Genuink inks vs compatibles

Been reading around on this subject. It would seem very subjective and experiences vary. One site says that G&G compatibles are 'good enough' for most tasks. He also recommends Kirkland photo paper (rumoured to be made by Ilford) and finds it better than some genuine papers.

I've recently got a Epson PX650 on the cheap. Blown through a load of genuine paper and have just run out on two of the supplied cartridges. Found out from Googling that the genuine supplied cartridges only have a measly 7.4ml in each cartridge. They also make another 'high capacity' cartridge that fits this printer that ia only slightly more expensive (at least on 'genuine' on Ebay at any rate) that is 11.1ml per cartridge.

Compatibles start at 13ml per cartridge and go to 16ml.

Some say the rumour that using non-compats can damage your printer. Others say that by the time it does you'll be throwing out the old printer anyhow (Wasteful). From one site that tested several makes they found only one had an issue with clogging but did not effect the printer and here in the EU if you claim under warranty and the manu claims you used non-compats so they refuse to warranty it is unlawful. So the manu's can shove that in their pipes and smoke it.

Anyhow I have ordered 2 sets of compats from Amazon to test as the reviews seemed good.

My main issue really with compatibles is how accurate the colours are compared to genuines. The site I checked showed there was some variance between inks with G&G coming out tops in all but black and white prints in which he just setup a profile to correct it.

I've been printing off some black and white shots (True black and white in Lightroom with no cross processing etc) and found that some of the prints have a greenish cast on some hues (Mostly grey skies, grey jackets etc).

All this cost is making me wonder if it's not worthwhile to just get my photos bulk printed with someone like Snapfish and just use the printer for the odd print I want quickly.


What have others experiences been with compatibles, colour accuracy, black & white, papers and any problems experienced with the printer itself (If any)?

I use an HP Photosmart D7360, running on inks from the EU seller below (they specialize in inks) since about two years.

I don't notice any perceptible difference in color or fading resistance (for the latter, paper type makes a big difference). No clogging, although the printer doesn't get used every day, but my inks are dye based, pigment inks may be more touchy.

My printer is no good for B&W (no gray inks) and a test with the generic inks confirms that. Didn't test B&W while I still had OEM inks, though, so I have no comparison.

http://stores.ebay.co.​uk …p=1&_trksid=p46​34.c0.m322

Did this with my photo epson, which I have had to bin. I was not able to clean out the heads, and have had to replace the printer.

smclaren wrote in post #11702776
Did this with my photo epson, which I have had to bin. I was not able to clean out the heads, and have had to replace the printer.

Please tell us more.

What printer model?
Dye or pigment ink?
How long was the printer on idle before clogging beyond repair?
Which ink seller?

Dick Emery wrote in post #11700973
What have others experiences been with compatibles, colour accuracy, black & white, papers and any problems experienced with the printer itself (If any)?

It's refreshing to see that you've diligently researched this and experimented with the non-OEM inks before posting. You know all the pros and cons. There's no suggestions I can make, except investing in a better printer with high capacity carts. There are good deals now on the Epson R3880, new and used.

Hi Dick funny you say this Quote "I've recently got a Epson PX650 on the cheap".Most printers are very cheap?,but running them is not.See if you can find a cis system for your printer find a good source for your inks(maybe someone that offers profiling)and you can print at very little cost and effort.
I do feel for people with desk top printers that hold such miniscule amounts of ink.there are oem inks out there that are every bit as good as originals so get looking.
I do canvas and large poster printing,I dont buy originals current price approx £150 per cartridge times by six "OUCH".Even oem are about £90 each,so I buy ink in bottles £50 per litre just enough to fill one cartridge (only £300 to fill them all).And the colours are great even though i dont have a profile set up yet.
So the moral is pay a little more and get inks from a supplier that do colour checks and profiles.

Sorry after reading my post someone pmed me I realise oem is original ink my cut and pasting went astray,