Sunray Arictocrat Enlarger

[Film noob]

So I recently purchased a 1940's Sunray Aristocrat Enlarger. I'm new to the whole process. But I have been reading a lot about everything. I am using a C3 and I have a Minolta SRT-101 on its way. I am using Adorama variable b&w fiber based enlarging paper (matte surface). To get back to the point the paperwork I have with the enlarger leaves me with questions to say the least... I think I need a new bulb but I have no idea which one to buy. I have the old bulb and some amber tipped bulb that came with it. I'm guessing they just gave me one of there old darkroom safe bulbs. But the one in the enlarger is just an unmarked incandescent bulb... Anyone have any ideas or tips?

I also have no idea how long or short I should start testing the exposure of strips of paper... I may have jumped a bit too far ahead of myself but I am a capable person... Or so I seem to believe...

 

[cosmonaut]

The bulb in the enlarger is incandescent. You will need a red filter to swing in front of it to focus and crop. Test strips, I start at about 5 secs and work up. I try and get the exposure times around 15 sec. Dust will be your biggest enemy.lol. Get some rocket blowers to blow off the negatives and gloves, I use latex type. Get a good book. Read a lot, be patient. Anytime I get frustrated in the darkroom its game over go watch TV.
Try and find you some old out of date cheap paper to practice and learn with. I wasted a few sheets before I got a good workflow going, then get the good stuff.
My enlarger bulb is a 75watt PH140, that's what was in it when I got it.

 

[Pablito]

You need specifically an enlarger bulb. Enlarger bulbs are unmarked (no brand name or wattage on the glass part of the bulb). If you use a regular bulb you will get an image of the markings on the print. Hopefully you have a burned out bulb of the original kind. If the bulb is standard base (Edison) it may be easier to find.

You do not need a red filter if you have a decent easel. Focus on the back of an old, dry print. A focus-aid is very useful, like a grain magnifier.

Do not use outdated RC paper, very frustrating and it will likely be fogged. Outdated fiber paper may be better.

There are some great books on darkroom printing from the 1940s-1960s that you can get for next to nothing.

Use fresh chemicals.