printer problem

[pataman]

I have been using a Canon iP6700D printer for about 3 or 4 years and it has been doing fine.
Unfortunately during one printing session the little sponge rubber strip fell out and i was not able to reinstall it. Since then the photos have been coming out about 12 shades too light. The color is fine just the exposure. I have to darken the photo on the computer to the point where the detail is almost lost.
Do any of you have any suggestions as to possible repair or will I just have to bite the bullet and buy another printer.

Info: I have a iMac OS X Leopard and an Olympus E510 camera which are all working just fine.