pixma 4000 ink cartridge query

[MZB]

I have so far only been buying genuine Canon replacement cartridges for my
Canon Pixma 4000 printer.

I usually find a deal on EBAY.

However, lately, I can't seem to find anything. It is overun with compatible
generic cartridges. I'm thinking of maybe going that way, but if I do how
can I tell if it is a good quality replacement??

Are there specific companies/brands I should look for (for compatible
replacements)?

Mel

 

[Burt]

I have so far only been buying genuine Canon replacement cartridges for my
Canon Pixma 4000 printer.

I usually find a deal on EBAY.

However, lately, I can't seem to find anything. It is overun with
compatible generic cartridges. I'm thinking of maybe going that way, but
if I do how can I tell if it is a good quality replacement??

Are there specific companies/brands I should look for (for compatible
replacements)?

Mel

Here are two links that have great information about one brand of compatable
carts and about refilling your own carts. Absolutely do not pay any
attention to our resident troll who will follow this suggestion with his
usual diatribe about aftermarket inks and carts.

Read Neil Slade's info at http://www.neilslade.com/papers/inkjetstuff.html
and also learn about refilling your cartridges at
http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/

 

[MZB]

Interesting. One of the comments appears to be that the branded ink lasts
longer (less fade). This is somewhat important as the picures are ones we
want to keep forever (grandkids, wedding pictures, etc.).

Of course, as long as I have the files, I can always print a fresh copy, but
longevity would be an important consideration.

Mel

 

[george]

Interesting. One of the comments appears to be that the branded ink lasts
longer (less fade). This is somewhat important as the picures are ones we
want to keep forever (grandkids, wedding pictures, etc.).

Of course, as long as I have the files, I can always print a fresh copy, but
longevity would be an important consideration.

I have pictures over 100 years old that survived by accident. It is
doubtful that the digital images will survive by accident, and even if
someone found the CD that they would be able to read it. If they find
a print there is some chance that it can be restored.

With regard to Canon ink I have been unable to find any aftermarket
ink that is nearly as fade resistant.

 

[zakezuke]

Interesting. One of the comments appears to be that the branded ink lasts
longer (less fade). This is somewhat important as the picures are ones we
want to keep forever (grandkids, wedding pictures, etc.).

Of course, as long as I have the files, I can always print a fresh copy, but
longevity would be an important consideration.

The fact that "branded ink" lasts longer for the most part is fair
comment. Dye bought for between $1.00 to $2.00/ounce typicaly does not
last as long, isn't as gas fast or light fast as solutions costing
above and beyond $10 to $20+ ounce. There are other solutions for bulk
/ 3rd party ink which may peform better but I lack any personal
experence nor have any reliable information on them. More commercial
solutions this is not an issue.

Do keep in mind that media, like DVD +/- R isn't forever. Part of a
good long term data storage plan inolves transfer of that media to
something else in 5, 10, or 20 years. Much in the same way we had to
shift from floppy to cd-rom, cd rom to dvd, and dvd to the next
generation 120mm disc.

And also keep in mind that anyone with a network connection or
cd-burner can take their prints elsewhere and have them printed using
pretty decent ink for cheap. Costco for example does a nice job on 20
by 30 inch prints for about $10.00 each on fuji crystal archive.
Single prints can be had online for between 5c to 10c a pop.

 

[measekite]

I have so far only been buying genuine Canon replacement cartridges for my
Canon Pixma 4000 printer.

I usually find a deal on EBAY.

However, lately, I can't seem to find anything. It is overun with compatible
generic cartridges.

Stay away from that trash.

I'm thinking of maybe going that way, but if I do how
can I tell if it is a good quality replacement??

There is no way to tell quality if there is any since the relabeler will
not tell you who the ink formulator is. I did research and found that
generics fade rapidly, have lower print quality and have a greater
tendency to clog the printhead. So I stay with Caonon and pay the
higher price.

Are there specific companies/brands I should look for (for compatible
replacements)?

There is nothing compatible.

 

[measekite]

I have pictures over 100 years old that survived by accident. It is
doubtful that the digital images will survive by accident, and even if
someone found the CD that they would be able to read it. If they find
a print there is some chance that it can be restored.

With regard to Canon ink I have been unable to find any aftermarket
ink that is nearly as fade resistant.

You never will because it does not exist.

 

[Burt]

Interesting. One of the comments appears to be that the branded ink lasts
longer (less fade). This is somewhat important as the picures are ones we
want to keep forever (grandkids, wedding pictures, etc.).

Of course, as long as I have the files, I can always print a fresh copy,
but longevity would be an important consideration.

Mel

Canon's inks are dye-based and, according to Wilhelm, an expert in
evaluating image durability, are the least fade resistant of the major
inkjet manufacturers - Epson, Canon, and HP. The most fade resistant images
come from the Epson pigment-based inks. Good aftermarket bulk refill inks
for the bci-6 carts appear to have less fade resistance than the Canon OEM
inks. Having said that, I and several other participants on this NG have
found images with aftermarket refill inks (MIS and Formulabs) to be very
stable when framed and displayed away from direct sunlight or in albums.

I enjoy printing lots of pictures with aftermarket inks that my family and
friends enjoy, and I would have good quality lab prints made for those I
want to last the longest.

 

[zakezuke]

And also keep in mind that anyone with a network connection or
cd-burner can take their prints elsewhere and have them printed using
pretty decent ink for cheap. Costco for example does a nice job on 20
by 30 inch prints for about $10.00 each on fuji crystal archive.
Single prints can be had online for between 5c to 10c a pop.

Oh, someone was nice enough to point out that Fuji Crystal Archive is a
photographic paper, not an inkjet paper.
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductPIII.jsp

But this "is" what costco gave me when I ordered their huge size from a
digital image via their online mailorder system, i.e. not the instore
printers/enlargers.

 

[MZB]

OK. So... any recommendations on the best source for Canon cartridges
(cheapest): Sam's Club, Best Buy,...???

Mel