MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

[steveclv]

I have always used Xerox machines in the past but now looking at a lightly used MPC4501 for photo booklet work.

Anyone know how they would compare with a Xerox DC242 for example - are they adequate print quality assuming decent paper stock?

Not expecting full on photo quality - just something that looks ok for a saddle stitched booklet.

Thanks for any advice

[mrgene]

it was one of ricoh better color machine , I have print shops using them and are happy with the print quality

[cadillac2]

what do you mean by "lightly used" - what's the meter?

[steveclv]

Meter - around 70,000

Thanks for the info - I've pulled the trigger on it

[copier tech]

This is a very old model, I would go for the later 3003 series if your budget allows.

[cadillac2]

congrats ! the 01 series was one of the best boxes Ricoh ever made. Some on this forum call it bullet proof..... never heard anyone say this about the Metis (03)series.
"Old" ? yes, plastic materials do age over time, so some parts may not reach pm. But rest assured, many of this series are still out there and keep on running - well into the 7 digits.
With the 01s you also have the advantage that you can save lots of $$$ using k drums for color.

[TonerMunkeh]

Bulletproof doesn't cover these things. They are nuclear weapon proof. God only knows why they stopped making the 4501.

[steveclv]

Thanks all

It arrives tomorrow and as it's an 'old' model I got it for peanuts complete with the booklet finisher.

Thanks for the heads up on the k drums for CMY - I'll bear that in mind.

I think I might need to find a Postscript 3 SD card for my Macs and I tried to get Ricoh to give me access to get the latest firmware updates but got the 'only available to business partners so give me your account number and account managers name' response

I don't suppose anyone has access to the latest firmware for an mpc4501 do they?

I asked Ricoh and got the 'only available to business partners so give me your account number and account managers name' response

Thanks if anyone can help

[copier tech]

I wouldnt worry about the firmware just yet. Consentrate your efforts on resolving any hardware/print quality issues.

The post script option will be very expensive.

[copyaction]

Check eBay for that postscript card