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Epson 3880 Color still a bit off
Feb 27, 2021 10:22:28   #
StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY
 
During the pandemic I did very little printing. When I started again, I found the colors way off. I have since changed most inks so that all are now within appropriate usage date (none are expired). I purchased a new Spyder X Pro ( the old one would no longer work with Mac OS Catalina), and recalibrated my screen (iMac 27in retina display). I keep the screen brightness down to about 40% (4 brightness bars). I print from Lr Classic (latest version). I use Epson paper with the appropriate ICC profile selected. In Lr, under Color Management, I have the appropriate paper and ICC profile selected. Clicking on either Perceptual or Relative seems to make no difference in the appearance of the photo. I have adjusted both brightness and contrast up to 10 and 9 respectively. In Lr Printer Settings "color mode" is OFF (No Color Management).

When I look at a printed photo, away from the computer, with nothing to compare it to, it looks fine. However, when the print is held up next to the computer, it is evident that the colors a still a bit off.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

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Feb 27, 2021 10:47:04   #
twowindsbear
 
Your monitor TRANSMITS light, your print REFLECTS light. That combination is difficult, if not impossible, to compare equally. If you have enough light on your print, your monitor will not look 'quite right.' If you 'turn the lights down' to properly see your monitor, there's not enough light to evaluate your print. So, my recommendation is to NOT view your prints & your monitor at the same time. That's my WAG.

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Feb 27, 2021 11:33:55   #
StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY
 
twowindsbear wrote:
Your monitor TRANSMITS light, your print REFLECTS light. That combination is difficult, if not impossible, to compare equally. If you have enough light on your print, your monitor will not look 'quite right.' If you 'turn the lights down' to properly see your monitor, there's not enough light to evaluate your print. So, my recommendation is to NOT view your prints & your monitor at the same time. That's my WAG.


Yep. That’s what I figured. Just wanted to make sure all my settings are correct. It would be nice to be able to match photo to screen exactly.

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Feb 28, 2021 08:01:33   #
OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey
 
Calibrate the printer...

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Feb 28, 2021 09:09:13   #
StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY
 
OnDSnap wrote:
Calibrate the printer...


I’ve heart about that. I suppose I can check it out on line. Is there any calibration equipment you recommend?

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Feb 28, 2021 13:54:36   #
magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK
 
Checking monitor to print is not recommended for the reasons twowindsbear mentions above. My paper supplier is quite emphatic that it is pointless. They do however provide bespoke ICC profiles for which it is necessary that you print off a test paper and submit it to them with your printer details. They then create the profile and email it to you, all free of charge. I assume most paper suppliers will do this. It certainly makes a difference.

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