Ultimate Spectrophotometer

[jcuads]

Name one that does it all... UV filter, Polarizing Filter, Strip reader/auto and transmissive/reflective. If I'm leaving anything out , please feel free to add. If anyone Knows of such an instrument, please include links to dealers.

[rfulford]

Originally Posted by jcuads

Name one that does it all... UV filter, Polarizing Filter, Strip reader/auto and transmissive/reflective. If I'm leaving anything out , please feel free to add. If anyone Knows of such an instrument, please include links to dealers.

I think you are shooting for the moon here. I do not know of anything that fits all of the above requirements. The spectrolino/spectroscan is a nice unit that is widely supported. There is also a unit from Barbieri that I have been hearing a lot about.

Spectrolino/SpectroscanT.
The purple model comes with UV, Polarizing, D65, and a null filter (IRC). No strip reading, but it is fully automated and allows multiple measurements per patch. The 'lino can be removed and used to calibrate a monitor (although colorimeters work better) or you can use it for spot measurements. Unfortunately, transimissive readings have to be done one patch at a time.

Barbieri Spectro LFP
I've heard good things about this unit. Two of this company's units recieved very high praise by a speaker at last years ReproMax convention in Chicago. I saw one at SGIA in Orlando last year attached to a Caldera RIP running a IP&I Cube 260uv. The build quality on the unit looks great.

LFP stands for "large format printer" because it has several feature aimed at large and grand format devices. The LFP can measure substrates up to 20 mm thick. It will take both spectral and density measurements on reflective and transmissive targets. The devices aperature is adjustable from 2 mm to 6 mm and apparently, you can also add a UV filter (I do not know about polarizing filters). This product is manufactured in Itally and comes with its own color management bundle. You have to use its proprietary measurement software to take readings and import them into ProfileMaker of Profiler. According to the website it is directly supported in Onyx and file import works with most popular rips.

As I am writing this, I am finding that I really want one of these units. Unfortuneately, I do not know of any US dealers. Check out their website fore more info.
http://www.barbierielectronic.com/

[eye4clr]

I really don't know about that specific model, but when i hear Barbieri i think $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[rfulford]

I want to say its about 3800 euros. So yea, its very pricey considering how the dollar stands up to the euro today.

[laumann]

Originally Posted by eye4clr

I really don't know about that specific model, but when i hear Barbieri i think $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

But it's deffently worth the money. I've used it for a couple of months now with incredible results

[jcuads]

Originally Posted by laumann

But it's deffently worth the money. I've used it for a couple of months now with incredible results

What did you use before? I see the specs mention a UV cut filter as an option but nothing about Polarizing filter. How about the Spectrolino, it appears comparable in features.

[eye4clr]

As a wild speculation, I'll wager the Barbieri is much much much faster than the Spectrolino, but otherwise comparable.

As a side note, reading transparency with the Spectrolino is not fun. I personally have not had good results as well. The Xrite DTP41T and the old iCColor were both far superior at transparency readings and the physical process was much more bearable.

[M.A.C.]

Anyone selling a spectrolino w/ polarizing filter?

[eye4clr]

hey, what do you know...i do.

old school spectroscan with the dark gray bed and green trim. All the cables and a polarizing filter.

How about $800+shipping?

i've got another after a recent customer visit. True story...the end of my gig setting up a proofing system and the customer is stoked. I notice they have a spectroscan sitting in the box unused and ask if they are aware they could keep things tight over time instead of paying me to come by every month since they have this thing. They say "we don't want to bother. Would you like to have this thing?". Uh......my conscience wouldn't let me sleep unless i told them it cost $5000+ new. They said "we won't use it and you will - take it".

It was a good day.

[M.A.C.]

How does the old school spectroscan compare to the new?