Ink.....

[andyd55]

What do the majority use, compatible ink cartridges or genuine? Is there a difference? apart from price? Would have made this a poll but dont think you can do it on this forum can you?!

[losixxx]

i always use HP ink, did try some aftermarket and cartridge world refill's, ok for printing every day balck but IMO no good for printing pic's or top quality print

[VinnyB]

I use an Epson R220 and only use compatibles.. cant comment on other manufacturers.
As long as you use regularly clean (or print) so that the ink doesnt dry in the heads then I recommend compatibles as they are just as good.

In my experience I have tried all makes of photo paper and found that Epson paper is the best with my printer regardless of which compatible or original cartridge I use..

I believe in trial & error but can be expensive if it is an error

[Nod]

I use 2 Canon printers (s820 and iX4000) as well as (occasonally) an Epson R220. I always use genuine inks (apart from once when I used a compatible - never again - carp colour and a pain to flush the head). Original carts aren't cheap but can be sourced at a discount from places like 7dayshop .

As for paper, I use a small selection. Canon's own PP-101 glossy, Ilford's Galerie (both for final prints) and cheap stuff from Lidl for "contact" or index prints. I sometimes use the Lidl stuff for final prints but don't really like the slight cast it gives. (The cast is variable from pack to pack so not so easy to dial out with a profile)

[Grendel]

I've always used genuine Epson cartridges in my Stylus Photo R800 until I needed to buy a complete set this weekend. Cost....£113 :eek:

So for the first time ever I've bought a compatible set for a cost of £53. That's a saving of £59 :D

Just waiting to see how they perform now :shrug: If the results are good then I'll be thrilled but popular opinion seems to suggest that I'll be disappointed :(

To be honest, with the cost of cartridges and photo paper as high as they are, it's hard to justify printing your own photos when you can get an A4 print done for around 0.50p online :shrug:

[whitey]

Only ever used Genuine in my photo printer, Dad uses Compatible ones in his HP printer though

[EdBray]

I've always used genuine Epson cartridges in my Stylus Photo R800 until I needed to buy a complete set this weekend. Cost....£113 :eek:

So for the first time ever I've bought a compatible set for a cost of £53. That's a saving of £59 :D

Just waiting to see how they perform now :shrug: If the results are good then I'll be thrilled but popular opinion seems to suggest that I'll be disappointed :(

To be honest, with the cost of cartridges and photo paper as high as they are, it's hard to justify printing your own photos when you can get an A4 print done for around 0.50p online :shrug:

The trouble with most compatible cartridges for the R800 is they are usually supplied with dye ink and do not perform well. I have recently bought a CIS pigment ink system for my R800, cost about £75 delivered and the print quality is great.

[PsiFox]

Going CIS on my HP as well but get most prints done on line.

[Grendel]

The trouble with most compatible cartridges for the R800 is they are usually supplied with dye ink and do not perform well. I have recently bought a CIS pigment ink system for my R800, cost about £75 delivered and the print quality is great.

Interesting :) Can I ask where you bought it from please?

[JPS]

I have an Epson R300 and use original ink from time to time - a set of six from Ebay can be about £25, still cheaper than retail. Although my local PC supplies shop does compatables for £1 per cartridge - that's £6 per set. To be honest the quality is pretty much the same as the proper Epson ink.

I think the bigger difference is making sure you have decent paper to print on and to select the right paper from the printing tab. I had some paper of dubious quality bought for me the other year and it wasn't worth using 'in the bathroom' if you get my drift.

[Mike D]

I use compatible inks for my printing and don't find any problem.

People have commented on how good the photo's look, but I am not a tog pro so maybe for my use compatible is ok.

I think you must at least give the cheaper option a try with the same paper and picture and settings, then you can make your own mind up.:thinking:

[Chappers]

I've tried compatible, and always come back to original Epson. The main problem seems to be with the blacks. compared to Epson the 3 or so compatible makes I've tried give a green rather than neutral black.

[fletch5]

I use a mixture of compatibles and epson(rx500 printer). but to be fair, i use one vision for printing most photos

[Steep]

Always used compatibles without any problems. I now have an Epson 1400 as well and will have to see how it goes, compatibles are not really available for it yet.

[ianmarsh]

I'd only ever used HP ink in my HP 8250, but the yellow ran out late Saturday and I grabbed a replacement from Cartridge World round the corner. Same price as the HP equivalent off eBay (but cheaper than CW were selling the HP) but three times the amount of ink. It is only one colour out of six changed, but I cannot see any difference. Going to try a full set of CWs next.

[chilliz]

I`ve had 2 attempts at using compatable ink and both times the head has got clogged pretty quickly. My latest printer has had genuine ink only and hasn`t clogged in almost 5 years.:)

[mho]

Use genuine Epson in all y widefromat printers

[allanm]

You need to be careful with compatible inks, I have ruined a good few printers with rubbish ink. But, now quality of some seems to be very good and I only ever use compatibles from HERE (http://www.internet-ink.co.uk/) and CIS ink for my A3 Epson R1400 and HP 7200 from HERE (http://cityinkexpress.co.uk/)

Never had any problems at all, and most people prefer the results of the CIS inks from my R1400 over Epsons own.

Allan