Just FYI, the XEROX brand cartridges for this model (470cx) are quite expensive--maybe $50+ per cartridge @ OD. Plus they are HARD to find locally. Whereas the lexmark cartridges are everywhere.
Well, the 470cx uses the same lexmark print technology as the lexmark models Z11/Z31/3200/5700, etc. So, I searched and hoped that I could substitute the standard lexmark 12a1980 color cartridge for the xerox specific model (8r7880). It turns out you CAN with a small modification-- you have to remove the blue 2-tab alignment piece located top center of the color bay in the cartridge tray.
All that involves is a pair of pliers and about 5lbs of pressure--the whole blue tab piece will come out (it just clips in) and then the new cartridge will snap into the slot no problem. (You probably want to put some counter pressure on the tray to make sure you don't pull anything EXCEPT the blue tab piece.
Bottom line, I did it without knowing for sure it would work (couldn't find anyone else who's tried it--but I'm sure someone has). It does and I saved ~$20 on the cartridge by using the standard lexmark model cartridge ($34 for replacement @ target) . The same trick should work for the black cartridge, (12a1970 I think is the Lexmark #) just pull out the black 2-tab piece the same way as you did the blue tab piece in the color cartridge tray (in the printer).
This involves NO modifications to the actual ink cartridge(s). I installed the color only at this point and did the self tests and so far it looks good. I can't guarantee that all the xerox470cx's have the same ink-cartridge holder so they might not all have the tab piece that pulls out like mine did. Thus, YMMV.
And I posted this here because these were on clearance at OD a few months back and I believe a few folks got them and this should save them some $$$ after the refill kits stop working on the original cartridges.
Well, the 470cx uses the same lexmark print technology as the lexmark models Z11/Z31/3200/5700, etc. So, I searched and hoped that I could substitute the standard lexmark 12a1980 color cartridge for the xerox specific model (8r7880). It turns out you CAN with a small modification-- you have to remove the blue 2-tab alignment piece located top center of the color bay in the cartridge tray.
All that involves is a pair of pliers and about 5lbs of pressure--the whole blue tab piece will come out (it just clips in) and then the new cartridge will snap into the slot no problem. (You probably want to put some counter pressure on the tray to make sure you don't pull anything EXCEPT the blue tab piece.
Bottom line, I did it without knowing for sure it would work (couldn't find anyone else who's tried it--but I'm sure someone has). It does and I saved ~$20 on the cartridge by using the standard lexmark model cartridge ($34 for replacement @ target) . The same trick should work for the black cartridge, (12a1970 I think is the Lexmark #) just pull out the black 2-tab piece the same way as you did the blue tab piece in the color cartridge tray (in the printer).
This involves NO modifications to the actual ink cartridge(s). I installed the color only at this point and did the self tests and so far it looks good. I can't guarantee that all the xerox470cx's have the same ink-cartridge holder so they might not all have the tab piece that pulls out like mine did. Thus, YMMV.
And I posted this here because these were on clearance at OD a few months back and I believe a few folks got them and this should save them some $$$ after the refill kits stop working on the original cartridges.
