Digital BW, The Print

In a message dated 1/21/06 11:32:25 AM, tom.husband@... writes:


> Does the reflection plaque (X-Rite #302-12) degrade over time?  I read
> where you should replace it every 18 month but at $71 it's bit steep.
> It's a ceramic coating and I would think it would last quite a while.
> 
Thats part of the price of advanced equipment. Even the EyeOne spectro 
documentation tells you to return it to Gretag annually for testing and/or 
calibration; though I don't know of any end users who actually do so on an annual 
schedule.
> 
> I get readings of 0.110 - 0.140 in the 0% patch for HPR and Dourian
> Art with Eboni and 0.140 on Epson Premium Luster with PKN ink.  I'm
> questioning my readings and have calibrated the 810 using a new
> transmission film (X-Rite #810-68) but the plaque is about 10 years
> old.  Should I pop for a new one?  Are there cheaper ones around?
> 
You really need to calibrate a specific device to the white tile it ships 
with; one of the reason replacements are so expensive is that they need to meet 
exacting standards to retain your accuracy. If they recalibrated your device at 
the lab, they could probably do it on a range of white tiles, but if they 
send one out to you without recalibration, it must be a tight match to the one it 
shipped with originally. BCRA-grade tiles tend to cost as much or more than 
your device-specific tile. So if you have a ten year old one, my advice is to, 
at a minimum, get it replaced; ideally send the unit back for a checkup as 
well as a tile replacement.

C. David Tobie
Product Technology Manager
ColorVision, Inc.
CDTobie@...
www.colorvision.com


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