colour printer cartridges

[tearinghair]

I'm puzzled. I frequently print photos (via CamediaMaster, the program that came with my camera). Before doing this, I change the B/W cartridge (HP 56) for the photo cartridge (HP 58). But the one that seems to be depleted each time is my ordinary colour cartridge, HP57. What am I doing wrong, please?

J.

[rojash]

The photo cartridge is not used instead of the colour cartridge, it augments it with paler versions of the colours. The dark colours will tend to be used much more than the light.

[rojash]

On re-reading that, maybe it's not very clear, so here goes again.
Most photo-quality printers have the following cartridges:
Cyan
L. Cyan
Magenta
L Magenta
Yellow
Black
.
Most non-photo printers have just
Cyan
Magenta
Yellow
Black

When you install the photo cartridge in it replaces the large black with a smaller black, plus L Cyan and L Magenta. This improves the colour rendition, bu the main cartridge is still supplying the Cyan, Magenta and Yellow, of which much more will be used in a typical photo.

[tearinghair]

Thanks very much, Rojash. I'd begun to wonder whether I should have been taking out the ordinary colour cartridge when printing photos.

Bought a replacement 57 cartridge today. Gosh, aren't they expensive! I think I must have found a special offer last time, becasue I'm sure this one cost a lot more.

[johnpol78]

you are using the wrong cartridge so replace the cartridge and use the original cartridges which is used for print photos.
use photo shop to edit the photo.
use photo paper for print the photo.

[tearinghair]

I don't think so, JP. How could it be the wrong cartridge if it's the correct one for the printer? And I do use photo paper, changing the printer options very carefully every time.