compatible ink/cartridge for IP4500

[stevec]

I shall shortly be receiving an IP4500 printer. What is the most compatible ink/cartridge that closest matches the Canon original for colour photos? I have no problem refilling cartridges but don't want to get lots of ink and find it gives poor colour rendition. I'll also need a resetter of course.

 

[crenedecotret]

So far so good for me with hobbicolors!
I'm refilling the original carts and using an original redsetter I got on Ebay

 

[on30trainman]

I, also, have been using Hobbicolors inks with good results in my ip4500. But recently I switched to Image Specialists inks from Precision Colors - he is a forum member. I think I like the performance of the IS inks better than Hobbicolors. Precision Colors store will be closed until May 11th so you can't order from him right now. It might be worth the wait.

Steve W.

 

[stevec]

Thanks for that. I'm not sure if either of them are available in the UK. Any suggestions form UK based members?

 

[pebe]

Hobbicolors - without a doubt. Order from ebay.

They send airmail. Delivery is fast and price is competitive compared with UK suppliers.

 

[msmart]

I think I like the performance of the IS inks better than Hobbicolors.

Could you elaborate on that please. From what I've been reading so far, it sounds like you can't loose either way.

 

[on30trainman]

I think I like the performance of the IS inks better than Hobbicolors.

Could you elaborate on that please. From what I've been reading so far, it sounds like you can't loose either way.

My first observation - if you print with the canned profiles provided with Canon printers the prints using Hobbicolors inks seem more saturated (darker) than with Canon OEM inks. Prints with IS inks seem closer in saturation and tone to Canon inks. But since I use profiles generated for my various ink/paper combos it doesn't really matter that much.

But of more interest to me is: IS inks come from a specific ink company - I know who is making the ink. Hobbicolors has a source that he will not divulge as far as I know. He has been asked with no response. Could he change source without notification? IS could also change their formulation but I think they would let us know if they did.

As you say - you can't lose with either. I used Hobbicolor inks for several years without problems. It's just that now I feel more comfortable with IS inks (from Precision Colors). The cost factor is a wash.

Steve W.

 

[Kefp]

on30trainman wrote:

I think I like the performance of the IS inks better than Hobbicolors.......

I am using both Hobbicolors and IS ink (assumption) from Inksupply dotcom. Assuming the assumption is correct, I find that the dye black from Inksupply dotcom gives a bit of bronzing on Kirkland Glossy Photo Paper. Do you notice that as well, since you use the same paper? I have not used Precision Colors.

BTW, I just ordered Profile Prism earlier this week. Look forward to playing around with it.

 

[msmart]

@on30trainman:

Thanks for that. I think you just sold me on the IS inks from Precision Color. I agree it's nice to know the ink source giving a sense of confidence/stability.

How did you create the printer profiles? Set the printer property settings then click Add to Profiles? What did you do to come up with the profile settings?

I know this has been discussed in other threads but I'll ask you here. As I just started using my iP4500 with its OEM carts, what steps should I follow (if any) when I go to refill them with IS ink? I've read that OEM and IS ink is supposed to be very close (as you also stated above) so I shouldn't notice much change in color cast when converting, will I? I've got a couple projects coming up and I'm concerned about change in color mid-project. On the other hand, I don't want to waste the ink in the original carts.

@Kefp:

I believe the IS ink on30trainman is referring to is "Image Specialists" ink from Precision Colors as he mentions in post 3. Let us know what you think of Profile Prism when you've given it a go.

 

[on30trainman]

Kepf,
I assume by "bronzing" you mean a metallic tinge to black areas of a print. If so, no I haven't seen that as far as I can tell. I just printed out the C M Y K 4 color purge pattern with settings for Photo Paper Pro and the profile I made for the ip4500 and IS inks. The black bar looks clean. Also a B&W test print also looked clean - no bronze tinge to the dark and medium black tones of the print.
I have been using Profile Prism for several years now and have been happy with the profiles generated. I do the scanning with a Canon LiDE-60 scanner and CanoScan software. 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, but that seems to be a common complaint from PP users. Profiles are usable, but the scans have many Xed out color blocks so I am not sure what the profile misses.

msmart,
As you can see from my above comments - I use Profile Prism to generate printer profiles.
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.

Steve W.