how to copy on a4 paper without cutting off part of the text?

[LinneaJS]

My Deskjet 3050 J610 printer/copier only has three options for paper size on the screen -- letter, letter photo paper and 4 x 6 photo paper. On the computer screen, I can change to A4 paper, but it never shows up on the printer, and when I copy an A4 document, part of the text is cut off. How do I convince the printer to recognize this paper size???

[Shane_R]

You might not be able to.  A4 and letter should be close to the same size though.  What happens when you copy a letter size document?

[LinneaJS]

Sorry, this does not solve it.  Letter size copies just fine, but A4 is a little longer, and the bottom inch or so of text gets lopped off.  On the computer screen, you can chooseA4, and it seems to print ok from the computer.  But we use the machine a lot as a copier, and in Peru, where the machine was sold, virtually ALL the paper is A4, so it seems very odd that HP would market the machine without allowing it to accomodate the paper in use.  (A friend has the same problem.)  It there is no way around it, well then, there isn't.  But it is quite disappointing, and does not exactly make me think highly of HP. 

[Shane_R]

According to the printers specs here is the maximum scan size from the glass: 21.6 x 29.7 cm (8.5 x 11.7 inches).   As far as I can tell, this is the maximum size for copies as well.  I'm not sure why it's not working like it should.  Try scanning the image to the computer and then printing it.  If it doesn't cut off the last line, that may be the way to get the copies done without any distortion.  If it does cut off the last line, it may be something in the hardware of the printer that's not recognizing the paper size you're using.  Let me know what happens.

[LinneaJS]

Hi, Shane --

I suspect the problem is the hardware, that the machine is just set up for 8.5 x 11" paper (which is what it says on the front of the machine).  BUt I will try your suggestion ... in January.  The copier/printer is actually in my Amazon River-edge clinic in Peru, and I am on my way back to the US till Xmas.  When I get back, we will see what we can do, and I will let you know.  Meanwhile thanks!

Linnea

[Shane_R]

No porblem.  Let me know what you find out.

[craigo249]

I have the same problem as this. Its a 3050 610a. There is no option in the settings to copy in A4. Only 11 x 8.5, 11 x 8.5 photo and 10 x 15 photo.

Every copy gets about 2cm chopped off the bottom. However the printer scanner bed is A4 and has A4 clearly marked on it.

I consider this a pretty fatal flaw. Can i get a firmware update to change this? Otherwise this printer is pretty much useless for copying.

thanks.

craig

[Shane_R]

I'm afraid no firmware update is available for this printer.  Since HP has already released the J611 series, the chances of one coming out are pretty slim.  You should be able to copy in A4 though.  I don't know why but the setting doesn't say A4.  It's labeled as "Actual Size".  You may have to flip through the options to find it.  Let me know what you find.

[craigo249]

Hi,

thanks for trying to help. No A4 is simply not a paper size availale in the menu system.

The other options i have is: "reduce to fit", and "actual size"

So basically there is no way to copy A4. I was hoping to somehow change the firmware on it, maybe from a j10b or a j610c. At this stage i dont care if it breaks because its to really much good anyway if it cant copy a sheet properly.

I appreciate the help but its the second HP multifunction that has not worked properly. I woudlnt risk buying the newer one.

Please let me know if you think of anything else that might fix it.

Craig

[Shane_R]

If you copy using the acutal size setting, does that cut the copy off as well?  I'm asking because it shouldn't.  It should copy to the full A4 size.  If you haven't yet, give it a try and let me know what happens.