Calibrating Epson 4870 PRO scanner

[mep_75]

Two issues concerning calibration. First of all, I tried calibrating and creating a profile of my Epson 4870 PRO with Monaco EZ color 2 and I receive an error message stating "there is a problem with this data (gray scales are incorrect) Check your cropping and rescan if necessary." I tried rescanning several times according to Monaco's cropping specifications to no avail. I still receive the same error message. I am at a loss as how to properly scan the image in order to load it into Monaco and continue the process. I was hoping someone might be able to help me with any suggestions.
Secondly, I was reading the SilverFast Official Guide book and there is a section on calibration through the SilverFast software. Unfortunately I do not see the button located anywhere within the software to initiate the calibration procedure. I am using verson 6.2 of SilverFast currently. I thought it might be because I purchased the Epson 4870 PRO version with Monaco EZ color 2 bundled with the hardware and as a result the included version of SilverFast perhaps did not include the calibaration function. I would like to use it if possible rather than Monaco. I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

[LSI_Rossee]

Dear mep_75.

Thanks for the interest in our SilverFast Software. I am not aware of the calibration process in EZ color but there are a lot of parameters which you need to set correctly in order to have the appropriate file for a calibration. Thats why we made it as simple as possible for the SilverFast Users when using the optional IT8 calibration in SilverFast Ai. No seetings need to be made, SilverFast will automatically adjust the parameters. In the end you want to calibrate the scanner and yield consistent colors without having to become a colormanagement consultant.
The IT8 feature is optional for the Ai version (frankly not available for the SE). In Version 6.2.0r8we introduced the Welcomescreen.


The Upgrade Info Button will take you to our webpage with the available upgrade options. Please check whether you have the most actual version with the <a href="/img/forum/webupdate.jpg" target=_blank>WEBupdate</a> feature.

Kind regards.

[mep_75]

I recently tried upgrading to version 6.2.0r8 but when I opened the SilverFast application within Photoshop Elements 2 or as a standalone application after upgrading it the version is recognized as 6.2.0t8 for some reason. I checked the SilverFast setup application I used to install the software upgrade and it correctly reads as version 6.2.0r8. I am not sure the exact difference between the "t" and "r" versions but it does not contain the calibration feature that I inquired about in an earlier post. When I click on the update feature within SilverFast to check for upgrades, it says there is a new software upgrade available even after I supposedly installed the 6.2.0r8 upgrade. I then tried downloading it again, uninstalling the software, and reinstalling with the newly downloaded upgrade application but it still reads as the "t" version 6.2.0t8. Any help on this matter would be appreciated. Thank you.

[gcthomason]

I updated this procedure May 2, 2004 to make sure that the gradation and color adjustments are reset. Also, make sure that the scanner is warmed up before making the IT8 scans, otherwise you may obtain erroneous results. GCT 5/2/2004

FWIW - I calibrated April 2, 2004 and May 2, 2004 using this procedure. Here are the before & after results for my scanner.

GS0(R,G,B) GS11 (R,G,B) GS23 (R,G,B)
___________________________________________________________
acceptable range 235-250 110-115 10-25
___________________________________________________________
4/2/2004 241,247,250 109,115,110 20,19,20
AC ON
___________________________________________________________
5/2/2004 236,245,252 111,117,115 20,30,26
(using 4/2/2004 ICM profile)
AC ON
___________________________________________________________
5/2/2004 245,247,250 109,114,110 16,17,21
(using 5/2/2004 ICM profile)
AC ON
___________________________________________________________
AC = automatic color adjustment

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I had a difficult time figuring out the Silverfast CMS with my EPSON 4870 as well. My suggestion for mep_75 - I was successful at creating the ICC file using Monaco, I suggest that you read the Monaco manual PDF file closely as you go through the on-screen procedure. It is somewhat complicated to find all of the 'automatic correction' features in Silverfast that need to be OFF during the profile scan. This web-site is very helpful at helpng you learn what to do: read "basic steps to IT8 scanning" http://www.computer-darkroom.com/sf5_contents.htm

*************************************************************

I found that the monitor profile generated by Monaco was not compatible with Photoelements nor with Silverfast. Instead, locate the program Adobe Gamma.cpl that loaded into your computer with the Photoelements program. I had to search with windoze exploder to find out where it was hiding. Use this program to generate the ICC profile for your monitor.

