JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

I need to say before I get started that I have already ran a search here on the forum for "printer(s)" and have found numerous topics on this subject however the dates of the latest responses on most of them range from 2012 to 2015. So please bear with me on this "more recent" posting.
As I said, I am in need of a new printer which can perform multiple uses...copy, scan and, print quality photos and works with Windows 10. I currently possess an Epson XP-620 which uses 4 cartridges (photo black, cyan, magenta and yellow). and was satisfied with it until the ink resevoir reached its maximum print count and quit running (One unknown feature that all Epson printers have). After locating and installing a new replacement, this printer is placing ink splotches at the beginning of each print cycle. I have tried cleaning print heads and the nozzle to no luck and even reinstalled the new resevoir. Consequently the need for a new printer.
I print mostly photos (up to 8X10 size) but do utilize the copy and scan modes on occasion.
What do you recommend today for that is cost effective and still provides quality prints using several cartridges.
Thanks a bunch

Leitz Loc: Solms

The purpose of the printing section is for information on printing and printers.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-120-1.html

ClarkG Loc: Southern Indiana USA

I really like my Canon Pixma 200. Check it out!

Quixdraw Loc: x

Haven't replaced our "printer of all work" yet, but based on research, will probably get an Epson Eco Tank. Probably worth your consideration. Have a Canon Pixma Pro 100 just for photos.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

We're down to one printer a Brother Multi (model #?), print , copy, scan, reasonable cost to buy and to replace ink tanks, does a decent job on photo prints too, had it at least 3 years now, still going.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Before you trash your current printer (and assuming you don't just want something new or an upgrade), view this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw3k90Fj3Tg and check out this website: https://resetkey.net/reset-epson-xp-620-end-of-service-life-error-message.html and this website: https://printerkeys.com/resetting-epson-xp-620-waste-ink-pad-counter.html (I haven't used these particular reset apps, see below).

Epson has had a history of building "expiration" dates into their printers. I had a different model that "expired" 3 times before I finally dumped it, when it started having problems feeding paper and cleaning didn't help. In that case, I downloaded one of those small apps (or "keys") and that worked fine resetting the "page counter" Epson had built in. Two more times I did this and the printer continued to work fine. So I used it more than 3X longer than Epson thought I should! Their "printer has expired" messages are utter BS. Just a way to get you to buy a new printer, even though there's actually nothing wrong with the one you already have.

I don't recall where I got the reset app that I used. I don't think it was one of the above downloads, but can't be sure.

I think I've read that Epson has "upped their game" so that the apps can reset them once, but not a second time. Still, you can get 2X the life out of the printer.

I can't suggest a replacement printed because I don't use anything like you're seeking and am not a fan of "all in one" printers. I use two 13" wide format (Canon Pro-100 and HP B9180), both 8-color printers designed primarily for photos.

I can tell you that if you want to make photographic prints good enough to hang on the wall, you need at least a 6 color printer (typically Cyan, Light Cyan, Magenta, Light Magenta, Yellow and Black... though some of the newer printers come with a red ink replacing one of the other colors). If you want to do black & white prints, at least 8 colors are usually necessary (the above colors, plus a couple grays).

The most efficient printers have individual ink tanks for each color. Anytime a printer uses cartridges with multiple colors, you end up with waste because you'll be throwing away some ink whenever any particular color runs out.

There now are some "eco" printers with refillable ink tanks. But as far as I know all of those are four color only (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black), which won't make very good color prints.

I think most or maybe all 8.5" wide printers utilize dye based inks. If you want prints to have a decent life span, look carefully at the inks being used. The inks in the old Epson mentioned above were "rated" for 25 years, but on certain papers there was significant fading in a year or less. The dye based inks in my Canon Pro-100 are rated for 100+ years, while the pigment inks in my HP are rated for 200+ years. Obviously I'm not too concerned in either case!

BebuLamar

I think you need a laser printer for general purpose use and an inkjet photo printer.

Quixdraw Loc: x

The only bad thing about our Brother is that if you run out of one ink, it won't print. We can't just run down to the store and get more quickly. Only bad feature - a very good multipurpose device otherwise.

oldart Loc: Dallas, Texas

Although I'm a Mac user, I've always had good luck with Canon inkjet printers with Canon inks. Yes, it's expensive to buy their inks, but I'm satisfied with the results most of the time. Mainly I'm satisfied with the fact that they work, time after time. I currently have a TS8220, but started using Canon when Mac quit mfg. the Stylewriter line - a long time ago.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

I have read that Epson printer ink cartridges have expiration dates, but I find it hard to believe they have expiration dates on their printers which cause them to quit working. Do you have any legitimate source that show that to be true?

JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

Personal experience only John. There is an ink reservoir in each printer that accepts all excess print ink. After a specific number of actuations it actually turns off your printer. You need to find another reservoir and reset the preinstalled key code or purchase a new one.
Epson does not sell the reservoir only aftermarket if you’re lucky. They’re tech service tells you to purchase a new printer. Any doubts check out YouTube for replacement reservoirs snd key codes.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

My personal experience is that I've had an Epson R2880 printer for many years, and have done a LOT of printing with it, and it's still going strong.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I like my Epson ET-2627 ink tank printer. After 3,000 copies, the ink is barely at the halfway point. Actually, there is still a bit left in the bottles i have sitting on the shelf. I bought all new bottles for $68.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I have found that Epson and Canon make the best photo printers. That said you are going to compromise on you photos with a general purpose printer. I found that I have a a good photo printer and a general purpose printer.
The initial cost is more but the cost of ink is down and the quality of photos is up.
Good photo printers have more different color cartridges and more ink droplets per inch. The general use of this printer is costly. The pictures you print is the culmination of all you photographic work and to me requires a good printer that is why I have two.

Haydon

Have to agree with this logic fully.