Yeah, that 50% gray layer was the missing link I never new about. Why Kelby didn't include it is beyond me? I've seen tons of tutorials by various teachers on the threshold curves adjustment layer method, and none of them ever included the 50% gray layer step. They pretty much just say search around the image for a neutral area? Thats seems nutz when this option is 2 clicks away and accurate?
I missed Pickles post unfortunately or just looked at it so long ago I totally forgot about the 50% gray layer part
Best,
Jay