Digital BW, The Print

Chris,

> > ... An ICC in the print
> > preview might be very useful in workflows that use sliders 
> > because they can throw off the ramp.

> So, to be sure I understand, I would use an ICC in this 
> workflow to linearize the system (smooth the ramp and match
>  the print to the monitor), while using the sliders 
> to vary the tone?

That is one way that the slider method of control might be used.

However, I'd also recommend you start simple.  You could start with a simple
UT-R2 system with no ICCs, sliders or curves.  As you're finding out, the
learning curve can be rather long and intimidating for someone just starting
out with digital B&W.  I think the positive feedback of loading the ink,
pushing the print button and getting a good print with nothing more is
important, and the UT-R2 is one of the best ways to get to that there.



> > The UT7 is a variable-tone inkset. There is no warm or neutral version.
> > The tone is controlled by the curves -- either PS or QTR. 
> > When I wrote the UT7 Readme file I used the workflow that 
> > converts the grayscale to RGB and then applies the tone curve in PS.
> > If I were to use that inkset today, I'd
> > embed the curves into ICCs, as described in the above URL.

> In this case I would download the curves and use Roy's tool to 
> make an ICC profile for each paper and tone 
> (i.e. cool/warm/sepia) combination I wanted?

Yes.  For the 1280 I made a few ICCs in part just to see that the system
would work.  For UT7, you'd have to make your own, but the curves are where
the work is, and there are quite a few of them posted on my web pages.

For an explanation of how to embed curves into ICCs, see
http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Embedding_Photoshop_Curves_in_ICCs.pdf


> In some cases (not all, as you explained in an earlier post) 
> I could use the ICC profile to soft-proof the print in PS as 
> well as inserting it in the "Print with preview" dialog to 
> smooth the ramp and alter the tone of the print?

Yes.

Happy printing.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com