Next step is to go back into Silverfast and turn on the automatic adjustments that were disabled for the scanner calibration and also enable the ICM using your new calibration information. After this is done, you should make another scan of the IT8 target using Silverfast with the automatic adjustments ON. Then, using Photoshop Elements, check GS0, GS11, and GS23 to make sure they are within acceptable range. If they are, I assume that the calibration was done correctly.

Overview of the EPSON 4870 calibration process:
1) Generate monitor ICC profile using Adobe Gamma.cpl.
2.) Generate scanner ICC profile using Monaco.
3) Reset the Silverfast Auto settings and scan the IT8 target again with auto adjustments on.
4) Check the calibration using the IT8 scan from step 3.

Here are my step by step notes for this procedure. My system is running windoze XP.

Instructions for Reflective Scan calibration of the EPSON 4870 scanner with MonacoEZcolor2 and Photo elements.

First, calibrate the monitor with the Adobe Gamma.cpl program. This will build the ICC file needed for color matching with Photo Elements.

Now for the scanner calibration using MonacoEZcolor25 and Silverfast software.

1. Start Monaco EX Color 2.6
2. Initiate the Create Input Profile Program
3. Follow the instructions on the screen
4. Before scanning the IT8 target with Silverfast, make the following Silverfast settings to disable the automatic adjustments;
On the FRAME tab, set
a) Scan type = 48 -> 24 Bit Color
b) Filter -> none
c) Setting -> save
d) Image Type -> Standard
e) 100% scale Horizontal & Vertical
f) Q Factor = 1
g) DPI = 200

On the General Tab set
a) Scan Mode Normal
b) Original Reflective
c) Pos/Neg Positive
d) Frame Set Save

On the FRAME OPTIONS CMS TAB set
a) Input->Internal NONE
b) Internal ->Monitor None
c) Internal->Output RGB
d) Scanner Reflective None
e) Internal None
f) Grey None
g) Rendering Intent Perceptual
h) Embedded ISS Profile unchecked

On the FRAME OPTIONS General TAB set
a) Color Module RGB
b) Units of Measure Inch
c) Densitometer Radius 2 Pixel
d) Default Setting Silverfast Defaults
e) Option Parameter Save
f) Interpolation Silverfast Standard
g) High Resolution Prescan 1X
h) Gamma Gradation 2.2
i) Q-Factor 1
j) Reopen SF after scan (not checked)
k) Show Image After Scan (not checked)
l) Realtime Correction (checked)
m) Edge of soft mask 0.00

On the FRAME OPTIONS AUTO TAB set
a) Auto Threshold 2, levels not checked
b) Auto Threshold Shadow 2, levels not checked
c) Highlight Offset 2
d) Shadow Offset 98
e) Color Cast Removal 100, active not set
f) Auto Frame Insert 10
g) Autopip Middlefactor ?30, 30
h) Auto Contrast not checked
i) ACR when automatic not checked
j) MidPip Fixed Target 50, active not checked
k) There is no step k so take a break and have an ice cold one for me.

On the FRAME OPTIONS Special TAB set
a) Halftoning No Dither
b) Color Filter White
c) Prescan Monochrome not checked
d) Prescan Draft checked
e) Scan Draft not checked
f) Limit Gamma Slope not checked

Select the Apply button
Select the OK button

Select the histogram button and select
a) RESET button (this should turn off the automatic adjustment)
b) OK button
c) Repeat RESET for the gradation adjustment button
d) Repeat RESET for the selective color correction
e) Repeat RESET for the global color correction


Now, place the IT8 target on the scanner, it should have been warming up for the past 30 minutes, lamp on. Make sure the glass is CLEAN!!

Prescan the IT8 target

Place the prescan outline so that it is just inside of the edges of the IT8 Target paper edges.

Perform an expanded prescan of the selected area and re-adjust the borders, stay just inside of the paper edges!!

Hit the SCAN button, save to ?reflective (date).tif" in your favorite calibration file folder

Hit the QUIT button.

Go to the Monaco Program (it should be on the ?Input the Target? page) select ?Load Image?

Identify the file that you just scanned with Silverfast

Make sure that the IT8 target was positioned correctly
Make sure that the selected reference is the same as shown on your IT8 target (lower left corner).

