Re: Aging low-end laser: refill or replace?

On Fri, 08 May 2009 18:36:53 -0500, Mike S. wrote:

Mike S. wrote:
We have Konica/Minolta PagePro 1250W which was purchased on the cheap when
on close-out at Staples. Beyond some annoying design defects (like a
hanging paper feed shelf which is prone to break at the hinge) it produces
very nice output at higher resolution than similar B&W lasers in this
price class.

We're now at the 4th spent toner cartridge, and my wake-up call came when
Staples didn't have the replacement in stock on the store shelf anymore.
Sure; I can order it with free shipping; but this gave me pause to think
about the wisdom of continuing to feed it.

The drum and toner are separate assemblies; so we're still on the
original drum. How many toner cartridges expected before the usage is
enough to require drum replacement? The cost of toner + drum durely
exceeds the value of the printer (heck - saw a Samsung low end laser for
$49.95 yesterday).

What would you do?

In article <Ib36l.22232$701.14762@xxxxxxxxxxxx>,
Arthur Entlich <e-printerhelp@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
I have two of their 1350W printers I don't honestly know what the
difference is between the 1250W and mine.

With the 1350W, Konica Minolta has been incredibly irresponsible, IMHO
in regard to environmental considerations. From my discussion with one
of the upper end managers from their printer division, I'm not the least
bit surprised by their attitude.

On the 1350W (which what all my comments will be based upon), the toner
cartridge is very easy to refill, but you do, of course, need to make
sure you get the correct type of toner, as they are somewhat unique (the
3rd party distributors do sell toner they consider compatible). There
is a chip on the cartridge which is literally designed to burn out when
the cartridge is near empty. Once this chip is burned out, if you
refill, the printer continually nags you that you have an "expired" or
"out of service" cartridge, but you can click through this, and
eventually it will print, however, as an extra punishment for refilling,
the printer does lengthy cleaning cycles between each page, to slow the
printer down to about 1/4h the normal speed. This helps to wear down
components like the drum, wiper and such, and your patience.

Konica/Minolta claims this is done to "protect" your printer from being
damaged by inferior toners, which in fact it is just to inconvenience
people, and to wear their components out more quickly. Some of the
refilling/toner supply companies may offer that chip in the refill kit.

If you do decide to replace your printer, I'd personally stay aware from
Konica/Minolta due to their attitude about living in a toss away world.

PS: the printer comes with a half filled cartridge relative to the
replace cartridge models.

I'm reviving this thread from late last year to give a followup and ask a
new question.

I ordered a refill kit specific to the Konica Minolta 1200/1300 series and
filled the toner cartridge before it ran out. For 4 months or so, the
printer output has been excellent - money well spent on the refill.

Lately my wife complains that the printed pages are covered with a very
light grey haze; and sure enough it is there. Adjusting the density using
the control panel applet doesn't seem to change it.

I removed the toner and drum cartridges and had a look. The drum is coated
with a light dust of toner; I don't remember this appearance as being
normal. I suppose this excess toner on the drum is related to the haze on
the printed pages.

I remembered discussions where proper refilling requires cleaning certain
parts of the cartridge, and wonder if this is a side effect of re-using a
toner cartridge not meant for extended use.

Anything else to look for?

You got what you paid for.
.

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