Printer Calibration

MichaelK

I have a Huey and up until I started using Lightroom my prints were close enough to what I see on the monitor to keep me happy (I was printing with Elements 4).

After wasting paper and time trying to correct printing issue, I have decided I want to buy a device for calibrating my printer to various papers.

I would really prefer to buy something that does not need a scanner (I don't have one).

With that in mind can some one recommend a printer calibration package? Preferably one you have used your self.

Thanks,

jdryan3

MichaelK wrote:

I have a Huey and up until I started using Lightroom my prints were close enough to what I see on the monitor to keep me happy (I was printing with Elements 4).

After wasting paper and time trying to correct printing issue, I have decided I want to buy a device for calibrating my printer to various papers.

I would really prefer to buy something that does not need a scanner (I don't have one).

With that in mind can some one recommend a printer calibration package? Preferably one you have used your self.

Thanks,

Now that you have calibrated your printer, have you downloaded the ICC profile for each paper you use for that printer? I use Ilford (4 types), Inkpress (3 types), Canon (3 types) and Epson (1 type) papers - which makes for 7 different profiles for my Canon PIXMA i5000, and another 7 for the Canon i9900.

If after using the profile for the paper/printer match they are off, THEN I would consider buying a profiling tool for your printer. Also make sure you are using the Proofing function in PS to soft proof before printing. It is shocking the shift (with blue overtones) an image looks like proofed against the Canon Matte White. I always adjust the image again just for that paper. Good Luck!

UPDATE: And don't forget to let PS manage your colors, NOT the printer. If you do a search on color management on this forum, popphoto.com, fredmiranda.com, or Google, you will have enough reading on just the PS printer setup settings to last at least 2 weeks. Seriously.

Poseidon

Welcome to Dgrin!

Before buying a print calibration tool, have you calibrated your monitor? That would be the first step for me.

Edit.... Sorry, missed the very first line. In that case, I would use the .icc profiles suggested above first.

Newsy

I have had some success with this program for generating an ICC profile.

http://www.ddisoftware.com/prism/

You will need to ensure you have a scanner that will work with it. It has a support forum here:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/prismtalk/?yguid=92518502



Also... you can have profiles made for you.

http://www.cathysprofiles.com/

.

MichaelK

Change in direction
Thanks everyone for your input.

I have decided to go back to Adobe and see if I can get their help.

Since the same paper, profile, and printer combination work from Elements 4.0, it seems to me the problem is withing Lightroom.

Also, I have turned on Print Preview in the Epson printer driver, and the preview is coming close to matching what is printing. With the difference being Elements looks much like the original image and Lightroom looks like the saturation and lumination are turned up too high.

Thanks again for your help,

claudermilk

If that doesn't pan out, I'd start weith looking at something like what X-Rite has. Prices for the screen+printer packages had come down a lot, back when I was loaned a calibrator it cost close to $2k. It also took a while to generate the ICC files for all the papers I wanted, but it was worth it; I still get dead-accurate color from screen to printer.