SKU:

CS-CN-42-BK

Condition:

New (compatible)

OEM Part #:

CLI-42

Color:

Black

Ink Type:

Dye

Page Yield:

900 pages

Chip:

Yes — new compatible chip

Warranty:

Lifetime Warranty

Returns:

1 Year

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a photo printer need a dedicated black tank at all?

This CLI-42 black cartridge anchors contrast in the eight-color dye system of the Canon PIXMA PRO-100. Black sets the deepest shadows and keeps dark areas from looking washed out. Without a strong black, even well-exposed photographs print flat, so this tank works in almost every image, not only dark ones.

Which printer does this black cartridge fit?

It fits one printer only: the Canon PIXMA PRO-100. The CLI-42 family was built around that model, so there is no wider list to check. The full list is under Compatible Printers on this page, and it contains that single model. Match the CLI-42 name on your current tank before ordering.

How far does the 900-page rating go in real photo work?

The rating is about 900 pages, the highest figure among the individual CLI-42 colors. Photo pages cover far more of the sheet than a text page, so large, dark, full-bleed prints use ink much faster. Treat the rating as a comparison benchmark, and check the level report before a long session.

What changes in a print when the black tank gets low?

Shadows lose separation first. Dark areas that should show folds, hair, or texture merge into one flat mass, and contrast softens even though the colors still look present. If a proof looks dull rather than wrong in color, check black before changing any settings or editing the file again.

Is this a dye ink, and why does that suit photographs?

Yes, the ink is dye-based, like the rest of the family. Dye inks are valued in photo printing for smooth blending and rich, saturated color on glossy and luster photo papers. For display prints, that smooth behavior matters most in gradients, shadow transitions, and skin tones, where visible steps would stand out.

Will the printer read this cartridge's ink level normally?

Yes. Each cartridge carries a new compatible chip, so the PRO-100 reports its level like the original. If a Canon firmware update ever triggers a recognition warning, reseat the cartridge and restart the printer. A warning that will not clear is covered, so contact us instead of forcing the cartridge.

Can I replace only the black tank in the middle of a project?

Yes, and that is the sensible habit with an eight-tank printer. Replace the tank its own slot reports as low, then print one smaller proof before committing to a large sheet. Its tonal neighbors are CLI-42 Gray for midtones and CLI-42 Photo Gray for the lightest grays, each replaced on its own schedule.

I mostly print bright color scenes — do I still use much black?

More than you might expect. Black shades colors, deepens green foliage, and shapes contrast across the whole image, not just in night shots. If the whole system needs refreshing at once, the CLI-42 Set of 8 replaces every slot together, including this black, CLI-42 Cyan, and CLI-42 Yellow.

What coverage protects this cartridge after purchase?

It carries the Clever Supplies Lifetime Warranty: if it leaks, is not recognized, or prints poorly, we replace it or refund you. Returns run for 1 year. This is a compatible cartridge built to the CLI-42 specification, not a Canon original, and that warranty is how we stand behind it.