Inktec Ink and Epson Stylus Pro 9800?

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I have a problem finding Inktec ink for my Epson Stylus Pro 9800 printer.

My printer share's the same 'Epson UltraChrome K3' ink set as the 2400, 3800, 7800 and more.

The later 2880, 3880 and 9880 use the same ink set except for a Vivid Magenta/Light Magenta.

The different Magenta's are where my problem is.

If I choose to use the 220ml Carts there is no problem....

Magenta - EKI2-0003M
Light Magenta - EKI2-0006LM

Vivid Magenta - EKI-0003M
Vivid Light Magenta - EKI-0006LM

I have a problem because I have purchased Refillable Carts and need to purchase 1Litre bottles of ink.

All the suppliers I have looked at and also Inktec supply only ONE VERSION for both the 9800 and 9880....

Magenta - EKI03-01LM
Light Magenta - EKI06-01LLM

I can't order Magenta/Light Magenta if it is designed for a printer using Vivid ink.

I know I can just order the Magenta/Light Magenta Carts instead of the 1Ltr bottles but I would like to use the new refillable carts I have purchased.

 

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Here is a portion of the Inkec Litrature.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

but I would like to use the empty carts I have purchased.

and what would be the benefit of these carts over the prefilled carts ? Would you have to swap chips or is there another limitation ? Since you are using 3rd party inks are you doing your own color profiles for your papers ? You may get some small gain in the magenta range of the gamut , but there wouldn't be such an effect with the light (vivid) magenta colors.

 

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Thank you for your time in replying. I have a couple 3800's that I have used with Image Specialist's ink and now
use OCP ink. It is through the reviews on this forum that I would like to try out the Inktec ink.

Yes, I do my own profiles for ink/paper combo's so that will not be a problem.

I just don't understand why Inktec list non-vivid magenta carts, but not non-vivid megenta for filling your own carts.

The reason for buying ink in bulk, as other members will know, it is much cheaper.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

Is there a specific reason switch to Inktec inks ? I did a test on those and found that the photo black shows a pretty strong bronzing effect tilting into a aluminum like gray in reflecting light if you use glossy papers. Since you do your profiles you should have some more flexibility and you don't depend on the very exact color replication of the original color tone, if you like to try other inks you may look to the newest generation of compatible inks with the Epson P600/800 models which are available at several suppliers like precisioncolors, Marrutt, Vermont Ink and others. They promise you an overall wider gamut and a better black level than previous inks. I have tested several of those inks and can confirm that they have a visibly darker black level - e.g. a drop by almost half -e.g. from l*=7 to l*=3, but it depends as always on the combination of ink and paper, but it is difficult beyond that to make a specific recommendation since bronzing and gloss diff's depend very much on the ink/paper combination.

 

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Thank you again for replying. I do appreciate your recommendations and I might rethink the Inktec ink.

I do not have the bronzing etc problems because I only use Matte papers and Canvas.

I am more than happy with results I get from OCP inks so I might stick with it.

Thanks again.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

Yes, some of the issues with pigment inks on glossy papers just don't exist on matte papers. I'm testing pigment inks on a small WF-2010W with refill cartridges, comparing gamuts, black levels etc before I would switch inks on my age old Pro 7600, and can print away the left over inks with the daily internet stuff and else. If you are happy with the OCP inks just stick with it.

 

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It seems that the initial concerns I had and the reason for starting this tread are unfounded.

I was under the impression that you should not use Vivid Magenta in earlier Epson printers designed for Non-Vivid Magenta K3 inksets.

From some research I have just done. You can use Vivid Magenta and just update your profiles... simple!

From what I can tell. Inktec PowerChrome K3 bulk ink 1Litre upwards use the Vivid Magenta inkset. Which I now know should not be a problem.

I hope this info can help others with the same concerns.