Monitor calibrator for rent

[bigone5500]

Where can I rent one? Or is it possible?

[Biomech]

Probably cheaper to buy one, you'll want to recalibrate once a month or so. I use this:
Colorvision Spyder 3 Express (DATA137) - Warehouse Express

[Krusty79]

The only place I have ever seen one that could be borrowed was at a local camera club in Berkeley (if you're a member, of course). So, maybe check camera clubs in your area?

[bigone5500]

Originally Posted by Biomech

Probably cheaper to buy one, you'll want to recalibrate once a month or so. I use this:
Colorvision Spyder 3 Express (DATA137) - Warehouse Express

I may go ahead and just get one of these. I took some photos at my Bro.-in-law's birthday and when I edited them in Lightroom 3, they looked very good to me. So I sent them into Sam's club photo to be printed. When I got them, they were awful. There was a greyish tint and were too light.

I'm wondering if I took one of the printed photos and held it next to the monitor, if I could get it close until I buy one of these calibrators...

Also, will these calibrators work on LCD monitors?

Thanks!

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by bigone5500

So I sent them into Sam's club photo to be printed. When I got them, they were awful. Thanks!

That could also be the problem. I have printed the same image at two different places, and the cheap prints were garbage, the color was much different than what I got from a quality lab.

[bigone5500]

Since we're on the topic already of this calibrator, is the Spyder 3 "the one" to get? Is there a competitor with a comparable unit with a comparable price?

If I end up getting the Spyder 3, I'll probably get the Pro version. I like the recal function and the ambient light sensor feature.

[mshockley]

You could also use a lab like Mpix and for $3 order their monitor calibration disc. Pop it in when it arrives and follow the process and your monitor will be set for their printers. You know then that what you see is what you get WHEN you use that lab. Just another idea for ya.