Digital BW, The Print

Is there a B/W test image available for download that is similar to
the PDI image for color.  Of course I could convert that to B/W but
that would introduce another variable.  Of course a nice Ansel would
be wonderful (Tounge in Cheek)!!
I really want to compare my printer with a known standard.

Bazzer

Bazzer -

Try Norman Koren's very informative site, in particular this page which  
has test images for download:

http://www.normankoren.com/makingfineprints4.html#BW_testchart

Let  me know offlist if you need them sending direct

Best regards

Andy

Andy 

Thanks for posting a link to the test chart. I have a question for you
if you know. I'm using a 1280 with MIS UT2 inks. Should I follow
Paul's workflow with curves? I printed the test image on Epson
Enhanced Matte. I converted the image to RGB and applied Paul's
neutral curve for EEM. When the image was printed all steps were
distinguishable but black was black but it seemed that the preceding
grey values were lighter than should be. If you or anyone can chime in
on this I would appreciate it. Thanks.

(I quickly reviewing posts, I'm not sure if this one was answered, if so,
sorry for the redundancy.)

> ...I'm using a 1280 with MIS UT2 inks. ...
> I printed the test image on Epson Enhanced Matte.
> I converted the image to RGB and applied Paul's
> neutral curve for EEM. When the image was printed all steps were
> distinguishable [the] black was black but it seemed that the preceding
> grey values were lighter than should be. ...

I'm moving all my workflows to the ICC method so that people can more easily
linearize their systems and so that the prints will match the monitors
better.  I'll have some 1280 ICCs posted soon.

I (and many others doing B&W) used custom dot gain curves to match the
monitor to the print in the past.  I understand this is more than most want
to mess with.

Printers differ slightly from each other -- as do all paper and (more so)
inkset batches.  So, doing custom curves is the best way.  I tweak my curves
as needed, but, again, I understand most don't want to mess with this.  The
ICC method with Roy Harrington's "Create ICC" will allow everyone with a
decent scanner to linearize their systems.  See
http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Making_B-W_ICCs.htm

As another interim approach, consider changing your gray working space to
Dot gain 20%.  The monitor might match the print better.  (Change the space
before opening the file or convert the file to this space.)

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com

Paul,
Thanks for replying. I like the idea of an .icc workflow. Can't wait
to try your profiles. Also looks like creating my own will be possible
too. Where will you post your profiles? Thanks again.

Chad

> I'm moving all my workflows to the ICC method so that people can
more easily
> linearize their systems and so that the prints will match the monitors
> better.  I'll have some 1280 ICCs posted soon.
> 
> I (and many others doing B&W) used custom dot gain curves to match the
> monitor to the print in the past.  I understand this is more than
most want
> to mess with.
> 
> Printers differ slightly from each other -- as do all paper and
(more so)
> inkset batches.  So, doing custom curves is the best way.  I tweak
my curves
> as needed, but, again, I understand most don't want to mess with
this.  The
> ICC method with Roy Harrington's "Create ICC" will allow everyone with a
> decent scanner to linearize their systems.  See
> http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Making_B-W_ICCs.htm
> 
> As another interim approach, consider changing your gray working
space to
> Dot gain 20%.  The monitor might match the print better.  (Change
the space

> before opening the file or convert the file to this space.)
> 
> Paul
> www.PaulRoark.com
>

Andy,
Thanks for the link.  Yes I downloaded the file and it's a very usuful
image.  I have already used it to make a couple of test prints with QTR.  
I was hoping for something in the public domain that was a good sized
landscape.

Bazzer

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, andy
<andywebster@v...> wrote:
>
> Bazzer -
> 
> Try Norman Koren's very informative site, in particular this page
which  

> has test images for download:
> 
> http://www.normankoren.com/makingfineprints4.html#BW_testchart
> 
> Let  me know offlist if you need them sending direct
> 
> Best regards
> 
> Andy
>

Chad,

> ... I like the idea of an .icc workflow. Can't wait
> to try your profiles. Also looks like creating my own will be possible
> too. Where will you post your profiles? 

I'll probably have them on the same download page as the curves.  The UT2
Readme will link to it.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com 

> Chad
> 
> > I'm moving all my workflows to the ICC method so that people can
> more easily
> > linearize their systems and so that the prints will match the monitors
> > better.  I'll have some 1280 ICCs posted soon.
> >
> > I (and many others doing B&W) used custom dot gain curves to match the
> > monitor to the print in the past.  I understand this is more than
> most want
> > to mess with.
> >
> > Printers differ slightly from each other -- as do all paper and
> (more so)
> > inkset batches.  So, doing custom curves is the best way.  I tweak
> my curves
> > as needed, but, again, I understand most don't want to mess with
> this.  The
> > ICC method with Roy Harrington's "Create ICC" will allow everyone with a
> > decent scanner to linearize their systems.  See
> > http://home1.gte.net/res09aij/Making_B-W_ICCs.htm
> >
> > As another interim approach, consider changing your gray working
> space to
> > Dot gain 20%.  The monitor might match the print better.  (Change
> the space
> > before opening the file or convert the file to this space.)
> >
> > Paul
> > www.PaulRoark.com
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 03:47:14 -0000
   From: "tflyfish2002" <barry@...>

Try this one, it has some tech tests areas and some landscape areas:

http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/article_pages/black_and_white_test.html

Frank