Digital BW, The Print

I suspect the difference in the shadows has nothing to do with the systems
as such, but how they are adjusted to render a 95% tone -- or how the
printer is printing that tone on that particular day.

I try to hit a 95% output with a 95% input.  Many Piezo test strips I've
seen have the 95% input hitting about 93% in the output.  Of course, others
have the 95% compressed to 98% and yet others are right on 95%.

I'm sure the vm curves also vary considerably in the real world of printers
that are not made to the most exacting standards and vary from day to day by
a few percentage points.  (One list member has found that the pro level
printers are much better than the desktop units with respect to this
variability.)

The variable-tone curves can be set to output whatever tone/density is
desired.  If more shadow detail is wanted, simply move the points of the
curve up 1 or 2 units from where they are and smooth the transition to avoid
a flat spot above that point.

Paul
http://www.PaulRoark.com