Re: Colorvision/Photocal Spyder
Re: Colorvision/Photocal Spyder
- Subject: Re: Colorvision/Photocal Spyder
- From: Joel <email@hidden>
- Date: Mon, 7 May 2001 12:54:46 -0500
From: Peter Calvin <email@hidden>
(clip)
My mistake was assuming that Photocal used the selected profile as a
starting point.
Several people on and off list have stated that the program does not use
this selected profile, but creates it's own from scratch.
Yes.
(clip)
I have been using Adobe Gamma to calibrate my monitor's profile since my
introduction to Photoshop.
(hack)
Yes.
I tried profiling my monitor with the newest PhotoCal software and a
Colorvision Spyder. I have uninstalled and
reinstalled the program several times, trashed the preferences and re-
calibrated my monitor at least 10 times using both the "better" and "faster"
modes. The results are the same.
(clip, hack, whack)
It's not the install.
BTW - Better is better.
My monitor's color using PhotoCal is flat,
washed out and has a light green/cyan cast, like a watercolor wash. As I
click back and forth from one profile to the other, the difference is
evident. My Adobe Gamma profile if the "neutral" one. (by a mile!)
(snip, snip)
...but more of the slap yourself on
the forehead, oh my God what have I screwed up now level.
(grin, smirk, snip, clip...been there, done that...whack, whack, whack)
In Extensions Manager Control Panel turn off Adobe Gamma, Knoll
Gamma, Default Calibrator, and any monitor software/demo versions you
might have running. Restart. Go to
SystemFolder>ColorSyncProfilesFolder>DisplayFolder and GetInfo on the
alias which resides there. This indicates which profile is actually
in use by the Monitors Control Panel. Trash it. (I use OptiCal which
has PreCal for calibrating RGB-guns. I don't know if PhotoCal has
that, but if it does it's a must do.) Start up PhotoCal and commence
calibration. Give the profile a name unique to your monitor
calibration. When finished, go to Monitors Control Panel and make
sure the profile you just created is in use. Check the alias in the
Displayfolder to make sure it jives wit da one you want. If it does
not, trash the alias again, re-select the desired profile in the
Monitors Control Panel. Check your alias/monitor syncro again. It
should be the same. If it is this should get you up and running. If
it ain't, you have a system level problem or another app fighting for
control of your monitor reference.
I borrowed this gadget and program from a friend to tryout over the weekend
with the intention of buying it and the printer profile software if it
worked out, but right now I am more inclined to give a shot to Monaco's
product.
We demo'd it. It's good. But we prefer the Spyder and the flexibility
of OptiCal. Better bang for the buck.
When I asked about profiling on this list a while back, people all
said, "Get Colorvision" and it obviously works for them. There is no manual
for PhotoCal to download from Colorvision, just the onscreen (and very
simple) instructions.
I used to like reading manuals. Now I just guess and blame Henrik.
I assume I have screwed up, but can't find out where.
Though I am no prepress professional, as a photographer for nearly 30 years
I have dealt with color enough to know a neutral gray when I see one and I
haven't gotten it with PhotoCal.
Hrmmph! I take exception to the implication all prepress people are
professionals! Many of us are just plain, simple folk, with simple
dreams, simple minds and poor political judgement. I'm going back to
saving Pikachu on my handy-dandy, calibrated color Gameboy!
good luck entering the neutral zone...
--
joel johnstone - designtype
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
email: work: email@hidden
(former photographer...now just pickin' who knows?)