Method and apparatus for producing index prints, and density adjusting

Abstract

A method and apparatus for producing index prints makes the trend of compensation for main prints coincide with the trend of compensation for the index prints. When a scanner determines an exposure compensation amount for each frame based on image data of each frame of a negative film, the information representing the exposure compensation amount for each frame is transmitted to the drive controllers via a controller. In a main print section, an exposure process is performed by the drive controller based on the information regrading the exposure compensation amount for each frame, thereby obtaining a main print. In an index print section, an exposure process is performed by the drive controller based on the same information regrading the exposure compensation amount for each frame, thereby obtaining an index print. Also, a density adjusting method easily and automatically adjust unevenness in density produced in an image printing stage. In a test mode, an image (gray image) with a uniform intermediate gradation is printed on a printing paper. A pixel having the maximum density is selected. Differences in density between the pixel having the maximum density and other pixels are calculated, and the gradations of the respective pixels are shifted based on the differences. Thus shifted gradations are registered as standards for the respective pixels.