5 x 7 Photo not printing from photo tray but will from main tray

[Linksdale]

Hello -- Brand new printer. Prints A4 perfectly. Prints 6 x 4 photos from photo tray perfectly. When trying to print 5 x 7 from photo tray, (following instructions by HP) error message shows "out of paper". All settings double checked, rollers, feed and paper double checked.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Linksdale

I would guess that the photo tray only supports the smaller paper (4x6).  This restriction is not all that uncommon.

I would like to find a specification and actually supports this supposition; so far, nothing I have found provides this detail.

Can you print on 5x7 inch photo paper from the main tray?

Reminder:  Select the Source (tray) as opposed to leaving the setting as "Automatic" (wording varies).

Reference and Resources – Places to find help and learn about your Printer

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Drivers / Software / Firmware Updates, Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

HP ENVY Photo 6234 All-in-One Printer

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[Linksdale · Accepted solution]

Thank you, Dragon Fur. The plot thickens.

1. The photo tray is clearly marked for 4x5, 4x6 and 5x7.The sliders click firmly into these positions.
2. The main tray is clearly marked for Envelope, Letter (8.5x11in)* and A4 only.The sliders adjust accordingly.
3. All guides, descriptions and instructions confirm this is the correct set-up and use.

However--- Whilst using a torch to explore the bowels of the printer (having received an erroneous “paper jam” message) I spotted a cleverly hidden (underneath the photo tray) set of etched markings in the plastic of the main tray.

These indicated use for 4x6, 10x15 and the troublesome 5x7. Why?

Not only does this appear to make the dedicated photo tray unnecessary I cannot find any reference to this configuration anywhere.

I have now found that when printing 5”x7” photos it is done via the main tray after removing the A4 paper supply. I thought the purpose of a dedicated photo tray was to save this removal. What a foolish thought. Once again, we thank HP for its non-joined up thinking and lack of accurate, clear documentation and support.

Having said that, the printer is good and I am enjoying the 7 months free Instant Ink on top of the £30 cash back!!

Again, thank you Dragon Fur for your response and let’s hope this helps another confused user.

• Why do we mix Imperial and Metric? Agh!!!

[Dragon-Fur]

@Linksdale

You are welcome.

Commentary : Lots of blather that means "OK, you can print.  Excellent outcome, regardless of all else."

I cannot explain the discrepancies, nor can I adequately answer the "why" the photo paper sizes are marked on the photo tray and are not allowing you to use that tray for your photo paper.  In general, photo paper is "sensed" by the printer (as to type).  Perhaps the weight of the particular photo paper is confusing the tray sensor??  No idea, actually.  In particular, if you are using HP Advanced Photo Paper, I cannot think of a reason that the printer could not detect the paper and the size in the little photo tray.  My knowledge of printer mechanics is sorely lacking.  The only thing I can offer is to backtrack to the print dialog settings and see if there is any place the setup could be confusing the situation.  ??

I would guess that the main tray, having been marked for the various smaller sizes, is intended for use with Index (card) paper.

The "guess" comes from the lack of a decent Specification document; the information is presented in (what I term as) a newer format.  Loss of detail is one of the hallmarks of this presentation. 

In many cases where Index paper is a supported media, the various standard sizes of Index card might be included in the supported paper size list.  Could that be the reason for the "small paper" markings in the main tray.  Certainly sounds reasonable.  Smiling.

As a side bar, "card" paper is typically supported to the following ISO for Index paper (Media definition and weight for various paper stock):

Cards

Up to 200 g/m2 (110 lb index)

Up to 80 cards

So, why the various differences in data and presentation, Imperial and Metric?

I am in the USA (West Coast) - much of the data I use is a result of the Google search engine.  Because I allow the search engine to (sometimes) track my location, the search results include (when available) both domestic and other data.  We (in the colonies) still use the King's foot as a standard measurement.   HP does a relatively good job of presenting data in the format used in the region in which a device is supported.   On the other hand, HP is a world company - many products are sold in several regions making it necessary to present the data in both formats.  I agree that the results are a bit annoying, if not sometimes downright confusing.  It's a bit like setting your alarm to go off 15 minutes earlier than you intend to rise:  The very first thing you must do when you wake is the math to translate the time:  it is almost automatic.

Neither of my Officejet Pro printers (8740 / 8630) provide the little photo tray.  I did have a photo tray on at least one of my previous printers; I remember thinking it was convenient.  Since I print a variety of paper sizes, envelopes, and Media types, I am pretty much used to changing the paper in the tray (and the settings).  I do sympathise with the plight of having to change the paper in the printer every time you change media types.

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[Linksdale]

Thanks Dragon Fur, sorry I blathered, an old Norse, Scots, Northern English term I believe. My mention of using Metric and  Imperial was not to do with the different sizes, which I am quite comfortable with, it was about the fact we in England and America (or indeed anywhere else) should not describe any measurement as " 8.5 inches" Surely its either 8.5cm or 8½ inches? Yes I am a blathering pedantic Englishman but proud of it.

[Dragon-Fur]

@Linksdale

Ah!  Blather on!  I appreciate a bit of good conversation.   Smiling.

I tend to inconsistency when describing measurements.  I shall blame it on bad habits.  Smiling.

I am sorry, that for the effort, I was not able to help solve the riddle of the no photo - photo tray. 

Sometimes I do miss the crumbs leading to  the obvious.   Perhaps an answer will jump out and bite me - should that happen, I will post back.

Happy 2019.

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[Mich01]

Did you manage to get photo tray working,as I have same problem trying to print 4x6 thanks I know you can use main tray but want photo tray section to work 

[Linksdale]

Sorry, no I didn't get it to print, I gave up, took the printer back got a refund and bought an epson which is better by miles in both ease of use and print quality. The epson is also far more economic in ink use.

[Brucie9]

Hi, I have exactly the same problem, with the same observations, so moved my 5x7 paper to the lower tray as you discovered, however, it now says the paper selected does not match the size in the tray.  I'm selecting A5, but no joy with the printing.  Stupidly, I feel I'm moving forward, as it picks up the paper, but throws it out blank.

Have I one small bit missing from my setup perhaps?  Any help greatly appreciated before take it back.

Thanks in anticipation

[Mich01]

Hi I contacted HP through their what’s app after trying everything ,like a reset .opened to make sure no jam etc ,they eventually sent me a new one in the post ,and its been working fine since.what I have done since having this new printer though is keeping paper in the main tray ,and putting photo paper in the photo tray and it’s fine .not tried it without either or ,so if you haven’t tried that option try that first . If all else fails do what’s app great service off them they even gave me another month free of instant ink good luck