Beaned by a Curve Ball...
Beaned by a Curve Ball...
- Subject: Beaned by a Curve Ball...
- From: email@hidden
- Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2001 19:58:25 -0700
So, I'm still trying to figure out a scientific way to edit a curve to a
simulation in-RIP.
I took density readings of a CMYK ramp printed off my offset, and of output
from my Epson, and wanted to compare the two sets of numbers to determine
what shifts I still needed to perform.
For one thing, I had never used a densitometer before, and didn't expect the
readings I got: 1.62, .32, etc. I had always thought densitometers gave you
a percentage of coverage: 5%, 42%, etc. So, my uninformed notion of just
reading densities and subtracting or adding away so the output of the Epson
matches the offset is in the toilet. (I can see it was naive now, but I
know there has to be a way to use instruments in this task...) I used it in
absolute mode (not minus paper; the stocks are very similar, though not
right on).
Anyway, then I tried allowing the highest density reading to equal 100%, and
determine the relationship between the different sets of density readings
that way. Problem is, what it points to is counterintuitive to what I'm
seeing. For example, the density readings say there's more magenta on the
offset, when it appears we still have a serious magenta cast on the Epsons
(like that's anything new).
So, I guess it's another late night doing this by eye with a lightbox and
axing trees. There's got to be a better way!!! (I know, I know, AutoFlow
or some other color server that allows a profile of the Epson to be used...
I'll go there if I absolutely HAVE TO...)
Advice?
-- Jeff Harmon
Colorhythm