Digital BW, The Print

Walt,

> ... The VFA reliably measures ... 1.75 ...

I like a smooth surface, but I'll definitely be giving VFA a try.

> I also notice that the USFA is by far the most difficult to reliably
> profile for ICC profiles with the i1.  I've been doing several readings
> and then averaging them.  I am a bit puzzled by this.  Is the
> i1 "expecting" OBAs?

I doubt it is expecting OBAs, but I don't know.

I've been playing with Roy's "Create ICC" (which I may use with the R220 EZ
system as a first test).  I'm not sure if what I'm seeing is similar to what
you're describing, but I've noticed that the ICC outputs are affected by the
character of the input file.  I'm using an X-Rite and manually inputting
only 21 steps.  There seem to be a lot of variables that can affect these
things.  

One factor appears to be the extent of contrast in the input file's shadows.
It may be that low input contrast, noise and other factors result in some
output inconsistencies.  

I'm not that far down the learning curve yet, but from what I see, a system
will benefit from having enough manual controls that one can tweak the input
and output characteristics in addition to having the ICC.  With the ICC in
the "Print with Preview" workflow (now integrated into the standard "Print"
workflow of Elements 4), I'll be using the Epson driver and keeping the
Color Controls activated to help deal with some of these problems.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com