Aficio SP C842
When a workgroup's color volume outgrows the base machine, the Ricoh Aficio SP C842 is the deliberate step up: the same color formula as its sibling, tuned for heavier monthly throughput, networked and duplexing as standard, and built for shared departmental duty. Crucially for the supply cabinet, nothing about restocking changes — the SP C842 runs on the 821255 black cartridge at up to 43,000 pages plus the 821258 cyan, 821257 magenta and 821256 yellow at up to 34,000 pages apiece. Every compatible listing below fits this model.
That shared platform is what makes the upgrade painless. Staff already know the machine's operation, the department already stocks its toner, and the only thing that changes is how much color work the printer absorbs before anyone thinks about capacity. For offices whose base model started falling behind the queue, the SP C842 raises the ceiling without introducing a second cartridge family to manage.
Toner Cartridges for Aficio SP C842
| Cartridge | Color | Page Yield |
|---|---|---|
| 821255 — Single Cartridge | Black | Up to 43,000 pages |
| 821255 — 2 Pack | Black | Up to 43,000 pages each |
| 821258 | Cyan | Up to 34,000 pages |
| 821257 | Magenta | Up to 34,000 pages |
| 821256 | Yellow | Up to 34,000 pages |
| 821258, 821257, 821256 — 3 Color Set | Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | Up to 34,000 pages each |
| 821255, 821258, 821257, 821256 — 4 Color Set | Black / Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | See individual cartridges |
| 821255, 821258, 821257, 821256 — 5 Color Set | Black / Cyan / Magenta / Yellow | See individual cartridges |
Which cartridge should you buy?
Plan around volume first. A department pushing this printer hard will cycle the black cartridge most frequently — it is rated for up to 43,000 pages — so the black 2-pack is the practical default for keeping a heavy-duty machine fed without constant reordering. Colors can be handled two ways: replace each of the 34,000-page singles as it empties, which spreads cost across the year, or take a 3 Color Set when several colors are trending down together before a big project. The 4 and 5 Color Sets are the full-refresh options, best used when a machine is being recommissioned or when a facilities team wants one box that resets every level at once. Mixed strategy is normal here: multipack black, singles for colors, sets only for planned overhauls.
Chip, toner and everyday use
On a shared departmental machine, watch the supply levels rather than waiting for warnings — the printer reports each cartridge independently through its chip, and a 500-page color job should not start on a cartridge showing near-empty. Swap cartridges with the machine idle, keep the color order straight as you work down the row, and give the printer a few pages to settle after a change before evaluating density. Ratings assume about 5% coverage; presentation decks and marketing pieces will draw color toner down much faster. Sealed spares store best flat, out of sunlight, at room temperature — a supply shelf near the printer beats a hot storage room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SP C842 toner the same as the SP C840 toner?
Identical. The Aficio SP C840 and this model share the 821255 black and the 821258, 821257 and 821256 colors, also marked SP C840A, so existing stock carries straight over.
How many pages does each cartridge print?
Up to 43,000 pages for the black cartridge and up to 34,000 pages for each color, measured at the standard 5% coverage.
What is in the 5 Color Set?
It gathers five cartridges spanning the four part numbers this printer uses — black plus the three colors — into a single purchase, the full-refresh option. The 4 Color Set covers one cartridge of each of the four.
Are compatible cartridges covered if one fails?
Yes. The cartridges listed here carry a working chip for correct level reporting and are backed by a 1-year warranty and 1-year returns.
More printers that use the same cartridges
The base model in this family takes the same four cartridges: