Agfa dLab + Kodak vs Fuji Frontier + Fujicolor Crystal

[rhy7s]

Any thoughts on the virtues of the Agfa dLab and Kodak paper prints against those from the Frontier with Crystal Archive paper and vice-versa?

 

[digitaled]

I operate a Kodak Professional RP30 (which is really a modified D-lab), both printers can give you excellent results. however just as important as the printer is the software that is being used to send files to the printer, I use kodak Pro dp2 software which is great for pro labs using kodak equipment.

Also another huge factor, that is not mentioned enough, is the level of knowledge of the staff and level of maintance that is done on the printer, to keep the printer working at top level

 

[muchomaas]

digitaled's advice is good. Both can produce great prints if maintained properly and used by good people that know their host software well. Personally, I've produced many stunning prints off an RP30, but never used a Frontier.

The only thing I'd look out for is to make sure the dLab+Kodak combo is on Endura paper and not their consumer paper. The prints on the consumer paper will still look good, but probably not as good as Endura and they definitely won't have the longevity.

 

[DLGW]

.. the dLab looks better to my eye - the black is darker and deep.

The brighter tones are probably equal.