Canon CLI-42 Black Ink Review: Quality vs Cost Verdict
A verified buyer on Amazon once summed it up simply: “The prints this thing puts out are incredible. No complaints about the ink quality.” That sentiment runs deep across multiple platforms for the Canon CLI-42 Black Ink Tank for PIXMA PRO-100, with an aggregated score hovering around 8.0/10. This genuine Canon cartridge is marketed as essential for professional-grade photo printing—and in most user accounts, it delivers exactly that, though not without some recurring frustrations.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—excellent if you prioritize print quality and longevity, but less so if you’re concerned about ink efficiency or cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vibrant, accurate colors for professional photo printing | High cost relative to yield |
| No streaking or strange lines reported with genuine ink | Cartridges can deplete quickly, especially in black and grey |
| Optimized for Canon PIXMA PRO-100 | Only compatible with PIXMA PRO-100 series |
| Long archival life when paired with Canon papers | Frequent maintenance cycles waste ink |
| Ease of replacement with individual color tanks | Not refillable—requires full cartridge purchase |
| Reliable, machine-safe—avoids hardware damage risk | Price can deter casual or non-professional users |
Claims vs Reality
Canon promises “professional quality photo prints and superior longevity” via its Chromalife 100+ dye-based ink system, officially claiming up to 900 10x15cm photos per 13ml black cartridge. While professional photographers do praise its color depth and tonal accuracy, some question whether that yield matches real-world usage.
On Staples, a disappointed buyer wrote: “I have only printed about 10 labels and I need to replace the cartridge already. This is supposed to be a photo printer. I would get 1 photo at this rate.” While this may be an extreme outlier, multiple customers note that black and grey inks tend to deplete faster due to Canon's color-mixing process.
Another marketing claim is the archival life expectancy—up to 200 years in an album. A long-time Amazon reviewer acknowledged the claim with a mix of optimism and skepticism: “I smirked thinking of a ‘200 year life’, but seeing photos from the 50s and 60s faded beyond recognition reminded me why this matters.” This highlights the difference between lab-rated permanence and day-to-day print storage habits.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Amazon, and Trustpilot, the standout strength is color fidelity. A verified buyer on Amazon said: “My images print especially nicely on Canson photogloss premium papers, and on Staples' matte greeting card stock… the range of tones and light/shadows is so much deeper and richer than my previous printer.” Reddit discussion mirrors this sentiment, noting exceptional sharpness and detail, especially for gallery-quality work.
Professional use cases get the most enthusiastic endorsements. “As a professional photographer, it’s important that my prints look and feel better than they appear on a screen,” wrote one Staples reviewer, sharing phone snapshots of finished prints to illustrate the richness of blacks and greys.
The individual color tank system is another consistent win. Many users appreciate replacing only the depleted color, avoiding waste. This is especially valued in home studios or small offices where sporadic usage would make multi-color block replacements inefficient.
Common Complaints
Price and ink longevity dominate grievances. Multiple Staples customers warn “great ink but runs out quick,” especially blacks. One notes that cleaning cycles consume a considerable amount of ink, something not offset by the cartridge’s modest yield. Cost is particularly prohibitive for non-professionals; several Reddit threads reference “looking around for slightly lower prices” or using reward programs to soften the blow.
Printer compatibility is another constraint. While praised for tight integration with the PIXMA PRO-100, it's useless for owners of any other model—limiting resale flexibility. And without a refill option, every depletion means purchasing a full-price cartridge.
Divisive Features
Monochrome performance splits opinion. For black-and-white print purists, the dedicated greys and black produce smooth gradations. However, users printing primarily text or low-color materials feel the cost far outweighs the value compared to a laser setup. “Do yourself a favor—switch to laser if you're only printing documents,” cautioned one Staples customer.
The value pack option, often marketed for savings, also draws mixed reactions. While some applaud bundled pricing for outfitting a new printer, one negative review laments: “Supposed to get 8 different color toner cartridges. Got 3 of the same color… and worse, the supposed manufacturer’s product did not work.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries and broader discussion consistently uphold Canon’s genuine ink as “machine-safe” and critical for avoiding hardware damage. Reports of streaking or fading are virtually nonexistent among those using official cartridges—not so for third-party substitutes, which several users claim caused “photo colours to fade faster” or “papers to curl.”
Long-term reliability is closely tied to correct pairing with Canon photo papers; users who adhere to this report sustained print vibrancy over years, even in displayed prints. Reliability also extends to fulfillment—Staples reviewers note near-universal next-day delivery and attentive in-store staff for special orders.
Alternatives
From the available data, the only real alternative mentioned is switching to laser printers for heavy document output. This is not a direct competitor for photo printing, but for users frustrated by yield and maintenance ink loss, it's often advised. As one Amazon buyer put it: “I have a separate b/w laser printer for documents. Enjoy your photography and sharing your images and memories!”—hinting that splitting tasks between devices may be the most economical setup.
Price & Value
Canon’s retail pricing hovers around $23.99 per cartridge, with bundled sets like the CLI-42 8-pack listed at $114.93 on Amazon. On eBay, market variance is wide—genuine sets reach $110, while compatible replacements dip as low as $14.95 for the full set, though buyers risk quality loss and printer damage. Many seasoned customers hunt for loyalty program deals or credit card rebates to shave costs.
Demand for genuine cartridges keeps resale prices high; empty cartridges even sell in bulk to refillers for modest sums, suggesting durable casing design. The stability of value over time points to an industry-standard premium attached to brand assurance.
FAQ
Q: Does the Canon CLI-42 Black Ink Tank work with printers other than the PIXMA PRO-100?
A: No, it is designed exclusively for the PIXMA PRO-100 series. Compatibility with other printers is not supported.
Q: How many photos can I expect per cartridge?
A: Canon states up to 900 photos in 10x15cm size per 13ml cartridge, though real-world yields may be lower depending on maintenance cycles and print density.
Q: Is the archival rating realistic?
A: The manufacturer claims a 200-year life in albums using Canon papers. While longevity is strong, environmental factors like light and humidity will affect fading in practice.
Q: Are third-party cartridges safe to use?
A: Users frequently warn against them, citing risks of color fading, streaking, and physical damage to the printer’s paper handling.
Q: Can the cartridges be refilled?
A: There is no official refill option—empty cartridges must be replaced with new ones for optimal performance and warranty protection.
Final Verdict: Buy if you are a photographer or artist working with the PIXMA PRO-100 and demand consistent, gallery-grade output. Avoid if your primary printing is text-based or high-volume, where laser printers offer far better economics. Pro tip from the community: pair the CLI-42 with Canon’s own photo paper to maximize color longevity and avoid counterfeit refills for sustained printer health.