Save the ICC profile (EPSON 4870 CALIBRATION 'date')

Close the Monaco Program.

Re Open Silverfast and make the following settings;

On the Frame Tab Change Filter Auto Sharpen
On the Frame Options CMS Tab Change;
a) Input -> Internal ICM
b) Internal -> Monitor ICM
c) Scanner (Reflective) select the filename of the ICC profile you just saved (EPSON 4870 CALIBRATION date)
d) Internal select the filename of the ICC profile that you made for the monitor using ADOBE GAMMA.cpl
e) Embedded ICC Profile checked

On the Frame Options Auto Tab Change
a) Auto Contrast checked ( I also check the auto threshold levels, shadow, and color cast removal as a matter of preference)

Select APPLY
SELECT OK

Just to make sure that everything is reset, do the following;
Select the histogram button and select
a) RESET button (this should turn off the automatic adjustment)
b) OK button
c) Repeat RESET for the gradation adjustment button
d) Repeat RESET for the selective color correction
e) Repeat RESET for the global color correction

Next, select the auto-adjustment button and scan into ?Auto Adjusted Calibrated IT8 Scan for date.tif?

Open Photoshop elements and open the ?Auto Adjusted Calibrated IT8 Scan for date.tif? note: the silverfast densitometer may give you erroneous readings since it 'views' its entire window.

Use the dropper tool in Photoshop to check RGB values of GS0, GS11, and GS23 cells on the greyscale chart. The RGB values should lie in the following ranges for the auto calibrated scan,

GS11 RGB 110-115
GS0 RGB 235-250
GS23 RGB 10-25

GS# stands for Greyscale cell number (greyscale is on lower part of the IT8 scan with white cell on the on left & black cell on the right)

Place the dropper over cell GS11, the RGB values in the INFO panel will show the RGB values. Repeat for GS0 and GS23 cells.

To open the INFO panel, select INFO under the WINDOW pulldown menu.

Congratulations, your scanner and monitor should now be calibrated.

[gcthomason]

If the calibration procedure did not work for you, then I don't know what to tell you other than "Forget About It" to quote the Grovernater, since the moderator is now fast asleep in his cozy little cube somewhere in Europe where it is illegal to distribute free software that actually works (like windoze media player) but it is good business to distribute software that is really complicated and then charge extra money for "enhancements" to make it work like it should have in the first place unless you want to spend 3 days of fiddling around reading web sites, pdf manuals, and trial and error with your brand spanking new scanner.

Hey, here is a thought, why not just add 1 button to Silverfast that you can turn On & Off that will place the scanner into an IT8 scan mode for third party software? That is, without charging an extra $150, geesh. And I thought BG charged alot for software, you guys at LS have set a new standard that will make Bill blush.

My adhominem for the week.

[LSI_Rossee]

I recently tried upgrading to version 6.2.0r8 but when I opened the SilverFast application within Photoshop Elements 2 or as a standalone application after upgrading it the version is recognized as 6.2.0t8 for some reason.

Dear mep_75.

Please contact the Support staff http://www.silverfast.com/problemreport/en.html and attach the SF_logfile. They will assist you in this matter.

Kind regards.

[LSI_Rossee]

Dear gcthomason.

Thanks for participating so actively in our forum. We recently changed the name from "User Forum" to "Imaging Forum" since we intended to boost the professional imaging discussion rather than using the forum as a general support platform. I am glad to see this concept being accepted. But being compared to BG (after sneaking out my cozy little cube) on monday mornings makes me want to turn the discussion back to the actual topic AFTER this little excerpt!

Translated from Latin to English, "Ad Hominem" means "against the man" or "against the person."
An Ad Hominem is a general category of fallacies in which a claim or argument is rejected on the basis of some irrelevant fact about the author of or the person presenting the claim or argument. Typically, this fallacy involves two steps. First, an attack against the character of person making the claim, her circumstances, or her actions is made (or the character, circumstances, or actions of the person reporting the claim). Second, this attack is taken to be evidence against the claim or argument the person in question is making (or presenting). This type of "argument" has the following form:
Person A makes claim X.
Person B makes an attack on person A.
Therefore A's claim is false.

