Another darkroom followed me home. LPL 7452 VCCE question

[George Nova Scotia]

Okay I have a problem, another darkroom followed me home today. A nice LPL 7452 aka Saunders 4550XL with a VCCE head plus the usual assorted goodies.(3 El Nikors, Timer, nice easel, paper etc.) I think I got it just in time, dampness was starting to set in. There was a touch of fungus on the 135 lens but seemed to wipe away easily, I'll make sure it gets some sunlight tomorrow and much dryer conditions.

The real downside is the lamp would not light. When we opened it up the pins on the bulb had corroded and one stayed in the socket. It came out easy enough but no other lamp would work. I suspect the socket has had it. I hope it's an easy fix - I see what could be a replacement at KHB. The fan runs so at least something works. Now my question. Does anyone have any info on the VCCE head? This one is different then most I've seen on the net. It doesn't have the "Kodak/Ilford" switch. Just one dial for contrast. I'd really like some info on the plug if anyone has wiring info. I'm guessing two pins might be for the fan(115Vac) and two for the bulb(82V). It would be nice to check before I start removing screws.

Now the really sad part. This guy was shooting mainly 4x5 and gave it up for the dreaded d word - and golf!

George

 

[George Nova Scotia]

To sort of round off this I have a working enlarger, just needs a new bulb. I took a second look and it seems the four "good" bulbs the guy had were all bad. In fact someone had written on the boxes the dates they were used. After removing the lamp module I finally took a good look at "good" bulbs and everyone was broken, I looked around my bench and there was an 82v 75w bulb that would fit - plugged it in and behold light.

I have no idea why someone would keep broken bulbs around for almost 15 years (one was dated 1997) and sure makes it hard to sell an enlarger if all you have is broken bulbs. The good news is I now have a nice variable contrast enlarger with no fancy electronics to worry about.

George

 

[George Nova Scotia]

The lower wattage should cause no harm. I've worked in electronics for a very long time. A higher wattage would draw more current and could damage the power supply. A lower voltage bulb would likely burn out quickly.

I do plan on getting the right bulb, just used the 75w for testing. it just happened to be an orphan bulb sitting on the bench. I suspected the socket but it seems okay for now, but I might try and get one anyway. Maybe an order to KEH in the works.

George

 

[ic-racer]

I'd replace the lamp socket. (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[George Nova Scotia]

Yup, I think I might just do that even found out that's it a QCX-30 socket. I might just drop into the local electrical wholesaler and see what they say. If not there is always on-line (that's where I found the info). No great rush, I've got a couple more to break before this one gets it's turn..