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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Bay Photo: black & white prints with unwanted color. | |
This is a bit more complex than it might sound, and a whole slew of variables might be at work here.
Papers have color qualities. This is apparent if you view so-called black and white prints on different papers side by side. Some are warm, some are cool, some are closer to neutral. In addition, the viewing light can make a difference, especially in the color of the "black" in the black and white image. This issue is related to something called metamerism failure—it used to be a tremendous problem with black and white (and to a lesser extent, color) inkjet prints. It is much less of an issue today, though it hasn't always been completely tamed. (The newest printers and inks handle it pretty darned well.)
There is also the issue of whether your file was actually black and white or whether it contained a color cast of its own. As other pointed out, you should be able to check the image, both in individual areas and overall, to see that the levels of R, G, and B (red, green, and blue) are equal.
If you haven't already done so, I would contact the print service to ask them about the results that you see. They can certainly check the RGB balance in your file, and they can explain some of the other issues. It is also possible that a problem print escaped their notice, in which case they will probably work with you to make it right.
Good luck,
Dan
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