JoshuaMB
Member
Hey all,
I am setting up a home darkroom. Got a nice condition 1c with a nocon timer that I'll have to research and figure out .... my question is about using VC filters with the enlarger. Mine does not have a tray in the head for filters, I does have the round safe light below, which I've thought I could pop out and place filters below the lens that way.... mine did come with one 3.5 filter in the lamphouse.... is that the preferred method with the 1c? My lamp does not come off too easily, it will definitely mess up the position of the enlarger if I were to switch filters between test prints.... also, if it's best to go this route (It does seem better to place the filters above the lens rather than between the lens and paper) then what size filters should I get? the standard 3" ones? no frame, just the filter material...?
My 1c obviously didn't come with a manual so I'm trying to figure stiff out while I gather the rest of the essentials for the darkroom....
I am setting up a home darkroom. Got a nice condition 1c with a nocon timer that I'll have to research and figure out .... my question is about using VC filters with the enlarger. Mine does not have a tray in the head for filters, I does have the round safe light below, which I've thought I could pop out and place filters below the lens that way.... mine did come with one 3.5 filter in the lamphouse.... is that the preferred method with the 1c? My lamp does not come off too easily, it will definitely mess up the position of the enlarger if I were to switch filters between test prints.... also, if it's best to go this route (It does seem better to place the filters above the lens rather than between the lens and paper) then what size filters should I get? the standard 3" ones? no frame, just the filter material...?
My 1c obviously didn't come with a manual so I'm trying to figure stiff out while I gather the rest of the essentials for the darkroom....
Erik van Straten
Veteran
It is always better to place the filters above the condensor.
For many years I've been using a Valoy II. This has no filter drawer either. I just took off the top of the lamphouse and laid a filter (Ilford MG) on the condensor. I folded a corner of the filter to form a small grip for more easy handling and I had the corners of the filters cut off, so they fitted nicely and did not fall off when I lifted the head of the enlarger to position a negative. It always worked good. The Focomat Ic has the same configuration, so you could try this method.
On the front of the top of the lamphouse there is a small white dot. This should always point to the front of the enlager to prevent a wrong centering of the bulb.
Erik.
For many years I've been using a Valoy II. This has no filter drawer either. I just took off the top of the lamphouse and laid a filter (Ilford MG) on the condensor. I folded a corner of the filter to form a small grip for more easy handling and I had the corners of the filters cut off, so they fitted nicely and did not fall off when I lifted the head of the enlarger to position a negative. It always worked good. The Focomat Ic has the same configuration, so you could try this method.
On the front of the top of the lamphouse there is a small white dot. This should always point to the front of the enlager to prevent a wrong centering of the bulb.
Erik.
Michiel Fokkema
Michiel Fokkema
I've always used the filters just below the lens. Took the red glass out of the filter holder and just placed the filter on it. It might not be the best way but it is the easiest and my prints have always been plenty sharp.
JoshuaMB
Member
awesome awesome thank you all for your input.... ! Not to get too technical and "lose focus" so to speak, but I wonder what a side by side comparison would yield... same everything except one print with filter above lens and one print with filter below lens.... I'd be surprised if there's not something about it in my old Life books on printing (remember those?) but I be there isn't...
Great info, thank you....
Great info, thank you....
Landshark
Well-known
The difference in above or below the lens with filters is that above the lens they're more forgiving of defects in the filter.
Fingerprints or smudges aren't as noticeable because the light isn't focused whereas below the lens you're interfering with the image projected so more care is needed in handling. Gels are more pure but I doubt that there are many people who can see the difference unless the filter is seriously funky.
Fingerprints or smudges aren't as noticeable because the light isn't focused whereas below the lens you're interfering with the image projected so more care is needed in handling. Gels are more pure but I doubt that there are many people who can see the difference unless the filter is seriously funky.
M.Hilo
Established
Nice to see everone's preferences.
Mine is also under-the-lens. I don't like the idea to take off the upper lamphead all the time.
I use a Beseler filterholder. The diameter is a little larger than the 1C's redfilter holder and that's just perfect. Just find one, it is easy to do !!
Picture attached
Mine is also under-the-lens. I don't like the idea to take off the upper lamphead all the time.
I use a Beseler filterholder. The diameter is a little larger than the 1C's redfilter holder and that's just perfect. Just find one, it is easy to do !!
Picture attached
Attachments
JoshuaMB
Member
that's a dope modification.... I've been sticking them on the red filter holder, but I like what you've done there.... what did it take to attach it in the red filter holders place?
M.Hilo
Established
I will check in my darkroom tomorrow, it's been awhile . . .
M.Hilo
Established
Ok, here a picture of what I did with the Beseler filterholder, in order to make it work on the 1C.
On the left is the holder I modified. I sawed off the standing-up bit on the far right, because it was in the way. Drilled a hole 0,78 inch (2cm) from the end of the holder, measured from the heart of the hole.
The screw is 1.18 inch (3cm) long and M8 if I am correct. Just check the Leitz screw for the redfilter, to be sure.
I positioned the holder lower than the redfilter usually sits. This is possible because of the larger diameter of this filterholder. This extra space (about 3 cm) allows to take out and put in the filters, all quite easy.
I believe this filterholder belongs to the Beseler 23C, but not sure here.
Should someone find black screws and bolts . . . I love to have some . . .
On the left is the holder I modified. I sawed off the standing-up bit on the far right, because it was in the way. Drilled a hole 0,78 inch (2cm) from the end of the holder, measured from the heart of the hole.
The screw is 1.18 inch (3cm) long and M8 if I am correct. Just check the Leitz screw for the redfilter, to be sure.
I positioned the holder lower than the redfilter usually sits. This is possible because of the larger diameter of this filterholder. This extra space (about 3 cm) allows to take out and put in the filters, all quite easy.
I believe this filterholder belongs to the Beseler 23C, but not sure here.
Should someone find black screws and bolts . . . I love to have some . . .
Attachments
Ronald M
Veteran
For "normal size" prints , under the lens is fine. I could never see a difference.
If you have a black round head machine, start hunting now for the proper Osram short neck bulbs. The long neck current ones will give uneven illumination.
A voltage reducer will insure very long life for the bulbs.
http://www.glennview.com/leitz.htm
Half way down you will find the proper bulbs. I sold most of my stock to a member in Canada many years ago.
If you have a black round head machine, start hunting now for the proper Osram short neck bulbs. The long neck current ones will give uneven illumination.
A voltage reducer will insure very long life for the bulbs.
http://www.glennview.com/leitz.htm
Half way down you will find the proper bulbs. I sold most of my stock to a member in Canada many years ago.
Rangefinderfreak
Well-known
get a multigrade head... There is a company in Germany that still sells all enlarger stuff for Focomats: www.kienzle-phototechnik.de Another thing to remember: Focus in blue light. That`s what the paper is sensitized to. Purple to yellow is just where the adjustment for contrast is.