Caono Pixma IP4000/Printer Setting Help PLEASE

[Monica]

This long time HP user just hasn't done well converting to this Canon
printer. I know it's a good printer. I did my research. But, no matter
what I try, I can't get a GOOD photo print from it. Now I'm having problems
getting graphics to print correctly. In tweaking settings, I changed
profiles (admittedly, I don't know one profile from another). Is there one
profile I should be using? Does it depend on the program from which I'm
printing? When I try to print photos, I use Ilford Pro Inkjet Photo Range
(Smooth Pearl) photo stock and I follow the settings that it gives for my
printer. Not looking good. A couple weeks ago I was using glossy card
stock to print candy wrappers. Using the correct paper setting, the graphic
was horribly light and off color. Choosing plain paper created a much
better outcome. WHAT is the secret to getting a good photo print from this
printer. I have an extended warranty with this printer and if I can't
figure out (or get help) on how to create the photos I know it's capable of,
I'll have to return it. If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it. If
you need more information, please ask.
Monica
btw, all ink carts are full and in good working condition.

 

[measekite]

This long time HP user just hasn't done well converting to this Canon
printer. I know it's a good printer. I did my research. But, no matter
what I try, I can't get a GOOD photo print from it.

Are and have you always used Canon OEM ink?

Now I'm having problems
getting graphics to print correctly. In tweaking settings, I changed
profiles (admittedly, I don't know one profile from another). Is there one
profile I should be using? Does it depend on the program from which I'm
printing? When I try to print photos, I use Ilford Pro Inkjet Photo Range
(Smooth Pearl) photo stock and I follow the settings that it gives for my
printer. Not looking good. A couple weeks ago I was using glossy card
stock to print candy wrappers. Using the correct paper setting, the graphic
was horribly light and off color. Choosing plain paper created a much
better outcome. WHAT is the secret to getting a good photo print from this
printer. I have an extended warranty with this printer and if I can't
figure out (or get help) on how to create the photos I know it's capable of,
I'll have to return it. If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it. If
you need more information, please ask.
Monica
btw, all ink carts are full and in good working condition.

Are they all Canon? If so then I can help you since I have the exact
same machine.

 

[Monica]

Yes, they are all Canon ink.

Are and have you always used Canon OEM ink?

Are they all Canon? If so then I can help you since I have the exact same
machine.

 

[George E. Cawthon]

This long time HP user just hasn't done well converting to this Canon
printer. I know it's a good printer. I did my research. But, no matter
what I try, I can't get a GOOD photo print from it. Now I'm having problems
getting graphics to print correctly. In tweaking settings, I changed
profiles (admittedly, I don't know one profile from another). Is there one
profile I should be using? Does it depend on the program from which I'm
printing? When I try to print photos, I use Ilford Pro Inkjet Photo Range
(Smooth Pearl) photo stock and I follow the settings that it gives for my
printer. Not looking good. A couple weeks ago I was using glossy card
stock to print candy wrappers. Using the correct paper setting, the graphic
was horribly light and off color. Choosing plain paper created a much
better outcome. WHAT is the secret to getting a good photo print from this
printer. I have an extended warranty with this printer and if I can't
figure out (or get help) on how to create the photos I know it's capable of,
I'll have to return it. If anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it. If
you need more information, please ask.
Monica
btw, all ink carts are full and in good working condition.

You need to click on properties in the print box,
then click the effect tab. I would then uncheck
the "vivid photograph" box. In any case you can
change various things to find the effect that you
like.

