Hello. I am looking at getting an mx4501n. I am planning on only making black and white copies and prints. I am wondering if the machine will work with only black toner and the rest empty. I know it would be easier to just get a monochrome copier but the sharp is what I have available to me. Thanks for your help in advance.
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Re: Mx4501n
It will not work with the colours empty, but it should come with some used colour toners, seeing as they're necessary to run the machine. Just turn off in printer defaults and don't use colour.
But please think again, if you want my unsolicited advice. I can only assume you're getting this machine free or extremely cheap since this model is so old. Many dealers routinely throw away perfectly good off-lease copiers multiple generations newer than the 4501 just because storage is so expensive. This isn't a rare can't-miss opportunity.
Sharp makes a fine copier, but no matter the make a dedicated b&w machine has 4x fewer moving parts and fewer sensors to cause issues. Those issues aren't always straightforward to diagnose and fix. You might be inheriting someone else's problem..
Keep in mind you probably won't have access to genuine parts from Sharp or firmware updates/service manuals, all of which is essential, if you buy from an auction/garage sale instead of a certified dealer.
The experience/availability of brand-certified local copier techs and their specific model recommendations should be your prime decision factors if you care about cost/hassle in the long term. Dealers know all the quirks of their biggest sellers and will have new parts on hand and parts-machines to pilfer the oddball stuff you'd otherwise be backordering. Even if the seller is a Sharp specialist, this old 4501 model isn't around much anymore and their techs may have rarely seen/worked on them if inexperienced.
This machine may be fine for your usage - it could run for years without any problems. Older can even be better in some cases, to a point, but not so much in this case. I think this was one of the very first colour models, before they were really perfected, and the newer ones are being cleared out just the same.
Clovis isn't that remote/rural so you must have some better options. I recommend getting a newer-generation black and white machine if you truly don't need/desire colour, probably without an sorter/finisher is best. Something newer will also have a better UI and connectivity, which will likely save you some trouble at some point. Ask if it can print PDFs, ask if it can connect to your phone through your wireless network, does it copy double sided in one pass, does it print 11x17, etc. -
Re: Mx4501n
Will not work with the color toners empty.
BilComment
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Re: Mx4501n
A color machine must be able to color calibrate, even if you aren't doing any color printing. If the consumable parts are too worn, if the developer is undertoned, the machine cannot develop clear color registration patches and color density patches, and will error out.
Selecting a color copier to print black only images is a poor choice. Even if you never make color images, you'll still have to maintain the color drums and developing units and toner, and they will still wear making those patches. Buy a monochrome copier.
=^..^=If you'd like a serious answer to your request:
1) demonstrate that you've read the manual
2) demonstrate that you made some attempt to fix it.
3) if you're going to ask about jams include the jam code.
4) if you're going to ask about an error code include the error code.
5) You are the person onsite. Only you can make observations.
blackcat: Master Of The Obvious =^..^=Comment
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Re: Mx4501n
Agreed with above comments, plus this model is old as dirt...good luck trying to find parts, if needed, clutches, boards, etc, if you purchase it.Comment
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Re: Mx4501n
Thank you to everyone for your advice.Comment
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