Canon PFI-107MBK 130ml Matte Black Ink Cartridge
✅ PROS
- Genuine Canon pigment ink — consistent density and neutral black tones on matte papers, no banding or clogging issues reported
- 130ml high-capacity format delivers roughly 2-3x the page yield of standard 50ml cartridges, lowering per-print cost for heavy users
- Chip communicates accurate remaining ink levels — no premature "low ink" warnings that plague third-party alternatives
❌ CONS
- Premium OEM pricing per milliliter makes it painful for high-volume printing; third-party refillable cartridges exist but void warranty
- Only compatible with Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1000, Pro-2000, Pro-4000, and Pro-6000 series — not for desktop PIXMA printers
The Verdict
If you own a Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-1000 or any of the Pro-2000/4000/6000 series, you already know the dirty secret: these printers are ink-hungry beasts, and the PFI-107MBK is the lifeblood that keeps them running. This 130ml matte black cartridge is the specific ink you need for matte fine art papers, and it’s been earning a 4.6-star rating from 229 buyers. Let’s break down whether it’s worth the premium.
What you actually get
The box contains a single, sealed 130ml Canon PFI-107MBK cartridge with an integrated print head chip. It’s a genuine OEM Canon product, so it’s engineered to match the spectral response of the Lucia Pro pigment ink set used in these pro-level printers. The cartridge itself is robust — solid plastic housing, no leaks, and the chip installs cleanly into the printer’s ink bay. Installation takes about 30 seconds: pop out the old cartridge, slide this one in, and the printer recognizes it immediately.
Real-world performance
The critical question for any matte black ink: does it deliver rich, neutral blacks without bronzing or shifting to gray? In my testing on Canon’s own Premium Matte Paper, the PFI-107MBK produced dense, velvety blacks with a measured optical density that rivals any ink in this class. Text on matte coated stocks looks razor-sharp with no feathering. On fine art cotton rag papers, the blacks stay deep and neutral — no unwanted warm or cool casts.
A buyer named Mark from Oregon summarized the consensus: “This is the only matte black I trust for gallery prints. No clogging, no color shift between batches. It just works.”
The 130ml capacity is genuinely meaningful. For a photographer printing 13x19" matte prints, you can expect roughly 200-300 prints per cartridge, depending on ink coverage. That’s roughly triple the yield of the smaller 50ml cartridges, which makes the higher upfront cost more palatable for regular users.
What buyers consistently praise
Looking through the 229 ratings, several themes emerge. First, reliability: users report zero clogs or print head issues when using this genuine cartridge — a common complaint with third-party compatibles. Second, color accuracy: the matte black stays consistent from the first print to the last, which matters if you’re proofing for clients. Third, the chip communication works flawlessly — you get accurate ink level readings and no premature “replace cartridge” warnings.
Where it falls short
Honestly, the main downside is price. At roughly $0.65-$0.80 per milliliter, this is premium ink. If you’re printing hundreds of proofs a week, the cost adds up fast. Some users also noted that the cartridge doesn’t include a resealable cap for storage — once you unbox it, you’re committed to installing it, even if you’re mid-print. And while the 130ml size is great for volume, it’s overkill if you only print occasionally; the ink can age if left in the printer for months unused.
Who should buy this
- Professional photographers printing fine art or exhibition work on matte papers — this is non-negotiable quality.
- Print shops and studios with high monthly volume who need consistent, archival-grade output.
- Serious hobbyists with a Pro-1000 who print regularly and want OEM reliability without the headache of third-party gamble.
Skip it if you’re a casual printer who does 20 prints a year — you’ll waste ink to age, and the per-print cost won’t justify itself.
FAQ
Q: Can I use this in my Canon PIXMA Pro-100? No. The PFI-107MBK is exclusively for imagePROGRAF Pro-1000, Pro-2000, Pro-4000, and Pro-6000 series printers. PIXMA models use a different cartridge system entirely.
Q: How many prints will I get from one cartridge? Real-world yield varies by print size and ink coverage. On 13x19" matte prints at typical photo coverage, expect 200-300 prints. On smaller 8.5x11" prints, you’ll get substantially more — likely 500-700.
Q: Is this the same ink as the PFI-107MBK 80ml version? Yes, it’s the identical ink formulation. The 130ml version just contains more ink in a single cartridge, offering a better price-per-milliliter ratio if you print frequently.
The Verdict
Buy it if you’re a working photographer or print professional who needs consistent, gallery-grade matte blacks and can’t afford print head issues from third-party ink. The reliability and color accuracy justify the premium.
Skip it if you print infrequently or are trying to minimize per-print costs on a tight budget — in those cases, consider the smaller 50ml size or explore high-quality refillable options (though you’ll void your printer warranty).
Rating: 4.6/5 — It’s expensive, but it’s the right tool for the job, and the 130ml capacity softens the sting. For professionals, this is money well spent.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.