Prints too dark (again)

[Skofab]

Regular forum members must be fed up of seeing this subject raised (probably) for the millionth time, so apologies in advance.

My wife uses a Canon MG5753, She uses Paintshop Pro, Publisher, Infanview and also Faststone. Regardless of which one is used, the prints are way too dark. Would be grateful if a forum member can direct me to a good, simple explanation re correcting this annoyance.
Thanks in advance
Skofab

 

[ruffin]

Recommend process photos without correction (direct from camera).
If printer still produces dark prints, then camera settings askew.

You might find this helpful:
http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/when-your-prints-are-too-dark/

 

[Skofab]

Many thanks for your time and kind reply. It seems that I may have (unintentionally) mislead people on this.
I have been told that it is Publisher 2007 that is the bigger culprit.
At the moment I will try to find any quirks in - windows 10 / Publisher 2007 / Canon MG5753. However any further comments would be welcomed.
Question for ruffin - when you say process without correction, are you referring to the colour management profile settings in windows 10?
Apologies if I have totally misunderstood your suggestion - I have a limited understanding of these techical matters.
Thanks again, and keep the info coming
regards

 

[ruffin]

First, you must determine if photos are correct brightness, as they are produced by camera.
No tweaking of photo in Irfanview or Faststone or Paintshop. Not familiar with Publisher 2007.
Another method would be to have photo printed by outside source - no tweaking - but as
presented directly from camera.

Be sure that your printer preferences are set correctly:
Start -> Devices & Printers -> Right Click Canon Printer icon (with green check mark) -> Select Printing Preferences -> Look for Color Management, maybe under Advance Tab -> Ensure Color Settings Correct
for No Tweaking

If photos remain on dark side, then camera settings are incorrect.
Set camera "Exposure" setting to zero or as necessary for brighter photo.
Regards
Florida, USA

 

[Skofab]

A further point for clarification, in the past the 'offending' picture has been printed successfully on several occasion - on that basis I believe I am correct in ruling out the camera and its settings.

Since my last post, it occurred to me that I had updated the printer firmware recently. I wonder if Canon have done a tweak so that users of compatible cartridges have been given a further obstacle by Canon?

If my guessology is correct, as far as I know, there is no way I can revert back to earlier firmware (unless anyone knows different) I can confirm that all correction has been removed, and presently the profile entries are absent

 

[ruffin]

Forget Firmware Updates.
So, then you are printing same photo from archives on your computer.
Previously printed just fine, but too dark of late.
Please post the photo direct from your archives
Just click the Upload button below your responding message - locate & select your photo on your computer

 

[Skofab]

Thanks ruffin - hopefully the upload will work!!!

 

[ruffin]

Picture looks fine to me.

Be sure that your printer preferences are set correctly:
Start -> Devices & Printers -> Right Click Canon Printer icon (with green check mark) -> Select Printing Preferences -> Look for Color Management, maybe under Advance Tab -> Ensure Color Settings Correct
for No Tweaking

That is:
Color Mode Standard (not Vivid)
Brightness = Zero
Contrast = Zero
Saturation = Zero
Density = Zero

No tweaking of photo in Irfanview or Faststone or Paintshop. (Check Application Settings prior to printing)

Install OEM Canon Cartridges

Regards
Florida, USA

 

[Skofab]

Thanks for your comments and instructions ruffin, all settings are confirmed to be as they should - but regrettably end result remains to be dark prints!

 

[William Allen]

Has the monitor been calibrated? Many monitors are intended for gaming and have the brightness turned way too high. This means you get a very misleading impression of the correct brightness level.

If you're doing a fair bit of printing, it might be worth getting, or borrowing, a monitor calibrator such as a Color Munki. The reduced wastage of paper and ink will soon pay for it.

If you don't have any specialist kit, it's worth reducing the monitor brightness setting and then tweaking the brightness of the working image.