been like this for a while, since hp took over the seiko 64s range. you should still be able to source help directly from japan, but you need to knw the right people. who's your current rep?
Just had to contact them to get some work on my machine. They sent gei calgraph(?) Offered a ridiculous service contract. Going to pay for repair and tell them bye. Once I've worn this sucker out, will probably go with hp next time. They seem to be more stable.
just to chime in... the service contracts are quite expensive, seemingly to cover them in case of the 'inevitable' head replacements. i don't have a contract. but the tech that calgraph sends to my shop has turned out to have probably the best knowledge of the machine of anyone i've ever encountered.
up to few months ago I use to work with my rep from seiko agent in malta (my country) and few weeks ago they introduced me to hp as they cannot offer no more support. The hp rep came over and told me its very similir to the HP9000 and they can offer same service. Till then I haven been involved again and am bit worried as they have to get to know this printer etc.. since they havent work on this printer before!
