Analyzer

[mexico531]

Not sure if this is the right section this for post but couldn't see another more suitable....so sorry if it's wrong. I have the chance to buy a Durst DES 100 colour analyzer and,, as I know nothing about this paricular item (although I do understand how ananlyzers work in general), I wondered if anyone had any experience of these in particular and if they were very good.

 

[Mike Wilde]

I'm not familiar with the durst, but I have used others - melico, perhaps a durst a while ago, and now a lici colorstar. The prior ones used to require adjustment of aperture or one filter at a time, and they were nothing but a pain. The colorstar reads all colurs at once, and has an integrated timer that means you do not need to screw with the aperture (usually) once you have started to zero in a filter pack to the neg in question. Durst did have some fine pro analysers, but thier prodc=uction list showed this as an amateur unit.

On an aside - I have figured out that this was made in 1985. Depending on the quality of the electrolytic capacitors, they may be getting to where they are dried out and no longer reliable. I have replaced caps in an '81 stereo reciver, and a number of late 70's Vivitar timers in my darkroom. Not really a lot ids knowledge required if you have an electronic tinkerer background.

 

[mexico531]

Thanks Mike. I think I'll pass on this then. When I was a pro hand printer we never used analyzers as we found them not too accurate and too slow to use. We just tested a lot. I just thought it might be worth a try in my own darkroom. Guess I'll stick to what I know best - 2 or 3 tests and a full out as a work print.

 

[mtjade2007]

I have owned an analyzer that looks a bit professional for years and never had a chance to really use it. It has a digital readout, not a traditional analog meter. On the front side it has the words ESECO Speedmatser A-12 COlor Computer on it. It is supposed to be hung on the wall next to the color head of an enlarger. The sensor is connected to the analyzer through a fiber optical cable. I own a couple of analyzers but this one is obviously a high end professional one. Does anyone ever seen one or used one? I am not too sure if I should keep holding it and let it accumulating dust. I think I now have much better understanding of how to use an analyzer after learning how to balance colors with Photoshop. But, I have not regained enough motivation to print (and use the analyzer) again.

 

[BobNewYork]

I process B&W exclusively and use a Jobo (LICI) Colorline analyzer all the time. If you take the time to set it up properly it's invaluable as a means of time saving and reduced materials costs.

Bob H

 

[perkeleellinen]

think I now have much better understanding of how to use an analyzer after learning how to balance colors with Photoshop.

Just an aside to say that I have a similar experience in reverse. Never could 'see' the colour on a monitor. But after starting colour printing and using the Kodak print viewer kit for a few months I'm now starting to think 'there's a bit too much magenta there' when I see on-screen images.