Has anybody tried to refill the CLI-42 tanks for the Pro-100 (or use 3rd party tanks)?

[DallasXanadu]

I'm looking for ink for my Pro-100 for the first time in a while. I'm just now realizing how scarce the OEM ink cartridges are getting to be. Delivery times - even on Amazon - are over a week, and I can't seem to find light gray at all, except as part of a complete set of 8 for $124. I broke down and ordered a full set from Comp and Save, a company I used for the old CLI-8 cartridges for many years. They seemed to work well with my Pixma 6000, and the prints still look great after several years. Hopefully I have just as good luck with the CLI-42 clones.

I'm curious as to what people on here that aren't going OEM are using. I've seen tutorials on how to refill the original Canon tanks, and I've seen several 3rd-party refillable ink cartridges, some with microchips and even chip resetters. And of course there are dozens of companies selling third-party cartridges - some of whom look more reputable than others. Does anybody have a solid recommendation on which way to go? Or just as importantly, a way NOT to go?  Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

On a somewhat related note, what the hell happened to the price of printers??? I got my Pro-100 for about $100 after rebate, there doesn't seem to be anything on the market at all comparable for less than about $700. I've been thinking about getting a backup, maybe I'll go the used route.

[shadowsports]

If you print a lot, refilling can be a cost effective way to go.  

Buying the refillble tanks and chip resetter is manditory to make it cost effective. 

Jose Rodriquez is one of the most trusted content creators.

https://youtu.be/_q0Kp64bhKM

He recommends:

Precision Colors C5B

I sold my Pro-100.  Didn't have the time.  

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

Folks that refill recommend Precision Color as the best. But even the strongest advocates acknowledge that if fade resistance is important nothing beats the Canon OEM.

Check Staples.com. I just checked and they have them for 2-day delivery here in New Hampshire.

[DallasXanadu]

Thanks! I did look at the Staples in my neighborhood, didn't look on the website. Honestly, I'm not that worried about fading. For the price of the cheaper inks, I can probably reprint the same photo a half dozen times and still come out ahead financially. I guess if I at some point start printing things my descendants will inherit, I'll make sure I use Canon ink. 🙂