Non OEM Inks For Epson R-3880

ianbarber · 16 Jul 2015

Has anyone had any experience using non em inks for the Epson R3880 and if so what are your thoughts.

ianmarsh · 17 Jul 2015

I use Fotospeed inks on a 2880 and they look fine to me. I've got a set of refillable cartridges which I am happy to recommend. Their profiles are pretty good, service is excellent and as I really like their papers too (baryta especially) it seems a good match. B&Ws come out great.

ianbarber · 17 Jul 2015

Thanks for the tip. I also have a R2880 sat here which hasn't been used for 18 months, I was actually thinking of selling it because i have the 3880 now. Might be worth while trying some non em inks in it

andyred · 17 Jul 2015

I used to have an Epson printer and used aftermarket inks - whilst the ink itself was okay (colour wise etc) I did have issues with them blocking the printer head up, drying up much quicker then OEM inks - the shop that I bought them from eventually had to flush the printer for me to try to clear the blockages (did FOC for me) and since, I have only used OEM inks in any printer I have...

ianbarber · 17 Jul 2015

andyred said:
I used to have an Epson printer and used aftermarket inks - whilst the ink itself was okay (colour wise etc) I did have issues with them blocking the printer head up, drying up much quicker then OEM inks - the shop that I bought them from eventually had to flush the printer for me to try to clear the blockages (did FOC for me) and since, I have only used OEM inks in any printer I have...

Was this on an Epson 3880 series

andyred · 17 Jul 2015

ianbarber said:
Was this on an Epson 3880 series

Hi Ian

No, was a few years ago now (can't remember the exact model, but was a R### model)...

18%grey · 25 Jul 2015

Hi Ian

I've been using non oem inks in my x2 3800's for at least 5 years with no problems.

These are the same as the 3880 apart for the Light Magenta/Cyan

Good quality ink is a must. Unbranded ink is a real no no.

Good brands to look for are INKTEC (Japan), IMAGE SPECIALISTS (USA) and OCP (German)

A good UK stockist to try is Octoink.co.uk.

I use 80ml and 160ml refillable carts. If you go this route you need the original chips from

your OEM carts. These must not show empty, around 20% left to work.

I have been using OCP ink for the last 18 months and found I can't beat it for quality and value.

I can assure you of top quality printing and archival properties when combined with

top quality papers.

ianbarber · 25 Jul 2015

Thanks for the information.

Which is your number one go to ink out the ones you have mentioned. Do you find any of them suffer from bronzing especially in the magenta and how do you rate the blacks.

18%grey · 25 Jul 2015

Some bronzing is always a problem. Some papers are better than others for this.

I now mainly use matte papers because of this. For good work I use archival matte and this gives zero bronzing.

I use cheaper paper also when a bit of bronzing does not matter.

I changed from Image Specialist ink to OCP ink about 18 months ago and it is my favourite ink so far.

I have read great reports about the Inktec ink but have not tried it yet. Can't get smaller quanties at the right price.

ianbarber · 25 Jul 2015

Out of interest, have you tried using the Epson Advanced Black and White mode with the OCP inks and if so whats your thought.

18%grey · 25 Jul 2015

Sorry, no I've not tried it. I just send my mono prints straight to the printer through Photoshop.

They look great to me so there was never a need to delve in any further.

I do profile every ink and paper combo and never had a problem.

Epson Advanced Black and White is more for the Mono enthusiasts and experts.

Something I have not really got into.

For a lot more info on this you could have a look at http://www.printerknowledge.com/