Canon PFI-5100 Photo Cyan Lucia PRO II Individual Ink Tank

What Is the Canon PFI-5100 Photo Cyan?

The Canon PFI-5100 Photo Cyan (6956C002) is an individual 160 mL LUCIA PRO II pigment ink tank engineered for Canon’s latest generation of large-format printers. Photo Cyan is a dedicated light cyan channel that enhances tonal smoothness in the mid-tones and highlights, especially in skies, water, portraits, and pastel color palettes. As part of Canon’s 12-color LUCIA PRO II system, it delivers superior color fidelity, improved durability, and exhibition-ready prints.

LUCIA PRO II Advantages

Canon’s LUCIA PRO II pigment ink set is designed for demanding photographers, printmakers, and studios. Compared to prior formulations, it is engineered to provide deeper color density, reduced bronzing, better scratch resistance, and excellent gloss uniformity on compatible media. The result is a print that stands up to handling while maintaining a refined, professional finish that meets gallery and client standards.

Why Photo Cyan Matters

Photo Cyan extends the color gamut in light cyan regions where subtlety is critical. By offloading delicate tonal transitions from the standard Cyan channel, Photo Cyan reduces visible stepping and grain in bright skies, light fabrics, and smooth gradients. The payoff is smoother transitions, more lifelike highlights, and finer detail in low-density areas without sacrificing overall saturation or accuracy.

Engineered Compatibility

PFI-5100 tanks are designed for Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600, PRO-4600, and PRO-6600 large-format printers. Canon’s closed-loop color and media management ensures the Photo Cyan channel integrates seamlessly with the 12-color ink set, printer firmware, and Canon Media Configuration files for predictable, repeatable results across print runs and media types.

160 mL Capacity for Productive Workflows

With a 160 mL fill, the PFI-5100 strikes an ideal balance between cost efficiency and agility in small-to-mid production environments. It’s a smart choice for studios and labs that value reliable color while managing ink rotation and freshness. For higher-volume needs, Canon also offers larger companion tanks in this family.

Pigment-Based, Archival Performance

As a pigment formulation, LUCIA PRO II Photo Cyan offers excellent lightfastness and longevity on compatible Canon media. Prints exhibit outstanding color stability and resistance to environmental factors when displayed or archived properly. The improved surface toughness helps reduce micro-scratches during handling and finishing.

Consistent Results With Canon Media and Profiles

For best results, pair PFI-5100 inks with Canon photo and fine art media. Canon’s ICC profiles and media configuration files are tuned to the LUCIA PRO II ink set and printer mechanics, helping you achieve near plug-and-play color accuracy, superior black density, and excellent gloss uniformity on luster, semi-gloss, and glossy stocks.

Key Benefits at a Glance

PFI-5100 Photo Cyan delivers smoother gradients and subtle tonal control in the light cyan range. Expect refined highlights in skies and water, natural-looking skin tones in high-key portraits, and clean transitions in light-colored textiles and product backgrounds. Reduced bronzing and improved scratch resistance contribute to a premium, professional finish straight out of the printer.

Ideal Applications

PFI-5100 Photo Cyan is perfect for fine art and photo prints where nuance matters—landscapes with wide open skies, seascapes, high-key portraiture, architectural renderings with glass and reflective surfaces, and product imagery on light backgrounds. It’s equally strong for proofing workflows that require consistent soft gradients and repeatable color.

Usage Tips & Best Practices

- Keep firmware and drivers up to date to leverage Canon’s latest color algorithms and media tables.
- Use Canon-recommended media for optimal gamut, gloss uniformity, and durability.
- Allow prints to fully cure before mounting, framing, or laminating—especially on glossy stocks.
- Store ink tanks at room temperature and avoid prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight.
- Calibrate and profile your monitor and workflow periodically to maintain tight screen-to-print matching.

Why Choose Genuine Canon Ink

Canon inks are engineered alongside Canon printheads, printers, and media. Genuine PFI-5100 tanks help maintain printhead health, reduce downtime from clogging or inconsistency, and ensure color you can trust on deadline. Third-party inks can compromise gamut, reliability, and longevity—risks that cost more than they save in professional environments.

Recommended Accessories

- Canon LUCIA PRO II companion tanks: Photo Magenta, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Matte Black, Photo Black, Gray, Photo Gray, Red, Blue, Chroma Optimizer (as supported by your printer model).
- Canon photo and fine art papers with matching ICC profiles.
- Maintenance cartridges and printhead cleaning kits recommended for your imagePROGRAF PRO series printer.
- Archival storage and display materials to preserve longevity.

Compatibility Snapshot

Designed for Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 (24"), PRO-4600 (44"), and PRO-6600 (60"). Always verify your printer’s ink set and tank model before ordering; PFI-5100 Photo Cyan corresponds to the LUCIA PRO II generation.

Who Is It For?

Professional photographers, print studios, and fine art producers who need consistent, gallery-grade output and the color subtlety that only a dedicated Photo Cyan channel can deliver. If your work lives in luminous highlights and delicate tones, the PFI-5100 Photo Cyan is a crucial part of your color-critical toolkit.