Canon imageCLASS MF7470 review

A large-paper network reference with important source conflicts

The Canon imageCLASS MF7470 is an earlier U.S. monochrome multifunction reference, identified as 2237B007AA in its original brochure. It handles printing, copying, telephone fax and color network scanning, including loose originals and output paper up to 11 by 17 inches. Its size and older software arrangement make it a different proposition from a small modern desktop multifunction printer.

Two primary-source conflicts deserve attention before choosing it around a hard specification. The brochure advertises 25 Letter pages per minute, but the operating manual's model-specific table assigns MF7470 18 Letter sheets per minute and MF7480 25. The printer section points back to that table. This review uses the MF7470 operating column for matching and keeps the competing advertised claim visible.

Large sheets change both input and original capacity

Two 250-sheet paper drawers are standard. The bypass holds 80 normal Letter sheets, giving a 580-sheet Letter total. For Legal or Tabloid paper, its limit drops to 50, giving a 550-sheet total. An office keeping longer forms ready should use the latter quantity when planning an unattended job.

The original feeder has a similar size distinction. It accepts 50 Letter originals or 25 Legal/Tabloid originals at the stated 80 gsm basis. Load suitable loose pages face up, adjust the guides and follow the horizontal placement instruction for the longer sizes. Do not use a headline 50-sheet feeder capacity as permission for a 50-page Tabloid stack.

Automatic input duplex is documented, but the mechanism reverses the original. The operating guide explicitly describes turning two-sided originals over. It therefore qualifies as a reversing duplex feeder, rather than a single-pass scanner. Those two mechanisms should remain distinct when choosing around fragile originals or repeated document intake.

Network scanning needs Color Network ScanGear

The actual computer capture procedure is specific: install compatible Color Network ScanGear, enter Scan mode, switch the scanner online and initiate capture through the software. Switching online enables communication with other devices on the network. After scanning, switch offline when needed to return to other operations.

USB is a documented printer connection, but it does not establish the same scanning route. The scanner procedure is network-based. The support reference also limits Mac to printing and PC fax, so its broad Mac compatibility wording should not be interpreted as Mac scanner support. Confirm the exact driver and computer arrangement before relying on this older machine.

The family manual contains direct sending to servers and email, but marks that send functionality MF7480-only. MF7470's color network capture is not a reason to borrow those neighboring-model destinations. Similarly, Department ID management controls access; it does not by itself establish a PIN-held confidential print job.

Verify the larger glass before relying on it

The brochure repeatedly declares a large glass of approximately 11.75 by 17 inches, and the Basic guide's general maximum agrees. However, both the Basic and Reference original-requirement tables instead state 216 by 297 mm for glass placement. These are materially different boundaries, not a small rounding difference.

This review consequently assigns only the common confirmed Letter/A4 glass scope. If a bound Legal or Tabloid original must fit entirely on the glass, verify the actual unit and applicable documentation before choosing it for that task. Loose Legal and Tabloid feeder intake remains separately documented and does not depend on resolving the glass conflict.

Native print duplex has explicit media limits

The computer-printing chapter documents automatic two-sided output on Letter, Legal, Tabloid, A4 and A3, among other named sizes. It permits 64–90 gsm media for that operation. Envelopes, labels, transparencies and the heavier paper categories cannot use the same duplex setting.

Set the appropriate paper source and type in the exact PCL or UFR II LT driver. The bypass supports occasional special media, including ten envelopes, but accepted media and automatic duplex are separate capabilities. Print-side orientation also differs between drawer and bypass when using preprinted stock.

Plan space and supplies for an older substantial unit

The operating guide gives a body of 24.5 inches wide, 26.625 deep and 29.75 high, with additional width required when the bypass opens. The cabinet shown in the brochure is optional. Manual and brochure weights disagree without a consistent loaded basis, so loaded weight remains unknown here.

The brochure includes a full-yield Cartridge 105, rated around 10,000 pages at 5% coverage, combining toner and drum. Its 50,000-page maximum monthly duty declaration is not a routine recommendation. Choose MF7470 around its verified network and large-sheet routes, while treating the documented speed and glass conflicts as decisions to resolve before an essential purchase or deployment.