In order to prevent the next fallacy (Europeans do not have a sense of humour) there are some arguments which support my "claim X":
If upgrading from the bundle-SE version for $199,- you will receive the full featured professional Ai version of SilverFast including the IT8 calibration and the choice between a genuine LaserSoft Imaging 5x7" reflective, or a 4x5" transparency IT8-target. Comparing the pricing (and the average dE production tolerances) of the mandatory targets from other vendors with having the comfort of a "push-button" IT8 calibration for such great hardware as the 4870 will make some users decide in favour of SilverFast rather than an additional third-party software (I hope).
I wil be happy to guide all other users that already own third-party software to your very detailed step by step instruction.

Best regards.

[gcthomason]

So, take a laugh even if it hurts your European pride.

The problem with your over priced advice, for my circumstance, is that my fine Epson scanner came bundled with your fine laser soft AI product. I really do appreciate all of the fine features and functions provided by lasersoft - it is magnificent!

But, it is seems ridiculous to ask me to spend anothe ~ $200 for the laser soft calibration targets when the Epson Pro bundle comes with the Monaco software for this purpose. Perhaps I should recommend that Epson talk directly with your marketing department since you seem so reluctant to support the Epson scanner products with the Silver fast AI software, that is without putting your hands deepre into my wallet where it does not belong.

[LSI_Rossee]

Dear gcthomason.

From my point of view the Epson 4870 aims at the advanced consumers as well as the professional. We would be more than happy to provide the full Ai version of SilverFast inkl. IT8 calibration and genuine LaserSoft targets with every single Epson Scanner. Looking back at a long-term partnership with Epson, we know for a fact that customer satisfaction is the highest ranking objective for the Epson Marketing Dept.
Our discusson is a valid approach for you and us to contact Epson on behalf of the IT8 calibration that can give every Epson user a push-button calibration of their input device which then yields more consistent colours between all the other devices in your workflow.

Kind regards.

[gcthomason]

Yes I agree with you, my European friend, that providing the full capabalities of silverfast software with the 4870 EPSON scanner would be of great advantage to your company, EPSON, and the consumer.

But, unfortunately we must deal with the realities that we are faced with.

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I have run into more problems using silverfast with the 4870.
When scanning reflective at 2400 dpi, the resulting tif file has horizontal blue lines ~ every 24 pixels, and ~6 pixels wide.
When scanning 3200 dpi and 4800 dpi reflective, the stored tif files are entirely black. For these scans, the scanner did not even scan the desired field.

I scanned with the EPSON software and it provided a normal scan at 2400 dpi, I did not exercise it using EPSON 3200 and 4800 yet. Since the results that I achieve with silverfast are so good at the dpi <= 1800, I would really appreciate if you would tell me how to get the same results using the 2400, 3200, and 4800 dpi settings.

Your help is greatly appreciated.
******************************************************
May 7, 2004
I wanted to provide an update for this problem. When I discovered it, I contavted Silverfast through their email problem support. A Silverfast representative responded and through several more email correspondence, he was able to duplicate the problem. Within ~2 weeks, Silverfast has released updated software to correct this problem.

Thank You to the good people at Silverfast.

Your product and support is truly fantastic!!

[LSI_Leschke]

Dear All,

I'm actually kind of surprised that obviously nobody knew about the excellent pdf that Epson provides regarding the correct set-up of SilverFast and Monaco EZ color. I will attach it to this message, so you can take a look at it.
In general, the reason why Monaco calibration software is included in the bundle vs. LaserSoft's own calibration is because Epson decided to buy the Monaco system instead. Now I'm sure you all agree that nobody likes not getting paid for his or her work, not even BG.
The bundle can be used to scan your images, and you can even use it to create a custom profile for your scanner. This is how Epson intended it to be. Now if you are not happy with their choice of software, I can certainly understand that (frankly, I'm not happy with this arrangement either), but you would have to talk to them about having it changed.
Many of you probably know that we have made siginficant improvements, to make the calibration process in our software as simple as possible. The software now automatically recognizes the barcode on the target, and downloads the matching reference file from our server if it is not on your computer yet. SilverFast now even automatically uses your calibration profile, and also defaults to "Adobe RGB1998" as the output color space. These effords have significantly reduced the amount of support requests we received regarding calibration.

Here is the file:

Scan-to-Print Workflow.pdf