Condenser problem?

[mindcircus]

Hello,
Is there any way to adjust the condenser of a Meopta Opemus 6? I've just found out that one side of the prints takes less light than the other. My lens is clean, so do the drawers for negative and contrast filters.
Thanks in advance

 

[Ronald M]

It is more likely the bulb is out of position rather than condensers. Or you have a defective bulb.

 

[payasam]

I have an Opemus 3 (long unused). I'd say that Ronald is right.

 

[mindcircus]

I'll check it out. Thanks

 

[mindcircus]

I've opened the head and I can't see how the condenser or the bulb may cause this... They both have a fixed position. I've changed the bulb with a 150W one, but it's not for enlargers... It's a common one. Do you think it's important?

I'll make some prints tonight to see what happens

 

[ErnestoJL]

I have an old Meopta Magnifax head. The condenser is in a fixed position, but the bulb can be moved sideways as well as up and down to obtain even illumination. I`m sure the Opemus must have a way to adjust the bulb. BTW, getting (if possible) a bulb designed for enlarger use would help a lot. Common bulbs are made with less control over filament position, thus it can be off center and obtaining even illumination would be impossible.

 

[Dwig]

...I've changed the bulb with a 150W one, but it's not for enlargers... It's a common one. Do you think it's important?...

Yup. That's the cause of your problem.

Conventional light bulbs do not have a very diffuse glass coating, even the "Soft White" variety. Also, the placement of the brand/rating stamp is usually inappropriate for enlarger use.

The "opal" glass envelop used on true enlarging lamps (PH111, PH112, PH140,...) is much, much more even. The slight non-uniform positioning of the filament in a conventional light bulb, combined with the less than complete diffusion of the glass, will almost always result in lateral unevenness in illumination.