SKU:

CS-EP-273-PBKXL

Condition:

New Compatible

OEM Part #:

T273XL120-S

Color:

Photo Black

Ink Type:

Dye

Chip:

New compatible chip (ink-level reporting)

Warranty:

Lifetime Warranty

Returns:

1-Year Free Returns

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no page yield listed for this cartridge?

Because Epson does not publish one. Its official 273 yield table footnotes Photo Black with an asterisk instead of an ISO figure — photo output is measured differently from document pages. Rather than borrow a reseller's number, we leave the yield blank and say so.

What does Photo Black actually do?

It is the dye black used in photo printing, giving images their deep shadows and glossy finish. Everyday text is printed by the separate pigment Black cartridge (T273XL020-S). A photo-heavy household empties Photo Black first; an office may barely touch it.

Can I use the regular Black cartridge in the Photo Black slot?

No. The two blacks are different cartridges — different ink (pigment vs dye), different codes (020 vs 120), different slots. The printer will not accept one in the other's place.

Which printers take it?

The seven verified Expression Premium models: XP-520, XP-600, XP-610, XP-620, XP-800, XP-810 and XP-820.

Is the ink dye or pigment?

Dye. In the 273 set only the 020 Black is pigment; Photo Black and the three colours are Claria Premium dye inks.

Does it have a chip?

Yes — a new compatible chip for ink-level reporting. This cartridge carries a new compatible chip. If your printer's firmware has been updated, recognition issues can occasionally occur — if a warning appears, reseat the cartridge firmly and restart the printer before assuming the cartridge is at fault.

The printer says Photo Black is not recognised. What now?

Remove it, check the chip contacts, reseat until it clicks and restart the printer. If a firmware update came just before the warning, that is the likely cause; if the warning persists, the lifetime warranty covers a replacement.

Is this the standard or XL Photo Black?

The XL — T273XL120-S. The compatible ladder for this family is XL-only; the standard T273120-S exists as a genuine Epson cartridge but is not part of our range, and we do not present this cartridge as anything else.

How is it sold — is a millilitre figure available?

Epson's US documentation states no millilitre volume for 273 cartridges, so the Volume field is left blank. Judge this cartridge by its role — photo black — not by an invented capacity figure.

Is it a genuine Epson cartridge?

No — a Clever Supplies compatible built to the T273XL120-S specification, labelled compatible on the box and this page.

What if it fails or leaks?

It is covered by our lifetime warranty: a cartridge that fails to perform is replaced. Free returns apply within the first year.

Should I stock a spare Photo Black?

If you print photographs regularly, yes — photo work draws on this cartridge in a way document printing does not, and it can run low while the other colours still look healthy. The Set of 5 and Bulk Set of 11 both include it.