What Ink Does the Canon PIXMA MP280 Use?
Last Updated:Quick answer: The Canon PIXMA MP280 uses two FINE cartridges: PG-210 black and CL-211 color (cyan, magenta and yellow in one cartridge). The high-yield PG-210XL Black and CL-211XL Color fit the same slots and print more pages, so XL is the one to buy.
CastleScore · October 2026
69/100 — Situational
Canon PIXMA MP280
| Pillar (weight) | Score | What it is based on |
|---|---|---|
| Owner ratings (28%) | — | No retailer rating with enough reviews to use. |
| Expert reviews (18%) | — | No published numeric expert score we could verify. |
| Cost per page (24%) | 81 | About 5.5¢ per page blended (black + color) with our remanufactured PG-210XL (401 pages) and CL-211XL (349 pages). |
| Reliability (13%) | 87 | Most-reported problems: E08 'waste ink tank' error with orange alarm light |
| Features (12%) | 50 | Print, copy, scan. No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax, no touchscreen. |
| Value (5%) | — | Running cost and owner satisfaction |
Limited data: We could not find enough owner ratings or published expert scores for this printer, so those weights are spread across the other pillars. With neither owner ratings nor a published expert score, we cap this printer at 69 (Situational) until better data is available.
Discontinued. Canon launched the MP280 in 2010 and no longer services it. For a failed unit, Canon points owners to its Upgrade Program.
CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 10, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.
The cartridges, pictured
PG-210XL + CL-211XL 2-packBlack + Color
PG-210XL Black2973B001 · ~401 pages
CL-211XL Tri-color2975B001 · ~349 pages
PG-210XL + CL-211XL 2-pack
PG-210XL Black
CL-211XL Tri-colorOur own remanufactured cartridges, photographed in-house.
Canon PIXMA MP280 Ink Cartridges at a Glance
| Cartridge | Part Number | Color | Approx. Page Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PG-210 | 2974B001 | Black | ~220 pages |
| Canon CL-211 | 2976B001 | Tri-Color | ~244 pages |
| Canon PG-210XL | 2973B001 | Black (high yield) | ~401 pages |
| Canon CL-211XL | 2975B001 | Tri-Color (high yield) | ~349 pages |
On this printer the print head is part of each cartridge, so every new cartridge comes with fresh nozzles. The color cartridge holds all three colors, so when one runs out the whole cartridge needs replacing.
The MP280 is a USB home all-in-one: print, scan and copy, with a flatbed scanner and a rear paper tray. It has no Wi-Fi and no automatic two-sided printing. Canon's U.S. list says the same PG-210 / CL-211 cartridges fit the PIXMA iP2702, MP240, MP250, MP258, MP270, MP282, MP480, MP490, MP495, MX320, MX330, MX340, MX350, MX360, MX410 and MX420.
Do not confuse PG-210 / CL-211 with PG-240 / CL-241 (MG2120, MG3120, MX472) or PG-245 / CL-246 (MG2520, TS3122). They will not seat in the MP280.
How to Replace Ink in the Canon PIXMA MP280
- Turn the printer on and lift the scanning unit (cover) until it stops. The cartridge holder moves to the center.
- Push the empty cartridge down until it clicks, then lift it out.
- Unpack the new cartridge and gently peel off the protective tape. Do not touch the gold contacts or the nozzles.
- Slide the cartridge into its slot at a slight upward angle — black on the right, color on the left — and push it up until it clicks.
- Close the scanning unit and run a nozzle check.
Troubleshooting Tips
Cartridge not recognized or not installed: Remove the cartridge, check the tape is fully off, and reinstall it until it clicks. Wipe the gold contacts with a dry lint-free cloth if needed.
Ink level cannot be detected: Normal with refilled or remanufactured cartridges. Press and hold Stop/Reset for about 5 seconds to keep printing. Ink level detection turns off for that cartridge only.
Faded or streaky prints: Run a nozzle check and one or two cleanings from the printer or the Canon driver. Because the print head is part of the cartridge, a cartridge that still prints badly after that needs replacing. More: how to clean Canon printer heads.
What PIXMA MP280 owners ask
These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, Canon's support community and owner reviews, answered in our words.
My MP280 shows E08 and the ink lights stay orange even with new cartridges. What does that mean?
E08 is Canon's waste ink warning: the ink absorber inside is nearly full. A power reset may clear a one-off fault, but Canon no longer services this model, so a lasting E08 usually means it is time for a new printer.
Can I connect it to Wi-Fi or print from my phone?
No. The MP280 has one USB port and nothing else: no Wi-Fi, no Ethernet and no memory card slot.
How do I print a test page when there is no screen?
Canon support's steps: load letter paper, press the Maintenance button until the LED shows A, then press the Black Start button.
How many more pages do the XL cartridges give?
Canon rates PG-210XL at 401 pages and CL-211XL at 349, against 220 and 244 for the standard cartridges. That is nearly double for black but only about 40% more for color.
PIXMA MP280 quirks worth knowing
- There is no LCD at all. A single-character LED shows the copy count and maintenance letters, which is why the manual talks about "[A]" and "E08".
- The ink is a hybrid: PG-210 is pigment black for sharp text, and CL-211 is dye-based color for photos.
- It has a dedicated Fit-to-Page copy button, and the front output tray drops down by itself if you start printing with it closed.
- It is slower than its rating. TrustedReviews measured 5.8 pages per minute on a 20-page black document against the 8.4 claimed, and 2.4 ppm in color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use PG-210XL in the MP280?
Yes. Standard and XL cartridges use the same slot. XL only adds capacity.
Does the MP280 work with only one cartridge?
No. Both the black and the color cartridge must be installed for the printer to work.
Does using compatible or remanufactured cartridges void my warranty?
No. Under the U.S. Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your printer warranty only because you used third-party cartridges. Damage proven to be caused by a specific cartridge would not be covered, but the rest of the warranty still applies.
How are these page yields measured?
They are approximate figures based on Canon's ISO/IEC 24711 testing. Real results depend on what you print, how often, and how much color is on the page.
Other printers that use PG-210 and CL-211
More Canon ink guides: Canon PIXMA TS3722 · Canon PIXMA TR4720 · Canon PIXMA MG3600 · find any printer
Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives
- Epson EcoTank ET-2980 (cheapest to run) — CastleScore 90
- Canon PIXMA MegaTank G3290 — CastleScore 88
- Canon imageCLASS MF275dw (laser) — CastleScore 81
Sources
Ratings and prices were checked on October 10, 2026 and will change over time.
Need replacement Canon ink cartridges? Shop Canon ink cartridges at Castle Ink. Remanufactured, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.