRAF series of large format printers. The maximum size print was 17x22, and the cost was more reasonable to fit my budget.
Honestly, the Canon Pro-1000 was my intended printer. Then I heard the rumors of a replacement for it, the Canon Pro-1100. What was the big difference between the 2? Some things that stood out were the wider color gamut and more affluent and deeper blacks. During the next couple of months, I realized that, in a side-by-side comparison, the Pro 1000 and its rumored replacement, the Pro 1100, were typically the same Machine.
By the time I decided to get the Pro 1000, it was no longer available. So, the choice became simple: I ordered the Pro 1100 from Dell USA, as they were the only ones that weren’t sold out. Besides, it was now $50 cheaper, $1249. I also had a credit on my account, so the final price before tax came to just below $1200.
Murphy's law: what can happen, will happen. Delivery didn’t come without its problems. The printer arrived via FedEx on March 7th, a day earlier than anticipated, which was a good thing, but it also arrived with visible damage to the box… Which led to a crushing disappointment. According to my security camera footage, the delivery driver took a lot of care in setting my delivery on the front stoop. The contents seemed to be intact; the only problem with the printer was a 3-4” scratch on the front cover. Something I could live with.
Part 2 of this blog will focus on my setup, print process, and efforts to resolve a printing issue.
Helpful Links
Part 2: Canon imageprograf Pro-1100 — Brian Cade Photography: Collective Works
Shop Canon Pro imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 | Canon U.S.A, Inc.
Facebook page: Jtoolman Photo Printing Techie
YouTube Channel: Jose Rodriguez Photo Printing Techie
YouTube: Keith Cooper