Bulk Ink Printer: Does anyone know of a good quality photo printer that used "bulk" or large tank ink containers. I now only use OEM inks, having ruined several printers in the past...

grichie5

Does anyone know of a good quality photo printer that used "bulk" or large tank ink containers. I now only use OEM inks, having ruined several printers in the past with compatible cartridges.

I now use a Canon MX 922 for everyday photo prints and a Canon Pro 100 for "exhibition" grade prints. Both of these printers have good specs for photo work but they do drink a lot of ink

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

grichie5 wrote:

Does anyone know of a good quality photo printer that used "bulk" or large tank ink containers. I now only use OEM inks, having ruined several printers in the past with compatible cartridges.

I now use a Canon MX 922 for everyday photo prints and a Canon Pro 100 for "exhibition" grade prints. Both of these printers have good specs for photo work but they do drink a lot of ink

I know that Epson has some ink tank printers, you can check them out.

Richard Engelmann Loc: Boulder, Colorado

My local Costco warehouse has the new Epson with tanks.

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

I have an epson 4750. It's a great printer but this and others are typically not great for photos.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

So far we've only seen bulk ink printers that have a few colors. Photo printing seems to need six or eight colors. Epson is making one of those and selling it elsewhere. Google search for the Epson L1800.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

My wife has been very pleased with her Epson.

Brian S. Loc: Oak Park, MI

What model Epson?

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

grichie5 wrote:

Does anyone know of a good quality photo printer that used "bulk" or large tank ink containers. I now only use OEM inks, having ruined several printers in the past with compatible cartridges.

I now use a Canon MX 922 for everyday photo prints and a Canon Pro 100 for "exhibition" grade prints. Both of these printers have good specs for photo work but they do drink a lot of ink

Permajet and Fotospeed do inkflow systems (that give larger capacity) and connect to certain printers. I have never used them but have heard they are reliable and of good quality.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Can't suggest a 'bulk' printer, but I can say I've used 'compatible' ink from 499Ink.com for over two years now, in two different printers with no adverse effect on either printer. Best 'compatible' ink I've ever used, and great color match to Factory Name ink. I use the XL cartridges that are a little higher - $6.99 each. Far cry from factory prices. Good luck.

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

I realise that I might not have been very clear by just mentioning Permajet and Fotospeed but they do something called CIS (continuous ink systems) or sometimes known as CISS (continuous ink supply system). The cartridges are larger and a much cheaper way of purchasing the ink. I have seen them used in a professional studio. Have a look at these links.
https://www.fotospeed.com/Fotospeed-InkFlows-CIS/catalogue/1308/
https://www.permajet.com/Products/PermaJet-Eco-Flo-CIS-Systems
Although I have not used CIS myself, I have used other Fotospeed products and have found them to be a reliable. I also believe Permajet to be a good company.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

grichie5 wrote:

Does anyone know of a good quality photo printer that used "bulk" or large tank ink containers. I now only use OEM inks, having ruined several printers in the past with compatible cartridges.

I now use a Canon MX 922 for everyday photo prints and a Canon Pro 100 for "exhibition" grade prints. Both of these printers have good specs for photo work but they do drink a lot of ink

A commercial Epson. I have no idea of the model numbers. Will initially cost $$$ as well. A canon Pro 100, 10, 1, 1000 is fine for only occasional high quality printing but drink ink.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

lamiaceae wrote:

A commercial Epson. I have no idea of the model numbers. Will initially cost $$$ as well. A canon Pro 100, 10, 1, 1000 is fine for only occasional high quality printing but drink ink.

".... but drink ink."

Based on internet reading and personal experience a Pro-100 13x19 print costs me about $4 in ink and paper. To manage cost, I keep a single backup of each color. When I use it, I buy a replacement for that single cartridge from Amazon. They have started to arrive "next day".

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I have the Epson ET4550 (no longer made) bulk tank printer. Love it. But I know Canon also makes some too. My Epson does OK for photos but I don't print any photos larger than 5x7 otherwise I send larger ones out for the higher quality. I have had this printer now over 2 years and only recently filled the tanks up from a second set of inks. I have estimated over 1000 5x7 photo cards and god knows how many pages of print stuff. I wish Epson made it in a 19inch wide format printer.

one_eyed_pete Loc: Colonie NY

grichie5 wrote:

Does anyone know of a good quality photo printer that used "bulk" or large tank ink containers. I now only use OEM inks, having ruined several printers in the past with compatible cartridges.

I now use a Canon MX 922 for everyday photo prints and a Canon Pro 100 for "exhibition" grade prints. Both of these printers have good specs for photo work but they do drink a lot of ink

I've not seen a "photo printer" that uses "OEM" bulk ink. I would love to find one that handles at least 11" x 14" paper. The only ones I've seen are the 3 color (CMY) variety. I've been using Epson photo printers for about 20 years with 3rd party ink cartridges. Currently it's getting harder to find trusted 3rd party sellers so after watching several "JToolman" you tube videos on printers I'm switching to refillable cartridges and bulk ink bottles. In one video JToolman discusses options for refilling Canon Pro 100 printers. He also makes recommendations for good quality ink suppliers.

TonyBot

Y'know, I have an MX922 and a Pro-10. Using the 922 is about three or four times the cost of ink than using my 10, and your 100 is about 5 to 10% less costly. The 922 is good for a quick proof that is reasonably close to color balance of the photo printer, and good for checking cropping, but I have never even used it to give even 4x6s to family. Too expensive, and not the quality of work I want people to see.