Scanner or a Multifunction Centre (MFC) to scan with that doesn't need ink/consumables

Ltanksinatra on 27/04/2013 - 14:16
Last edited 27/04/2013 - 17:18

Hey guys. I need a scanner to scan the occasional document and copy the occasional receipt, using my existing laser printer to print with. Unfortunately stand alone scanners cost a mint so I'm looking at multifunction printers which I'll just use to scan with. Also some of them come with ADF's which is pretty cool.

BUT here's the issue: Most of the money-grubbing manufacturers won't just let you use the MFC to scan. Oh no! You need fresh ink/toner. And even if you don't use the the ink, it expires and needs to be changed before the device will scan! Or the device will continually use its ink to clean its print-heads! Its like paying a yearly fee to use a scanner you've already purchased… unbelievable.

Anyway, so who can find me a cheap MFC which doesn't expire/consume its consumables?

  • I emailed Brother about the MFC-J430W/MFC-J432W but they kindly informed me that the user is forced change the cartridges 30 days after they go empty. Bah!
Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 27/04/2013 - 15:05

    Have you looked at eBay for used flatbed scanners? I bought an older but perfectly adequate model for $5 some time back.

    • tanksinatra on 27/04/2013 - 16:32

      I'm currently pursuing this route, but frustratingly the majority of cheap old scanners don't seem to support Windows 7 x64.

  • jasonlah on 27/04/2013 - 16:05

    i've got a canon mp210 and mp270 (entry level multifunctions) and when the ink runs out you press and hold some buttons in a combination and it tells the printer to ignore print levels. Been using the same cartridge for around 3 years and refilling when it runs out.

    You can also take out the cartridges and use the scanner.

  • scotty on 27/04/2013 - 23:44

    Never heard such a thing. I got a Dell V313W (which some bought for $9) as my main document scanner. The ink is long dried up, but the scanner is still working fine.

    • tanksinatra on 28/04/2013 - 10:52

      Interesting. So the Dell MFC's don't lock you out when the ink is empty? Do they all do that or just the V313W?
      Unfortunately Dell isn't selling it any more, their lineup starts at the exxy $140 V525w.

    • Click_It on 08/05/2013 - 15:15

      Yeah I have the Dell V525W for $9 also. Works without Ink.
      However I know there are a lot of MFC's that do require ink to scan, as crazy as that sounds!

  • altomic on 30/04/2013 - 20:55

    where in Bris are you?

    I've got a Plustek Optic Pro U12 you can have.

    specs - http://britaincloud.co.uk/71089-plustek-opticpro-u12.html

    though I have to find the 24 v ac adapter.

    drivers available here -
    http://www.driverskit.com/freedownload/Scanner/Plustek/Optic…

    Otherwise - DSE.com.au HP Deskjet 2050 Multi-Function J510a $18.37

    http://dicksmith.com.au/product/XP9510/hp-deskjet-2050-multi…

    • tanksinatra on 06/05/2013 - 08:35

      I've sent you a message. :)

    • macfanboy on 07/05/2013 - 22:49

      How do you know the DSE can scan (to pc) with no ink?

  • endor on 21/03/2014 - 15:33

    I've got the same model, very very irritating. I got around it by using Windows Fax and Scan instead of the scan function in the Brother software. That worked no problem ;)

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