The pixma printers use the large black tank in most modes like text and standard (default) or fast photo printing .. thats most economical when you are using just plain paper .... it will switch to the small black tank only if you select "High" quality mode .. that black matches the nature of the color inks much better and results in really good color pictures if you are using Gloss or Matt high quality photo paper .. you can select the quality level by the following ... when you start to print, a window comes up where you can select which printer you want ... at the right of this window is "preferences" .. click that .. now select the type of paper and "High" quality mode .... now the printer will slow down but will provide really nice results and it will use the small tank black ink instead of the large tank ....the small tank is only used for "high" quality photo prints which is only needed for high quality photo paper .. if you havent tried that yet you might want to get some glossy photo paper (either Canons or Costco has great stuff if you want a lot, like 150 sheets) but most glossy paper will work except colors might need tweeking for some ... print a nice photo in the high quality mode and you should be really impressed .. and you will be using your small black ink tank .. you might want to make the first few pictures small (2x3 inch) untill you are sure everything is the way you want it .. i usually print in the top left corner first .. then reinsert the same paper and try again right next to that .. i do that until i get the colors perfect .. then i print big .. 5x7 or even 8x10 on a new sheet... the high quality mode can be selected for just plain paper and it will use the special black ink but it doesnt result in a better picture .. so no point in doing that unless you want to experiment .. if you never print high quality photos then you will never use the small tank black ink .. it will still be used up eventually because of normal head cleaning the machine does automatically .. ...
grey scaling does not select the special ink unless you select "High" for the quality setting .. then yes you can print using that small tank black ..again it will buy you a lot if you are using High quality photo paper ... almost nothing for plain paper but at least it will allow you to use that ink .. ..
Testimonial: "Very helpful explanation. I know how and what to do. Many thanks. Lorna"
The pigment black is the one used most on a Canon, it is for printing sharp text and the other black is used more for photo printing. How they are used is programmed into the printer at the factory and we don't get to make those kinds of changes.
Testimonial: "Thanks, If I choose "grey scaling" for the printing does that alter the ink usage? Lorna"
SOURCE: Left hand light flashing orange and printer wont
Check the following:
Make sure you have removed the seal on each cartridge.
Turn of Printer, open all shutters, front and back and close them firmly, firmly.
Make sure there is no paper jam.
Usually these are the immediate causes of this kind of scenario.
Then try to print again.
7.
Insert your thumb and index finger into the two holes in the front of
the toner cartridge, and then pull the cartridge straight out about 6"
(15 cm).
8. Support the middle of the cartridge with your left hand, and then pull out the cartridge.
9. Remove the new toner cartridge from its shipping carton.
11.
Support the middle of the cartridge with your left hand, insert the
thumb and index finger of your right hand into the two holes in the
front of the toner cartridge, and then insert the cartridge so that the
guides on the cartridge fit into the rails in the cartridge compartment
in the carousel.
12. Gently push the new toner cartridge into the printer.
Legend:A: Encoder Strip (semi-transparent grey strip)
3
Remove both of the cartridges.
4
Move the cartridge carrier over to the left-hand side of the printer using the carrier belt.
5
Gently clean the encoder strip with the cloth.
6
Move the cartridge carrier back to the right-hand side of the printer using the carrier belt.
7
Reconnect the power supply and turn the printer back on.
8
Perform the printer hardware test. Click here for instructions.
3
On the back of the cartridge carrier, there is a small slot that the encoder strip fits into. Gently push
the encoder strip down and then back up to get it into the slot. If
the strip is completely out of the slot, it may be necessary to move
it first forwards and then back.
4
Move the cartridge carrier back to the left-hand side of the printer with the carrier belt.
5
Reconnect the power supply and turn the printer back on.
6
Perform the printer hardware test.
3
Remove the black/photo cartridge.
4
Move the cartridge carrier back to the left-hand side of the printer using the carrier belt.
5
Reconnect the power supply and turn the printer back on.
6
Perform the printer test.
3
Remove the color cartridge.
4
Move the cartridge carrier back to the left-hand side of the printer using the carrier belt.
5
Reconnect the power supply and turn the printer back on.
6
Perform the printer hardware test. Click here for instructions.366 views
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