[CQ] 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]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

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

[cadillac2]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

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

[steveclv]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

Meter - around 70,000

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

[copier tech]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

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

[cadillac2]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

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]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

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

[steveclv]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

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]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

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]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

Check eBay for that postscript card

[steveclv]

[cadillac2]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

as for using k drums as CMY on the mpc4501, there is minor modification needed.
you want to refer to the "drum cheat sheet" which has been developed by some very knowledgable poster(s) on this forum

B2C Drum Cheat Sheet-2.pdf

[steveclv]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

Woohoo it arrived!

As it had been stored in a cold warehouse, I've left it to stabilize in temperature and humidity before powering up.



IMG_0706.jpg

[mikadonovan]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

I see you have the hammer out ready to bash the f^%k out of it if it malfunctions. Might want to return that to the toolbox for the moment

[copier tech]

Re: MPC4501 Photo quality any good?

I see you have the hammer out ready to bash the f^%k out of it if it malfunctions. Might want to return that to the toolbox for the moment

Yes cant say I have ever used a hammer on a copier, very tempted at times but dont carry one in the toolkit!