Compatible inks
Compatible inks
Does anyone use compatible inks in their photo printers? I know that they're not normally recommended but some swear by them. I have a dedicated Epson photo printer, and the problem with it is that the cartridges were already expensive to begin with as it was a slightly specialist machine, and now it's older the cartridges cost even more! It needs 7, and they now cost £20 each!
With a new set of cartridges now costing more than a new printer, wondering whether it's worth giving compatibles a go? Only concern is whether it's worth having such a high end printer and then compromising on print quality, just want to know whether it's decent enough
Marsdendean Worth a go, if they are rubbish, at least you have tried them!
Marsdendean Worth a go, if they are rubbish, at least you have tried them!
Marsdendean If you want ill ask him tomo if you want, and ask him how he has got on, and where he gets them from!
Marsdendean If you want ill ask him tomo if you want, and ask him how he has got on, and where he gets them from!
Been using them for years mate, still get very good quality prints and i usually buy them on Ebay, I got 18 cartridges for £12 a few weeks ago and i cant tell the difference between the original Epson ones and the cheap compatible inks!
I even refill my own now and again, just buy the 250ml ink bottles (again off Ebay) and fill them just before they run out, so i don't have to keep resetting the built in chips :thumbup1:
For me it depends on the printer and any warranty left, my small home and office printers (£70-150) I use compatibles.. but my main office £800 network printer that everyone in the office relies on most of the time and is under warranty that is instantly voided for non manufacturer cartridges never sees a compatible .... although I resent the price difference lol
I have an Epson R220, which i use compatable ink in (mine takes 5) i get my ink from computer fairs or ebay and pay about £15 for 3 full sets.
As long as us use the printer 2-3 times a month it shouldnt block the printing heads, only if you let it stand for a long time inactive.
Then a few passes with the cleaning tool in epson software does the trick.
Hope this helps.
for all my printers I use compatable ink. The laser (colour) printer gets re-filled also and never had an issue.
The laser is £200 for all 4 colours of OEM toner and £85 refill - no contest. The Other printer is a Brother A3 all in 1 and the cheap ink is OK.
Cheers for the replies, that's all good stuff, I'll definitely give it a go then. In terms of refills Bandit, does that mean it'll still read the ink level correctly if you refill before it gets empty? That was the only other downside to compatibles, but this sounds like an interesting alternative.
you can get a chip resetting tool, so its not the end of the world.