compatible ink/cartridge for IP4500

[RWP]

As far as refilling with a different ink - I purge my cartridges before filling with a different ink. I only use Canon OEM cartridges. Bought a resetter. I use the top fill refill method. Remove the plastic ball and reseal the hole with a #8 flat head nylon screw. I both refill and purge through that top hole. Some say that my forward flow purge method causes a buildup of old ink particles in the outlet sponge area, but I don't think that is so. The water pressure forces old ink out. Blow out the excess water with compressed air and let the sponge dry.
Even though IS and Canon inks are similar in tone/gamut I wouldn't try mixing the ink sets if the project is color important. Since I also have an ip4200 that I use mainly to print out documents and webpages, I use that printer to use up partially full Canon OEM inks. But with the ip4500 that I use to print photos I don't mix different ink types in the cartridge set.

msmart - Precision colors Canon refill kits include a ball extracter tool (brass cup hook), silicone plugs instead of screws, and instructions on how to refill the carts and perform purges. I've bought two kits from him in the past few months -- an Epson R220 compatible refillable auto-reset cart/bulk ink kit and a Canon 4-color refill kit. Precision Colors (forum member Mikling) is a great seller with excellent ink and service. He'll be away until May 12th but the wait should be worth it...

 

[Kefp]

Steve,
Yes,the "bronzing" I am seeing with MIS inks is the matte appearance on the dark/black area with the glossy Kirkland paper. With other papers, it appears to be fine. Perhaps MIS inks are not the same as Precision colors inks as it's rumored to be. I must try Precision colors inks one of these days.

 

[on30trainman]

Kepf,
As I said earlier I haven't seen the bronzing you mention. But, on further review, are you sure that the inks that InkSupply.com sells are IS inks? Their site says MIS inks which appear to be their inks. A Google search on IS inks takes me to Image-Specialists.com where they talk about IS inks. I am using IS inks that I bought from Precision Colors in Canada. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can jump in at set me/us straight about MIS vs IS inks - same or different? I have seen postings from other forum members using IS inks and Kirkland paper who aren't having any bronzing problems either.

Steve W.

 

[Kefp]

Steve,
It's not clearly stated that the Canon MIS is from IS. It is assumed by a number of people because on their web site, they say the following:

inksupply.com/imagespec.cfm
Get Image Specialists Inks from MIS
MIS Associates, Inc. is the North American distributor of Image Specialists Inks. We stock all of the popular Desktop and Wide Format inks for Epson, HP, Canon, Lexmark, Encad and other printers. Small volume orders are welcome.

http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2638

I guess the 2 are not the same.

 

[msmart]

Steve,
Sorry, I missed your Profile Prism reference and profile sig, I'll have to check into it. Okay, got it... purge then refill. The same for the PG5BK cart? About how long does it take for the sponge to dry out after a purge? I'll get the Redsetter too.

RWP (and Steve), thanks for the info, it seems like I can't go wrong. I'll place my order soon, hopefully there won't be too much backlog delaying shipment when he opens back up.

I have a second set of carts from the other 4500 I bought so I'm hoping that will get me through one project (printing DVD faces, cover inserts and booklets for my video projects). When on the second set, I'll refill the first before starting a new project. I realize that not all carts will empty at the same time so I guess I'll have to sacrifice some ink.

What do you guys think about this... Someone in my area has a "used but in perfect condition" iP3500 for $35 on craigslist. Maybe I can get it for a little less and purge/refill those carts?

 

[on30trainman]

msmart,
The sponge does not need to completely dry out after purging - just blow out the excess water. Actually with the PG5BK it is important not to let it dry out. Pigment ink doesn't seem to absorb into a completely dry sponge. I just started using Pharmacist's magic conditioning solution (glycerin, alcohol, and distilled water) on my PG5BK empties this past weekend. The refill went much better. Refilling the dye based inks work well on completely dry cartridges.

You will have to wait until after May 12th to order from Precision Colors (mikling) since his store is closed until then. But the wait will be worth it - his prices and delivery are excellent.

Don't know about picking up a used ip3500 just to get cartridges to refill. The printhead would be of no use to you and the cartridge set would not include a dye BLACK. Look on E-Bay - sometimes there are OK deals on empty CLI-8 cartridges. About 2 months ago I picked up two sets (CMYK) of CLI-8s, a few extra CLI-8s and about 6 PG5BKs for $18 including shipping on a Buy It Now. Think I lucked out on hitting it right after he listed it. Just looked on E-Bay - only one listing I could find and it was a mix of BCI-6 and CLI-8.

Buy a Blue resetter - there are screws on the bottom plate that will let you change batteries easily. I bought mine from inkjetreset.com (mapsy) - but I notice her price has increased but the design seems to be changed again. There are many listed on E-Bay.

Steve W.

 

[msmart]

Thanks for pointing that out for me, Steve, about the iP3500. I saw they were CLI-8s but didn't notice it was just CMY. You saved me a trip. I'll continue to keep my eyes open, I may even do a WTB post on craigslist. You sure scored on our eBay find.

What do you think about inkjetreset's Permanent Refillable Ink Cartridge and the new RKS Auto Reset Chips? I know most people recommend only refilling OEM

Hmmm, the Blue resetter for $50 (on sale now) with 2-year warranty and easy battery replacement. Or the Red one for $34.95 with no apparent warranty, free shipping (as of now) and having to break it open to replace battery as described HERE. $15 more for blue, hmm.

stevec, I hope I haven't hijacked your thread too far. I think we're staying mostly on topic.

 

[stevec]

msmart,
No, not hijacking. I'm learning a lot from all this even tho' my IP4500 has not yet arrived (today I hope). I have seen the Hobbicolors kit on ebay but don't know if Precision Colors sends to the UK or not. Any UK users here?
I'm a little concerned about profiling though. Is there an idiots guide anywhere?

 

[msmart]

Thanks stevec.

Here is Precision Colors' Shipping Policy... "please inquire".

While this link uses Epson for examples, but is a link that will make your head swim... Making fine prints in your digital darkroom - Printer calibration.

Here is a page with lots of links: Leicester Colour Management (in the UK no less).

 

[Kefp]

on30trainman.....Kirkland Glossy paper seems to give a slight greenish tinge with many inks including Canon OEM inks. Profile Prism profiles have cleaned that up. I have not been as successful in profiling Matte papers,.......

Received Profile Prism from DDI and had a chance to play with it last night. I must say, I'm impressed with the result and the simplicity. I profiled MP970/Hobbicolors/Kirkland Glossy, using the built in scanner and Vuescan as recommended. Will try profiling a matte paper, Staples supreme double sided matte, this weekend.

I have been fortunate with my IP4500 as I was able to adjust the print driver to give me satisfactory result. But I will try Profile Prism on it.