QTR-Quadtone RIP

> Do people have any views about whether the i1 is more accurate 
> in test or patch mode? 

In an informal comparison of spectros and individual patch v. strip reading,
I concluded the single patch readings were more consistent.  Whether the
variation is significant -- i.e., makes a visible difference -- was not
evaluated.  The different spectro types were the i1, PFP, and X-Rite
"Digital Swatchbook."  The Lab L readings in single patch readings were
quite similar among the units.  The Lab A and B often varied up to 1 unit,
and perhaps a bit more, in the neutral range, which is all that was tested
with the test strips we circulated.  In discussions with C. David Tobie, I
concluded the Lab A & B inconsistencies were a function of the price most of
us are willing to pay.  The really accurate units are very expensive and not
worth the marginal expense for individual photographers.

I personally concluded the inexpensive PFP would be all I needed for B&W,
but for color strip reading is definitely needed, since the color targets
with small numbers of patches are not very good.  

The PFP text output is very convenient to use with QTR and other B&W
profiling.  I personally open the file with Excel and graph results to get a
quick visual picture of where I'm at.  For manually working up a set of
curves, the Lab L graph can simply be compared to a straight line that is
drawn on the paper.  It's then obvious which areas need to be made darker or
lighter.  The better the curves set going into linearization (no sharp
kinks, for example), the better the final output.  Easy graphing has become
very important to me.

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com