Digital BW, The Print

On Dec 5, 2009, at 9:46 AM, kwalsh74 wrote:

> I'm thinking of picking up a Epson 1400 while they are on sale for  
> $200 and I was wondering whether I should go with refillable carts  
> or a CIS/CFS system.  Some quick info:
>
> - I've used a R280 w/3MK-3Y EB-6 last year and enjoyed the results.  
> [snip]

Epson has, I believe, replaced the 280, at least in the U.S., with the  
Artisan 50 at $130, currently less a $20 rebate:

<http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/ProductCategory.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=-8165&iref=printerhubflash_001_single-function_pos2 
 >

and I wonder whether its cartridges might be re-filled and used with  
the inks we prefer. I'm afraid not. Notice that the Artisan 50's  
cartridges have a new "SmartValve" technology and that "The integrated  
cartridge chips on Epson cartridges continuously record ink use  
information that is automatically restored to the printer if the  
cartridges are removed and reinstalled."

I'm guessing that if a SmartValved cart is reinstalled with more ink  
in it than was in it when it was removed, then it won't work.

Otherwise, the 50 seems to me an attractive option for small-format  
work, because its carts come both in a "Standard Capacity" size and in  
a "High Capacity" (~60 percent more) size which would be more  
convenient.

What if an un-used and therefore full SmartValved cartridge were  
drained, flushed, re-filled with less ink, and then re-installed?  
Would it then pass muster?
--
Sam


> - I'm thinking I might be experimenting with some of the C6  
> dilutions instead this time.
> - I don't print a lot (probably twenty 13x19" in a year would be a  
> lot for me)
>
> Based on my low print numbers and fact I might experiment with more  
> than one ink set I'm thinking carts is the correct answer, but I'm  
> willing to be talked into a CIS if it makes sense.
>
> Thanks!
>
>  Ken