Digital BW, The Print

Hello Scott,

>attempting to create one adjustment curve... and use that for all 
>future prints. Is that nuts? Looks like you are suggesting the 
>generation a a new adjustment curve for each image even though you 
>are using the same final paper. Have you found that to be really 
>necessary? Is using a generic custom created curve not a reliable 
>choice? Obviously our eyes will tell us, but I am interested in your 
>thoughts and experience. 

Good question.  In theory a universal curve ought to do the job.  I
think people who have densitometers and tightly calibrated systems and
carefully made paper profiles are doing that.  But I don't work that
way and so must do the best I can by eyeball.  In the beginning I
thought a single curve would do the job, but soon found that the curve
varies with each image.  They can be similar in shape, but differ
enough in the details to need changes.  The biggest differences are
with images such as high vs low key, high contrast vs lots of
midtones, etc.

My next thought was to save a curve for each paper and use that as a
starting point, and then do minor tweaks to fit each image.  That can
work, but I found in practice that I can make a new one from scratch
in about as much time, so I just drifted away from doing that.

Another thing I found is that the final results can vary with a new
batch of paper or ink.  On a couple of occasions I have modified some
of my saved curves to adjust for that.  I suppose people with
calibrated systems would have to make new profiles as well.

In actual practice making these curves is so quick and easy that it's
just not an issue.

>Thanks again for continuing to help those of us who use the R2400 and 
>like your particular type of work flow!

You're welcome.  Glad it's helpful.


Regards,
Clayton


Info on black and white digital printing at    
http://www.cjcom.net/digiprnarts.htm