This is the 2nd time I print RA-4. It was not very successful the first time around.
The paper is Fuji Super Type C, 8" roll paper I cut with paper cutter to 8x10. The paper was last shipped from warehouse in 2008. The chemicals I use is from CPAC, Trebla ColorPAC RA-4 package. The chemicals are several years old, but still sealed. I'm using a Saunders 4550 XLG.
The first time, I was using the ColorStar 3000. It was confusing since the paper is a little outdated and the RA-4 chemicals were probably even older. I started with test strips without the color analyzer. But I was not going anywhere. So I plugged in the ColorStar 3000. To get the color right, I printed like 30 of the test strips to calibrate the color analyzer. But the grey paper came out was not really grey. I was never able to get real grey test paper. Probably I did not control the chemicals well since I re-used the chemicals and the replenishing process was not controlled.
This time, everything is about the same, but I'm using the Colorline 7000 color analyzer. I printed 2 test strips, but it is not success with the color. I started with filter set at Y50/M40, then Y70/M60 and Y90/M60. Color still on the red side.
Then I connected the color analyzer to calibrate it. I only needed 5 test strips (one is unexposed) and got grey paper the 3rd and 4th time. At the 4th test strip, the calibration ended by itself with final value of 54 56 54 53. And I got real grey paper.
Then I used this channel to test print a random negative from a friend. The test strip came out very nice. The colors are correct, but over-exposed by about 1 stop. I figure this has to do with the way I used the probe. I'll adjust the way I select test points next time.
I think the Colorline 7000 is better than the ColorStar 3000. Jobo says it can arrive at calibration very quickly and this is true. The other thing I improved is the chemicals. This time, I made 2 liters of RA developer. I made 1 liter working solution with the rest as replenisher. I do not re-use the working solution, but save it in another bottle. After I use all the working solution, I'll replenish it and re-use it again. This way, I'll get the consistence I need.
Getting colors right can hugely save time and effort. Now I still have several rolls of paper and all the chemicals, I need to spend more time printing.
The paper is Fuji Super Type C, 8" roll paper I cut with paper cutter to 8x10. The paper was last shipped from warehouse in 2008. The chemicals I use is from CPAC, Trebla ColorPAC RA-4 package. The chemicals are several years old, but still sealed. I'm using a Saunders 4550 XLG.
The first time, I was using the ColorStar 3000. It was confusing since the paper is a little outdated and the RA-4 chemicals were probably even older. I started with test strips without the color analyzer. But I was not going anywhere. So I plugged in the ColorStar 3000. To get the color right, I printed like 30 of the test strips to calibrate the color analyzer. But the grey paper came out was not really grey. I was never able to get real grey test paper. Probably I did not control the chemicals well since I re-used the chemicals and the replenishing process was not controlled.
This time, everything is about the same, but I'm using the Colorline 7000 color analyzer. I printed 2 test strips, but it is not success with the color. I started with filter set at Y50/M40, then Y70/M60 and Y90/M60. Color still on the red side.
Then I connected the color analyzer to calibrate it. I only needed 5 test strips (one is unexposed) and got grey paper the 3rd and 4th time. At the 4th test strip, the calibration ended by itself with final value of 54 56 54 53. And I got real grey paper.
Then I used this channel to test print a random negative from a friend. The test strip came out very nice. The colors are correct, but over-exposed by about 1 stop. I figure this has to do with the way I used the probe. I'll adjust the way I select test points next time.
I think the Colorline 7000 is better than the ColorStar 3000. Jobo says it can arrive at calibration very quickly and this is true. The other thing I improved is the chemicals. This time, I made 2 liters of RA developer. I made 1 liter working solution with the rest as replenisher. I do not re-use the working solution, but save it in another bottle. After I use all the working solution, I'll replenish it and re-use it again. This way, I'll get the consistence I need.
Getting colors right can hugely save time and effort. Now I still have several rolls of paper and all the chemicals, I need to spend more time printing.
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