toxdoc42

It appears that it is getting more difficult to get replacement ink for my Epson printer. The cartridges used to be carried by Costco, and no longer are, Staples has to order them for me (69). I always complained that replacing a set of cartridges was almost as expensive as buying a new printer anyway. I will soon be looking for a new printer. Having researched dye versus ink, I think I like the idea of dye printers. Any suggestions for a new printer, one perhaps where replacing the dyes won't be as expensive as a new printer? I use the scanner occasionally, and have my printer connected by wifi.

RonBoyd

Have you tried Atlex (http://www.atlex.com/) for your inks? They are also a good place to purchase a printer -- my last two came from them. (My current photo printer, Epson SP 3880, was, at the time (3 yrs?), the lowest price available.

(Full disclosure: one of their warehouses is less than ten blocks from my house so I get next day delivery -- by UPS. I have no other vested interest in the company))

MorrisT Loc: Chattanooga, Tn.

Was in Sam's Club yesterday and they had the Epson 69 ink (2black and 1 each CYM for $51 and change.

hank6595 Loc: Amesbury, MA

I use my printer (Epson) for printing photos as I have for more than ten years. Less and less, stores no longer stock ink. I have been getting my inks from Ink Farm, saving a lot of money, and have had no problem. When I purchased my last machine I purchased a service contract for four years and it will cover loss is the machine fails from using non
manufacturers ink. I believe the ink will last for over 100 years, so i'm not to concerned that it will hold up. Ink Farm will notify you when they will be having a sale and free shipping. When I upgraded my printer, IF took all my unused cartridges and replaced them with new cartridges. I'm happy with the way I do my photos.

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

I have used Atlex for years --- big saving on ink and good service.

toxdoc42

Thanks, my son is a member and I will have him buy a set. That will put off the decision for a couple of months. I use a brother black and white laser for general printing, the Epson only for color. I learned from Epson that turning off the power after each use prolongs the life of the cartridges a bit. No idea why, but when I forgot to turn it off, the nozzles clogged and I went through cartridges just cleaning them!

toxdoc42

According to Wikipedia, some Epson "inks" are really dyes, which are both more vibrant, and long lasting. I can't seem to find out if the 69's are truly dyes. The local museum seems to push displays of only dye prints, not ink, for some reason.

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

I had many many Epson printers. The big 4000 (I think that was the number) their large color exhibit printer. And many table top models
to use in a graphics and production company. Recently I gave up on epson. Bought one of their all-in-one for business and color prints
for business and had to send back 3 printers before I just put the last one in the closet.
It is obvious that their management has decided to be a printer cartridge company and not a great printer company.
I had a smaller version art printer and it wanted new new cartridges every 2 weeks. This may be why the business is going south.
And with their software installed they would try to block my using 3rd party cartridges from amazon which were OK.
I would have to trick the printer and Mac by asking over and over to install cartridge. Until it worked.
Honestly I have a HP pro 8710 with supplies deal has been great. Not for photography.
I gave up on printing because of the cost of supplies. I saw a terrific Canon at NAB that was about $1200 for large output
Would consider love to have prints of work. Don't know the cartridge efficiency.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Look at the Canon Pixma Pro-100, a 13x19 workhorse.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Budget? Use? Large photo prints or just general printing and occasional 4x6s?

toxdoc42

Currently I have limited to 8 1/2 X 11 photos mostly of family, but I have re-entered into photography as more of a hobby as it was 40-50 years ago. The way I have my current printer, it fits just right next to my Brother laser, so if the footprint of a new printer is larger, I'd need to figure out another place for it. That probably won't be that much of a problem. I actually just had some 11X14s made at Walmart, and was amazed at how well they came out, and cost only $5.86 a piece, so I will give careful thought to if I need a color printer at home at all. I will see what happens through Walmart with the photos I recently took at a family reunion and see if it is worth investing in a new printer at all. I do have access to a local high-end photo store near my home, Unique Photo, which offers larger prints and higher quality.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

As a basic all-in-one the Epson ET line is very nice. I recently got the 4550 and am quite happy with it. If I wanted to print pictures, I would probably go with the Canon pixima pro-100 which prints up to 13"x19" and always seems to be on sale (currently $129.99 at B&H after a $250.00 rebate.)

toxdoc42

Doing a little research and contacted Epson, they recommended the Epson Premium XP-640. The reviews on Amazon look great, except for the problems some had with installation. Some one wrote in a review that the prints were better from the machine then those printed by an outside lab! I always wonder if the writers of such great reviews all work for the manufacturer. It sure is cheap! Again, the problem is that they "get you" with the cost of the cartridges. It is the old "Polaroid" effect, sell the camera cheap and get the consumer on the consumables!

When I was younger, I always wanted to latest, greatest cameras and equipment. Now I don't think my eyes are good enough to tell the difference.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Lots of sources -

https://www.google.com/search?q=Epson+69+ink&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS716US717&oq=Epson+69+ink&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.1294j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

If your printer is OK and you still want to use it, go to Epson and buy the ink. they get to me in 2 days and no shipping or tax. If you get on line and have them send you adds the have sales with 10 or 15% off at times. That is when I stock up. Phone Epson at 1(800) 872-7766