Customer Reviews

Canon PC425 Personal Copier

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you aren't looking for a volume printer, just one to make those misc copies at home, this printer fits the bill. I previously owned a Xerox personal copier that I had for many years and it died, and I figured that it would cost more to fix it than to just purchase a new one. Once you have a copier at home you can't do without, so I did quite an extensive search on the internet, and this was the cheapest that I found. The nicest feature is that you can turn it on and instantly make copies, because you don't have to wait for it to warmup....that's great for those single copies you want to quickly make on the run. I also like being able to make copies from books, which you can't make from your fax machine. The kids copy their chapters for homework and use those copies to travel with on weekends instead of dragging their entire load of books along. For ..., this printer is worth it. I have not had any problems with it so far.

What a joy to own this copier! I just bought it, and making photocopies is no longer a time-consuming errand, it's a quick and simple in-office activity. The aspect I like best is the ability to make copies from books and other "three dimensional objects". It has no warm-up period, which means that Type-A people like me get instant results. The energy-saving auto-off feature turns the copier off automatically if it's been unused for 5 minutes. The laser output is crisp and more than adequate for making readable backup copies. It doesn't have any "fancy" features, such as zoom, collation, etc., but on the other hand I don't need those features. Moreover, the PC425 is compact (the trays fold up to free up surface space when the unit isn't being used), it's relatively lightweight (18 lbs), it comes with a built-in retractable carrying handle, and it appears to be solidly constructed. The copy speed of 4 ppm is sufficient for low-volume, occasional copying needs. The reproduction size is limited to 8.5 x 11, but I can't think of the last time I needed to make a legal-sized copy. I feel as though the PC425 was designed with my exact needs in mind! I give it 5 stars, which assumes it will provide years of trouble-free operation.

PURCHASING NOTE: Canon appears to have discontinued the PC425 and replaced it with the (otherwise identical?) PC428,... Even so, I think the PC425 (or by extension, PC428) is well worth the price, even at retail price. If you need to copy onto legal-sized paper, get the more expensive PC430.

I'm about to buy our first replacement toner for this machine after over three years of light use, but it's perfect for those occasional copies in a home office. We also own a PC940 and both have been great for us. This one has been discontinued but newer models are very similar. It is light, small, and basic with no bells and whistles to get in the way. The one annoyance is that after the third year the feeder started feeding inconsistently, sometimes failing to insert the paper. My workaround is easy and has become habitual--just grip the paper as you press the start button and nudge it through. If it still fails, or you forget to do this, the copier will pause and indicate a jam. Just turn it off and on again, and try again. Small price to pay for a small copier that has lasted this long. Warmup time is nil. Put the original on the glass, turn it on, press start, and it's done. OK, it's not fast but it's just a few seconds.

I've had this copier for about 7 years. I don't like it. It wastes paper because the copies are soooooooo light, I can't make them out at all. I've bought replacement toner (not cheap!!!) and have the dial set all the way to the dark and it doesn't help.