QTR-Quadtone RIP

Hi Daniel!

Do you still need help?

I am on the way too to create my curves and perhaps I can help you a
little bit...

CU

Peter

--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, "emulsion4ever"
<emulsion4ever@...> wrote:
>
> After spending a collective total of (probably) over 50 hours trying
> to get Quadtone RIP to work for me, I'm effectively throwing in the
> towel. I guess this technology is simply beyond me. Kindly forgive the
> drama. It's the voice of frustration.
> 
> Some background Information:
> 
> I'm on a Mac - OSX 10.5 using an Epson 3800, own a T/R densitometer,
> and printing to Pictorico/Inkpress white film (OHP) (for digital
> negatives). I first came across QTR a few months back. I was
> intrigued, but never quote took to it as the documentation was, at
> best, "non-linear" and at worst, just plain confusing. In the last
> couple of weeks I figured I'd try my hand at it. I've read every shred
> of information I could get my hands on. Everything from Ron Reeder's
> site, some other documents/tutorials I came across, stuff posted on
> this forum, and the list goes on. Things just don't add up. 
> 
> In a nutshell - I simply do not understand the concepts involved in
> calibrating, linearizing and/or otherwise making good use of this
> technology. I have no idea how to "interpret" the ink-distribution
> file and everything I've come across seems to skip steps. I had a
> college professor like that some 10 years back. That didn't work out
> either, sadly. But as is the case here, I don't seem to be alone in my
> frustration.
> 
> Would/Could someone take the time to explain how to use this gizmo,
> step-by-step, as if you were talking to a four year old? (figuratively).
> 
> The questions are endless...
> 
> - Does QuadTone RIP print greyscale images using color just by virtue
> of selecting the appropriate profile from the drop-down list within
> the print dialogue? 
> 
> I ask because I'd like to take advantage of printing greyscale digital
> negatives in all available colors as it would undoubtedly eliminate
> the "holes".
> 
> - One document I read (I forget the title, but I'm sure folks here
> will recognize what I'm referring to) says to measure patches off of
> the calibration print (InkSeparation8.tif) to see where "one ink
> leaves off and the other can pick up". How does that work in practical
> terms? Where/how do you "indicate" this in the profile text file?
> Also, ink density (in my experience/experimentation) isn't always
> proportionate to "blocking power". I would think that to be part of
> the point of using multiple colors as each has it's own blocking
> properties. 
> 
> - What's the difference between using 2-greys vs. all 8-greys? 
> 
> - What is the concept of linearizing as pertains to QTR? What's the
> difference between that and the "Grey Curve" setting?
> 
> Anyways... As you can see. I have bits & pieces in my head but
> absolutely nothing cohesive (heh.. probably in more ways then QTR!).
> But from what I've come across in my research, I'm certainly not
> alone. I know I'm not the sharpest pencil in the box but I've read
> posts (both here and on HybridPhoto.com) from folks with Physics and
> Engineering degrees that found the information difficult to understand.
> 
> Is there any hope? I mean.. Obviously this isn't just a simple
> question I'm asking. If anyone would be kind enough to take the time,
> I'm glad to do this by telephone (if that would make things easier)
> and save a whole lot of typing.
> 
> As far as self-help goes, I've certainly done my homework and I'm at
> the end of the line. And yes, I've read whatever was relevant in the
> Docs section of this group.
> 
> Please forgive the frustrated tone, no offense is intended. I'm at a
> point where I either delete this thing or bang my head against the wall!
> 
> Thanks for whatever comes!
> 
> Daniel
> 
> -
>