Multigrade paper and Cathomag Head anyone?

S

SQUARETIP

Member
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12:49 PM
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Sep 19, 2015
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Hi there,

Anyone on the forum using multigrade paper with a Cathomag head and getting pleasing results?

I'm looking at a well priced De were 405 DVW with cathomag head on the eBay but have heard very mixed opinions on this subject.

Thanks
Alex
 
chikne said:
From what I've heard a cathomag is a bit soso.

The condenser head is quite hard to beat. You're in the UK so give John Boyce a call, tell him you're looking for a deal and he'll give you one.

John's the best guy in the industry to deal with.
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Thanks for the heads up. I'll give him a call but my budget won't stretch to the starting prices listed on the website.
 
chikne said:
Don't worry, the price on his websites are for latest/current chassis. He should be able to match or better general ebay deals of +/- £500.

Just tell him you looked around the internet etc but you'd prefer dealing with him. He'll refurbish the machine, align it properly and give you a guaranty.

Can't beat him.
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Do you know where he's based? Definitely worth a call. Thanks again :)
 
chikne said:
His workshop is nearby Brighton.
He does most, if not all, of the UK's universities darkrooms so if there's one near you he might be able to deliver.

I can't vouch for that though, you need to ask him.

He also has some second hand f-stop timers atm, you should get one.
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Ooh, sounds good. I'm actually in communication with a chap selling a 504 with varicon & dichromat heads for £300, condition good. Sound good to you?

Alex
 
chikne said:
Well, it depends.
Do you really need 2 heads? They are quite big and heavy, storing 1 head might take some valuable space somewhere.

Most importantly does it come in the exact configuration that you want (the varicon should come with 100, 120 and 2 x 180 condensers)? Ask yourself these questions and evaluate if it's worth it to you against buying direct from John.

The thing is, John has all the spare parts for his enlargers but he will charge you more or less £100 for each. So unless you are hoping to find your spares of ebay (fingers crossed), it will save you time and money if you buy direct from John Boyce.

ymmv
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I don't need the colour head but I'd take it as it comes with the package. The seller is not a photographer unfortunately so he couldn't give me exact details of the items included, he will send me pictures of all the items instead. I think I'll be giving John a ring first thing Monday morning then. My budget is 300 so I'll see what he can come up with and yes having a reliable source for spares is essential.
 
SQUARETIP said:
I don't need the colour head but I'd take it as it comes with the package. The seller is not a photographer unfortunately so he couldn't give me exact details of the items included, he will send me pictures of all the items instead. I think I'll be giving John a ring first thing Monday morning then. My budget is 300 so I'll see what he can come up with and yes having a reliable source for spares is essential.
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Why not use the colour head with VC paper? See page 3 of http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/2006130201152306.pdf

They should know!

Cheers,

R.
 
My long term plan was to eventually go large format, so thought I'd invest in the 504. I suppose this is too much of a gamble. We've agreed a price under the asking price but I now must give this John a ring. I'd be silly not to.
 
As far as I know, the Cathomag used an array of cold-cathode tubes. Whose spectrum is deficient where blue/yellow separation is concerned. That the CCFL tubes by now usually are past their expected life does not improve their spectrum either...

But Heiland offers a conversion of Cathomag heads to Splitgrade LED.
 
I'm looking for a bench enlarger and I'm going to invest in the 504 and will print exclusively in black & white. Can I ask what you purchased from John? I will require a timer and carriers for 6x45, 6x6 and 6x9. Hoping this won't break my budget too much
 
chikne said:
I've got several carriers but all I use in the end is full glass, I don't spot my prints though.

Also I'd strongly recommend you get the secondhand f-stop timer he has. The stopclock not the analyser, it will pay for itself in how much paper and headaches that you save yourself.
If you're short of money save up for that too.
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Would you recommend glass over the carriers, it might save me some money. Also can you give me an idea of eBay the 504 with varicon might cost? I don't want to get my hopes up too much ;)
 
chikne said:
Call John on Monday, explain your situation and your budget, what you need. Tell him that you looked at the ebay options and what the prices were, but that you would prefer dealing with him directly in order to get a working machine out of the box.

Keep it simple.
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Just got off the phone from John, nice chap. I asked for his best price on a 504 with varicon head and 3 masks and was quoted £800 + vat :eek:
 
I rang back, think I've got a rather good deal on the 203 with a few extras and hopefully delivery! Thanks again for the recommendation. I now have to persuade the wife! :)
 
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