Paul Verizzo
Print Addict
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2011
- Messages
- 427
- Reaction score
- 88
- Points
- 173
- Location
- Sarasota, FL, USA
- Printer Model
- Canon ip4500, 9000 MK II, PRO-
So I've had my PRO-100 for a month, perhaps. I've printed - this is the scientific standard - a "heck of a lot" of prints. Mostly half sheets color for paper testing, some B&W. Oh, that's letter sized sheets. Perhaps it's only a few dozen color full sized sheets equivalent.
True to reputation, the ink usage is niggardly. (If you think I went racist, check the dictionary.) Over the years I've seen people do a review and conclude that the Canon printer in question is sucking ink. No.......you're using big sheets of paper and expect a printer to use no ink at all. I.e., moron.
Anyway, the first cart that dropped enough to make that little picture show a lowered level was Gray. Next, black. Examining the cartridges, it's obvious that Light Gray and Yellow will be the next to be displayed as lower.
I've been refilling for some 15 years. I love to save money. I also am not sure that anyone, our beloved Mike included, makes aftermarket inks that have the longevity traits that the Chromalife + inks do. And I really, really appreciate his latest work in making the compatible inks "pop!"
I want my prints to have the lifespan of the OEM inks, but yes, I love to save money. Since the black, gray, and light gray seem to be the most used, it occurred to me that I can get away with aftermarket PC black and gray inks without likely, repeat, likely reducing overall print life, and then buy OEM carts for the other five slots. I've ordered those three inks this afternoon from PC.
Mike has pointed out that regardless of your setting for full color or Grayscale, all ink colors get used. My experience certainly backs that up.
True to reputation, the ink usage is niggardly. (If you think I went racist, check the dictionary.) Over the years I've seen people do a review and conclude that the Canon printer in question is sucking ink. No.......you're using big sheets of paper and expect a printer to use no ink at all. I.e., moron.
Anyway, the first cart that dropped enough to make that little picture show a lowered level was Gray. Next, black. Examining the cartridges, it's obvious that Light Gray and Yellow will be the next to be displayed as lower.
I've been refilling for some 15 years. I love to save money. I also am not sure that anyone, our beloved Mike included, makes aftermarket inks that have the longevity traits that the Chromalife + inks do. And I really, really appreciate his latest work in making the compatible inks "pop!"
I want my prints to have the lifespan of the OEM inks, but yes, I love to save money. Since the black, gray, and light gray seem to be the most used, it occurred to me that I can get away with aftermarket PC black and gray inks without likely, repeat, likely reducing overall print life, and then buy OEM carts for the other five slots. I've ordered those three inks this afternoon from PC.
Mike has pointed out that regardless of your setting for full color or Grayscale, all ink colors get used. My experience certainly backs that up.