I have always been in the camp that you use OEM ink and paper if you want good results. Currently I have a Canon i9900, but have found myself printing a lot of pics for friends, family and self. I print everything from color to b/w, 5x7 to 13x19

I played around with non-Canon paper and could definately see a reduction in print quality from the Canon mid and high end stock. Back to OEM paper stock.

I have been hesitant to run any generic ink through my printer, but thought I would post it up here to see if anyone else has had any luck or experimented with the "compatible" inks..

I you have found any generic paper that works well I would be interested in hearing about that too.

 

Dont do it, I also have an I9900 Great printer After running some generic ink thru it 2 years ago I had some banding problems with my prints. I solved it though. want to know how?


Simple I had to buy a new printhead. Dont do it!

 

I have one buddy who swears by generic refills for his Canon but he's not a critical user. I spent too much time getting everything just right to mess with off-brand inks. I do read that ink permanency is a complete unknown once you step away from OEM inks.

 

Generic ink has different viscosity than the OEM printer inks, and as a result, they clog up the ink heads. This costs more to fix than using OEM inks in the first place.

Economic times call for cutbacks ey William?

 

OEM paper is not great but the ink is generally pretty good.

To give you an idea, check this out:
http://www.samys.com/browse.php?cat=473&mfg=0

I've loved some Ilford sheet papers as well as Summerset matte heavyweight, but the latter soaks up ink like nothing else I've used.

 

This is the model of a great Ilford paper:
http://www.amazon.com/Ilford-Galerie-Smoot...9/dp/B00006I5C3

 

Just printing a lot more stuff and want to optimize where possible. Hows things on your side Dave?

 

Thanks, I will take a look at that paper. What printer/ink do you use this paper with?

 

I use an old Epson Stylus Photo 960, which is the 8.5" wide paper path version of the more popular 1280. I use only Epson inks and they are getting increasingly hard to find. With my inks I get much better results on papers that aren't too absorbent or matte finish. I imagine newer printers dry faster and don't have as much of an issue with papers like the Summersets though.