Are there places that rent monitor calibration "tools"

Just like the title asks, I know its not a one time thing, but I figure it would not hurt to rent one and try to calibrate this POS monitor I am using right now. I plan to invest when I get a new monitor but thats not for a while

Do you have any photo/video/designer friends that would be willing to split the cost of the calibrator with you? You guys could pass it around every 1-3 months.

brooksclayton wrote in post #15986670
Do you have any photo/video/designer friends that would be willing to split the cost of the calibrator with you? You guys could pass it around every 1-3 months.

Didn't think of that, will have to ask around.

I've never heard of any calibration devices being available for rental. Perhaps you can try a local camera club...they may have one for members to use.

Generally these tools have software that runs on your PC, and is licensed for one machine only, so nope, probably not. If you can find a tool that will generate a profile, then some way to get the OS to use that profile, that may be possible.

A spyder 4 express costs $120 or so, not a great deal of money.

I have an older DTP94 calibration device, which I'd sell. It has no software that works under a modern OS, and it's not ideal for LED monitors, but it works well with CF LCD monitors.

tim wrote in post #15987217
Generally these tools have software that runs on your PC, and is licensed for one machine only, so nope, probably not. If you can find a tool that will generate a profile, then some way to get the OS to use that profile, that may be possible.

Ahh I didn't even think about the license. Very good point that should be looked into before making the decision.

tim wrote in post #15987217
Generally these tools have software that runs on your PC, and is licensed for one machine only, so nope, probably not. If you can find a tool that will generate a profile, then some way to get the OS to use that profile, that may be possible.

A spyder 4 express costs $120 or so, not a great deal of money.

I have an older DTP94 calibration device, which I'd sell. It has no software that works under a modern OS, and it's not ideal for LED monitors, but it works well with CF LCD monitors.

I believe the Sypder (DataColor) license states that you can install the software on as many computers as you would like. Obviously, unlike a standard application (i.e. Photoshop) it's only going to be able to calibrate when the hardware is plugged in anyway.

Just did a quick google search and got this

http://www.borrowlense​s.com/category/calibra​tors

not sure if X-Rite or Datacolor devices are for monitors or for printer profiles (I am new to all this calibration stuff).

I would HIGHLY suggest purchasing a calibrator. You will want to calibrate your monitor if your ambient light changes a lot . I also recalibrate my monitor every 2 weeks. I use the Spyder4pro and I love it.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #15987968
Just did a quick google search and got this

http://www.borrowlense​s.com/category/calibra​tors

not sure if X-Rite or Datacolor devices are for monitors or for printer profiles (I am new to all this calibration stuff).

... and I was going to start offering to 'rent' mine in the classifieds

drvnbysound wrote in post #15987991
... and I was going to start offering to 'rent' mine in the classifieds

So I take it one of those are what I would use then. I used one of those free download programs that have images, and everything looked good. Prints match my screen as well so I am happy. Part of me is just curious and wants to give it a shot.

Yes, the ColorMunki will do screen calibration. That said, at $36 for a 3 day rental, I'd still buy one as I did (I bought a Spyder4Pro)... especially knowing that the screen really should be calibrated fairly often. Realize that a monitor will not represent color and/or brightness exactly the same the day you buy it as it does 6 months or a year later. The default setting for the Spyder4Pro is to calibrate every 2 weeks.

That said, only you can know if you are getting results that you are happy with.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #15986302
Just like the title asks, I know its not a one time thing, but I figure it would not hurt to rent one and try to calibrate this POS monitor I am using right now. I plan to invest when I get a new monitor but thats not for a while

You can rent mine for 3 days for $50. If there are 5 more takers, it'll pay for itself.

cdifoto wrote in post #15988089
You can rent mine for 3 days for $50. If there are 5 more takers, it'll pay for itself.

Pretty much what I was thinking too!

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #15986302
Just like the title asks, I know its not a one time thing, but I figure it would not hurt to rent one and try to calibrate this POS monitor I am using right now. I plan to invest when I get a new monitor but thats not for a while

Lensrentals offer rentals as well if you end up going this route:
http://www.lensrentals​.com …n/accessories/c​alibration