Older Photo Printers: Are These Models Still Worth Buying?

An older photo printer can still be useful, but a former recommendation is not proof that it is a good purchase today. This guide revisits five models from our earlier selection and explains the checks that matter before buying remaining stock or a second-hand unit.

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The used-printer checks that matter

Ask for a dated nozzle-check pattern and a recent photograph printed by the actual unit for sale. Inspect every colour, not just black text. A photograph can hide a small defect that a nozzle pattern reveals, while the pattern alone does not show feeding problems or marks on a full print.

Confirm the exact model, its connection method and driver support for your computer. Price a complete ink refill or cartridge set and the paper you will use. Check that the seller includes essential parts, and agree the return terms before paying. A demonstration is especially valuable when a printer has been stored unused.

Do not assume that an old professional bundle still includes its original calibration accessories or software licences. Nor should a seller’s claim of ‘new old stock’ replace a warranty check. The buying decision is about this unit and your workflow, not its original launch price.

Epson L1800

The L1800 is an A3+ print-only tank printer with six dye inks. Its attraction is larger photographic output with refillable supplies, particularly when you have enough regular printing to benefit from that arrangement.

Its USB connection is an important limitation. Do not buy it expecting built-in Wi-Fi or direct wireless printing from a phone. It also does not provide scanning and copying. Those missing functions may be harmless on a dedicated photo desk, but inconvenient in a shared household.

Epson lists it as discontinued. Inspect the printhead output and paper feeding before buying, and confirm the correct ink bottles. A large amount of ink remaining in the tanks cannot establish the machine’s condition.

Treat speed claims carefully: a quoted time for a small photograph is not an A3 print time. Larger, higher-quality jobs should be judged with the settings and paper you actually intend to use.

Manufacturer information.

Check Epson L1800 offers on Amazon.

HP Photosmart 8750gp

This is a legacy Photosmart professional photo printer entry. The ‘gp’ package designation should not be taken as a guarantee that a current seller supplies the original bundle’s accessories, calibration tools or software.

For a printer of this age, working supplies and computer compatibility are the first questions. Ask for the cartridge identifiers used by the exact regional unit, check that you can buy those supplies, and require a demonstration from your intended computer setup.

Do not purchase it because the old package sounds professional. Purchase only when the actual printer produces the results you need and the complete running setup is viable. Missing software or accessories can turn a cheap bundle into a project.

It is most defensible for someone maintaining an established compatible workflow. For a first home photo printer, a documented, supported alternative is easier to budget and troubleshoot.

Manufacturer information.

Check HP Photosmart 8750gp offers on Amazon.

Epson L810

The L810 is an A4 photo printer with six-colour refillable ink tanks. It is not a multifunction scanner/copier, so it is unsuitable if you also need copying or scanning. Its smaller format suits someone who wants regular A4 and small photographic prints rather than enlargements beyond A4. Refillable supplies can be attractive for recurring use, but ink cost is only one part of the decision. Check the exact supported connection and printing route in the L810 manual.

Its smaller format suits someone who wants regular A4 and small photographic prints rather than enlargements beyond A4. Refillable supplies can be attractive for recurring use, but ink cost is only one part of the decision.

Check the exact supported connection and printing route in the L810 manual. Do not infer wireless features from generic Epson app promotions or from a different L-series model. If your intended workflow relies on a phone, demonstrate that workflow before buying.

A used unit needs the same nozzle and paper-feed checks as any photo inkjet. Choose it when A4 output and its supported workflow are enough; choose another machine when scanning or larger prints are essential.

Manufacturer information.

Check Epson L810 offers on Amazon.

Canon PIXMA iP8750

The iP8750 offers A3+ photographic printing without a scanner. Its Canon PGI-550/CLI-551 ink family includes pigment black and dye colour/photo inks; Epson Claria cartridges are not the correct supplies.

In a used purchase, budget for the appropriate complete ink set and test every channel. Individual cartridges are useful for replacement, but they do not prevent printhead problems. Ask for both a nozzle pattern and a photo on the size of paper that interests you.

The larger format is worthwhile when you will actually make enlargements. If you mainly need documents and small snapshots, an A3+ print-only machine may occupy space without solving your main household task.

Check Canon’s support downloads and compare the seller’s price with current larger-format choices. A discontinued printer at a premium price needs a stronger justification than a clean, fairly priced unit with a demonstrable printing workflow.

Manufacturer information.

Check Canon PIXMA iP8750 offers on Amazon.

Epson EcoTank ET-7750

The ET-7750 combines A3 printing with an A4 scanner. Its five-ink tank system uses pigment black for text and dye inks for photos, including photo black. The scanner does not become A3 simply because the printer accepts larger sheets.

This is a flexible arrangement for regular family photography and household documents. It is not the same ink configuration as a six-colour photographic printer, so compare sample output and paper requirements rather than using the EcoTank name as a quality guarantee.

Epson lists the model as discontinued. On a used example, test scanning, larger-sheet feeding and printing as well as the tank system. Review the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and transport.

Choose it when the combined functions fit your use and the price reflects its age. For a new purchase with current warranty and support, compare available photo tank models before committing to remaining ET-7750 stock.

Manufacturer information.

Check Epson EcoTank ET-7750 offers on Amazon.

When keeping an older printer makes more sense

If your existing printer works, has compatible software and still has accessible supplies, age alone is not a reason to replace it. Keep a record of its useful settings, paper profiles and consumables. A new printer makes more sense when it solves a specific limitation, such as print size, unavailable supplies or an unsupported connection.

For a prospective purchase, include your own time in the comparison. Repeated troubleshooting and speculative replacement cartridges can erase the saving over a newer machine. Avoid paying for a repair diagnosis on the assumption that a blocked nozzle will always clear.

The 30-second decision

BUY IT IF: the exact unit passes a nozzle check and sample print, its supplies are obtainable, and you can demonstrate the workflow on your computer. Pick L1800/iP8750 for larger prints, L810 for A4 photo use or ET-7750 for larger printing with A4 scanning.

SKIP IT IF: the seller cannot demonstrate operation, the model lacks a required function, or the HP 8750gp offer depends on unverified bundle contents and software.

SPEND MORE IF: you need current drivers, warranty and straightforward setup, or a newer printer provides a format or ink-and-paper combination your older option cannot deliver.

Compare the needs of a new setup in our home photo printer guide, or browse desktop, postcard and pocket options.