Canon PIXMA PRO-100S Ink Cartridges
Your< Canon PIXMA PRO-100S uses the CLI-42 cartridge series, an eight-colour dye-based system designed for professional gallery-quality prints. Since Jun 2015, we have supported photographers using this printer to achieve precise tonal gradations. Because this printer utilises dedicated Grey and Light Grey cartridges alongside Photo Cyan and Photo Magenta, you will notice that neutral monochrome tones deplete at a different rate than your primary colours. This specialised ink set ensures vivid saturation while maintaining smooth transitions in highlight areas of your photographic work.
Managing your photo ink supply
The Canon CLI-42 system is unique because it balances eight different colours to produce a single image. Most creative users find that the Grey (42GY) and Light Grey (42LGY) inks are the first to require replacement when printing monochrome or de-saturated portfolios. To avoid workflow interruptions, many professionals keep a full set of the "photo" specific shades (PC, PM, GY, LGY) on hand, as these are critical for the printer’s dither pattern and depth. If you are printing high-gloss exhibition pieces, purchasing these in bundles is the most reliable way to maintain a consistent colour profile across a series of prints.
Understanding page yields for photography
The number of prints you get from a CLI-42 cartridge depends heavily on the ink density of your images. Unlike standard office documents, photo yields are often measured based on the ISO/IEC 29103 standard for colour photo printing on 4x6 inch photo paper.
| Cartridge Number | Type | Colour | Page Yield | Cost Per Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLI-42BK | Standard | Black | 65 | $0.37 |
| CLI-42PC | Standard | Cyan | 60 | $0.40 |
| CLI-42C | Standard | Cyan | 58 | $0.23 |
| CLI-42M | Standard | Magenta | 48 | $0.50 |
| CLI-42PM | Standard | Magenta | 37 | $0.65 |
| CLI-42GY | Standard | Yellow | 70 | $0.34 |
| CLI-42Y | Standard | Yellow | 51 | $0.47 |
| CLI-42LGY | Standard | Yellow | 111 | $0.22 |
Cost Per Page = Total Cartridge Price ÷ Page Yield (at 5% coverage). Prices based on Genuine cartridges.
Ordering and delivery information
For those producing professional creative work, maintaining a steady supply of genuine Canon ink is vital. We offer the full range of CLI-42 individual cartridges and multi-packs to help manage your inventory. All products are backed by our 90-day returns policy. Free delivery applies on all orders over $99 (conditions apply), with stock dispatched from our local warehouses in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth to ensure your project stays on schedule. Explore our full range of Canon ink cartridges for all your professional imaging needs.
Pro Tip
Always perform a print head alignment when replacing the Grey or Light Grey cartridges. Because these inks define the neutral core of your images, even a slight misalignment can introduce subtle colour casts in the shadows of your professional prints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PIXMA PRO-100S require eight different inks?
The eight-colour system includes Photo Cyan, Photo Magenta, and two shades of Grey to expand the colour gamut and improve detail in light areas. This reduces the visible "grain" in photos and allows for professional-grade black and white printing that doesn't suffer from the green or purple tints common in four-colour printers.
Can I continue printing if one colour, like Light Grey, is empty?
No, the printer will stop mid-job if any single CLI-42 cartridge is depleted. Because this printer uses a sophisticated mixing process to create specific hues, it cannot accurately replicate your image if a component of the eight-ink set is missing.
Is it better to buy individual CLI-42 cartridges or the value packs?
While individual cartridges allow you to replace only what you use, the value packs significantly lower the cost per millilitre of ink. Given that photo printing consumes ink across the entire spectrum, most users find the bundles more cost-effective for high-volume gallery preparation.
