Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, 
>
> Can anyone tell me if there is any way (3ed party PC software) that
> one can use to convert the curve functions in Photoshop (Transfer
> Function - *.ATF, Curves -*.ACV, Map Settings - *.AMP) into an ICC
> profile (.ICM, or *.ICC) ? 
> 
> I'm asking this question because I assume that if one has an ICC
> file, one can use the "soft proof" feature in Photoshop to
> view what the image will look like when printed on the particular
> device associated with the profile. Thus, in theory, when making
> density, or color changes to an image, while in the "soft
> proof" mode, the user will see what the final output will look
> like.
> 
> I'm making digital negatives for contact printing using
> imagesetter and inkjet printers and have developed custom curves to
> correct the tone densities of the respective materials. 
> After the curves are applied to the image in Photoshop, the image
> looks, as you might expect, very strange on-screen. If I had an ICC
> profile for the litho film material with the curve applied, I could
> make image adjustments in the "soft proof" mode. This
> approach seems more intuitive to me.
> 
> Does anyone have any suggestions? Is what I'm suggesting a
> possibility?  
> 
> Dave Spielman


I think Kodak had something or other that might do this sort of thing. 
It was made for editing a profile by changing an image (with adjustment 
layers type of operations) to make it look like the print out, then it 
would tweak the profile with the inverse of the corrections you made.

I think it was a stand alone program but it may work in photoshop, not 
sure.  I believe it was part of their "KODAK COLORFLOW ICC Profile 
Tools"

The only other thing that I know that might do this is whatever new 
application Jon Cone came up with to make the profiles for piezoTones 
that will be selling soon. I don't think he will be selling the 
software used to make them though (at least not soon or for any cheap 
dollar amount). They may do a custom profile for you, it couldn't hurt 
to ask. I would make sure to communicate that you have the curves all 
ready and they don't have to do anything at all other than convert 
them.

Let us know if you figure anything out as there a lot of uses for this 
sort of thing.

-mh