DCP-385C

Parts discipline is what keeps an older DCP-385C useful instead of retired: order by tier, not by appearance. This printer belongs to the 23 models in the family that accept the standard LC61 tier and no other. The high-yield LC65HY cartridges in the same cassette family fit only four other printers — MFC-5890CN, MFC-5895CW, MFC-6490CW and MFC-6890CDW — and a listing that presents them as an upgrade for the DCP-385C is incorrect, however close the match looks. This page lists LC61 cartridges only.

The Brother DCP-385C runs on the LC61 standard cartridges — LC61BK black up to 450 pages, colors up to 325 pages each (ISO/IEC 24711). On cost per page, the standard black works out at about 1.9 cents a page ($8.69 for up to 450 pages) and each color at about 2.7 cents (up to 325 pages). If you print mostly black, the Set of 10's four-black mix matches how these printers actually consume ink.

Which LC61 should you buy?

One color at a time: black, cyan, magenta and yellow — $8.69 each.
Full refresh: the Set of 4 ($29.94) puts one of each color in one box.
Print every week: the Set of 10 ($59.85) puts four blacks and two of each color in one box.

Chip, ink and everyday use

Longevity on this platform is built into the cartridge layout: four independent slots mean black, cyan, magenta and yellow wear out on separate schedules and are replaced one at a time, each cartridge reporting through its own chip. Pick a new cartridge up by the housing and do not touch the chip contact. Brother has discontinued the LC61 line; every Clever Supplies LC61 cartridge carries a lifetime warranty with 1-year free returns, rated at Brother's own ISO/IEC 24711 figures (black 450, colors 325).