canon pixma ip4000 cartridge query

Archived from groups: alt.comp.periphs.dcameras (More info?)

MB_ wrote:
> I have a new Canon printer as mentioned above and we like the prints.
>
> Two questions:
>
> 1) About how many 4X6 photos can one get before needing a new
> cartridge(s)? So far, I have printed about 90 such pictures and from
> what I can tell, the cartridges APPEAR to be about 60% full. Is that
> about right? This leads to my second question:
>
> 2) I checked the cartridges by taking them out and kind of trying to
> eyeball them. It is still hard to tell how much ink is left. But, am
> I messing up any sensors by checking the cartridges that way?? I
> assume from what I've read that when the ink gets very low the
> printer will know it via some optical method (bottom of cartridge
> will get clearer) so my checking it shouldn't mess that up. Is that
> correct? If not, how else can I check it?
> Mel

Taking carts out won't mess anything. You're right about optical
method...when ink in front container (not sponge) will be empty, you will
see an exclamation mark above that cart. This means that you can finish your
print job, but ink is only what's left in a sponge,so you must replace it
after current job is done.

My first set of carts last about 4-5 months, i printed some photos - maybe
20-40, and a lot of other stuff. I'm seriously thinking about refilling,
since it is way cheaper. Just ink must be some quality one, not universal...