GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I searched this site regarding continuous ink supply (CIS) printers; but found nothing recent. My all-in-one Canon Pixma MG6620 printer gives me the dreaded B203 error, which I have fixed several times; but, now I get an error that I have the wrong print head (stupid wording as I haven’t changed the print head). I removed the print head and discovered a lot excess ink on the bottom. I blame this on stupidly using off brand ink cartridges recently. I had cleaned off the excess ink, put the printer back together and it worked again...for one page! MAYBE if I thoroughly clean the print head (it’s soaking in 70% alcohol right now) AND buy Canon ink again, the problem will go away.

However, the printer only costs $60 & I’ve invested a TON of money into ink carts. I could replace it with another cheap printer that uses EXPENSIVE ink OR, I could spend $230 on a CIS printer and SAVE a ton on ink. BTW, I already have a dedicated Canon Pro-10 photo printer, so it would be rare to print photos on the all-in-one.

Here’s my questions to those owning and using a CIS printer.

1) Is it messy and/or a PIA to fill the ink wells.
2) Have you ever used non-Canon ink? If so, which brand and were there problems?
3) Does it do a decent job on photos?
4) On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you (especially compared to the ink cartridge type)?

I read that setup can be problematic. I considered switching to Epson, but all my photo paper is Canon. However, I would switch if it was superior and comparatively priced.

Georgews Loc: Wellington, New Zealand

Get a laser printer for your day to day printing. Can get mono for under $100 and colour for $300 or less. Much cheaper to run and less problems.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Refilling printer cartridges is incredibly messy. Even if you wear nitrile gloves, that ink gets everyplace. I cannot imagine the mess if you have the inevitable leak in the ink supply tubing. Plus, to keep things flowing, you'd have to be almost production printing.

Get yourself a Canon Pixma Pro-100 for color and a good HP laser for day to day use.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Brand and model you would reccommend?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I have one of these from Brother. Been flawless for about four years.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1371532-REG/brother_hl_l2350dw_monochrome_laser_printer.html

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Ha! I sold my Pro 100 when I got my Pro 10. Ink for both is expensive. I don't need or want to buy TWO more printers!

Epson has a printer that uses no mess auto start/stop ink bottles. the ET 2750 for $300.

Brother has an Office printer MFC-J985DW for $170 with cheaper large capacity ink tanks but poor reviews.

It seems to be the same problem with laser printers as with ink jet printers. Replacement ink costs as much as the printer (color laser; black only is less), although laser would print more before needing a refill.

I'm leaning towards a Canon, but the auto start/stop feature of the Epson is interesting. The reviews don't seem all that happy with the printing results of the Epson, though; but, then, I usually read the lower rated reviews.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Their replacement for that is HL_L2370 DW and the cartridge is $120. How many pages or how often do you get from one toner (I know, that depends). Does it dry out if not used often enough?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

My DW uses it a lot and does not keep track. I've switched to cheap cartridges and they work fine. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PMY0BDU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I own the G4200 and like it. Yes I had trouble originally setting it up because the instructions were incredibly confounding. But Canon customer service is the BEST. Now everything is hunky dory. I have yet to refill the tanks, but putting the ink in was very easy and not messy at all. It's not a Pro 100 but prints fairly decent photos.

moomoo951

hi there just buy a newer canon i have the mg 7520 it uses the same ink and adds one more coulor gray it also prints on cd dvd i love it and no prob with cheep ink also if you dont print bigger then 4x6 a canon selphy is very nice it is a thermal printer and 104 pics for about 30 dollars not bad look for selphy on ebay photos are said to last over 100 years

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I had a Selphy years ago and loved it for travel. Of course, I can't get paper or ink for it anymore; so I considered buying another one; but, haven't yet. I don't NEED a photo printer. I need an office printer to scan, copy, and print...in color or black & white.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

That is the brand I tried that I think messed up the print head. I was only on the second set. After cleaning the print head, the printer prints with lines running through the colored portions. I've done all the maintenance steps and nothing improves.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

This is the kind of information I was looking for...someone who actually has a megatank printer. I think the higher cost up front will pay for itself with having less cost in ink. I'm glad to know that it wasn't messy. It seems that the Canon has better reviews than the Epson Meagatank for print quality.

Thank you for your input!

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

If the Canon ink I ordered doesn't fix my current printer, then it's nice to know that this printer uses the same ink. Thank you!