 

[Chuck Warren]

This long time HP user just hasn't done well converting to this Canon
printer. I know it's a good printer. I did my research. But, no matter
what I try, I can't get a GOOD photo print from it. Now I'm having
problems getting graphics to print correctly. In tweaking settings, I
changed profiles (admittedly, I don't know one profile from another). Is
there one profile I should be using? Does it depend on the program from
which I'm printing? When I try to print photos, I use Ilford Pro Inkjet
Photo Range (Smooth Pearl) photo stock and I follow the settings that it
gives for my printer. Not looking good. A couple weeks ago I was using
glossy card stock to print candy wrappers. Using the correct paper
setting, the graphic was horribly light and off color. Choosing plain
paper created a much better outcome. WHAT is the secret to getting a good
photo print from this printer. I have an extended warranty with this
printer and if I can't figure out (or get help) on how to create the
photos I know it's capable of, I'll have to return it. If anyone can
help, I'd really appreciate it. If you need more information, please ask.
Monica
btw, all ink carts are full and in good working condition.

If you are serious about getting the best, most accurate color prints from
the ip4000, you should consider getting a custom profile, an *.icc file, for
at least the ink and paper you use most often. Various services will create
the profile for you based on printing a series of known target images. I
have an ip4000 and am happy with the profile I obtained from
cathysprofiles.com. [Except for being a satisfied customer, I get nothing
from this service.]

 

[measekite]

You may be using more than one profile. One in the printer driver and
the other in the software you are using to print with. While I have
not used Ilford Smooth Pearl I have used Ilford Classic Pearl. I chose
that because it has less rapid fading when used with dye based ink but
it takes much longer to dry. Some day I will try the Smooth.

First make sure that you install the proper profile (downloaded from the
Ilford site.)
and install in Windows according to the instruction sheet

Canon driver Settings: Choose

Other Photo Paper and High for Quality


and choose Manual for Color Adjustment and then press the Set button

Make sure you uncheck ICM

And Under Print Type choose None from the drop down list.


This turns off the Canon Profile. Now you can use Photoshop or
someother editor.

I use Photoshop so here is how I set it.

BEFORE YOU PRINT GOTO TO VIEW--PROOFSETUP--CUSTOM AND IN THE PROFILE
BOX CHOOSE SRGB OR RGB AND EDIT THE PHOTO AS YOU LIKE.

In print preview:

click the show more options checkbox

Under Source space click the radio button that shows sRGB or RGB

UNDER PRINT SPACE

CHOOSE FORM DROP DOWN LIST UNDER PRINT SPACE

PROFILE: IGSPP9_cip4000PPPGn_1204v04.icc This is the Ilford
Profile name that Photoshop picked up representing Smooth Pearl
INTENT: Relative Colormetric

CHECK THE BOX for Use Black Point Compensation


If you follow these instructions it should be OK.

If you do not use Photoshop then you need to tell your editor what
profile you are using. If your editor does not allow you to do it then
buy Photoshop Elements (around $80.00.

You can try just printing form you current Photo Editor after setting up
your print as above and the editor may use an automatic profile and that
may be ok for you as well.

I know the above works since I have the same IP4000 and use Canon ink ONLY.

 

[measekite]

If you are serious about getting the best, most accurate color prints from
the ip4000, you should consider getting a custom profile, an *.icc file, for
at least the ink and paper you use most often.

That is not necessary. Read my reply

Various services will create
the profile for you based on printing a series of known target images. I
have an ip4000 and am happy with the profile I obtained from
cathysprofiles.com. [Except for being a satisfied customer, I get nothing
from this service.]

 

[Monica]

Thanks so much for the instructions! This is what I'm needing. My HPs
weren't near as hard to setup and gave excellent results but since I upload
and have my photos printed, I decided I didn't need to spend $500 on a
printer anymore. But, this printer was supposed to give really good photo
quality results for those times I did need to print photos. It had good
ratings for vivid graphics, crisp text and I wanted the individual ink
carts. This is the first time I'm pushed it and might have very well
screwed up the settings in my attempt to get better results. I'm PS
Elements gal and just recently upgraded to v5. I will give this a try
and see how it works. Didn't even know there was a Ilford profile <g> I'll
let you know if it's successful.
Monica

 

[measekite]

You need to download the ilford profiles from their website and install
them according to the instructions. Then when you open PSE it will pick
up the profiles from Windows.