Anyone using Heiland Splitgrade system?

[mikebarger]

Looking at their system that uses a converted 45s Beseler head.

Would like some feedback from users.

Thanks

Mike

 

[naaldvoerder]

I use it. I like it very much. It makes it very easy to get a decent workprint and has all the tools to get a fine print from that.

One of the better investments for my darkroom.


Jaap Jan

 

[TimVermont]

I have the Zone VI module, and in the last few years of running a college darkroom have used it extensively in manual on a variety of Omegas. No problems other than the most recent software update dropped some paper types long-discontinued in the real world, but that I have frozen stock of. Without hesitation I'll say that it has paid for itself in paper savings.

 

[rst]

I use it on a Kaiser 6x6 and it works also in manual mode with my Durst Laborator 138S. It is right, you have a good first workprint without any test strips. But it is still you who has to interpret the negative. I use it with great success for lith printing, where I get a very good guess about the exposure time from the measured exposure time and the measured paper grade.

Cheers
Ruediger

 

[david James lee]

after thinking about buying it for a long long time, i finally ordered one for my V35 focomat. as Rudiger says, it gives you a very good print the first time and lets you adjust both the exposure and the contrast in 10% increments. i am very happy with it.

 

[RobertV]

Same I am. Using it on a Dunco II 67.

 

[mono]

I use their coldlight splitgrade head on a Laborator 1200 and also the splitgrade on a V 35 Focomat. It´s easy to switch from one head to the other on the Heiland controller.

It´s much easier now to get a good working print in the first run, but as already has been said before, it´s up to you to make the final print!

 

[mikebarger]

Soooooooo..

Filters are controlled by the control box that is on the base board....and a motor drives the filters?

Guess there must be a meter system based on response above.

I really do not know anything about the operation and benifits.... a on-line friend recommends this rather than trying to find a used ilford 500 system.


Thanks

Mike

 

[mono]

Did you have a look on their website?

http://www.heilandelectronic.de/html/english/products/splitgrade_main.htm

 

[mikebarger]

No, I didn't know there was one. Thanks

 

[mono]

I hope you´ll find answers there to all your questions!

 

[david James lee]

there's 3 parts. the controller, the motorized filter module and the probe that measures the light and contrast. very easy to use, at least the basics. i am still learning the fine points...

 

[RobertV]

Yes, the basics are very simple. Untrained you can directly come to a good print. With some training each print will be excellent. Maybe good to know that there is also a cold light source now. The lamp is replaced by a high bright LED module.

Dead Link Removed

and here a manual about the split grade module:
Dead Link Removed

The latest software can be downloaded from the internet and uploaded in the split grade console. In this way the latest photo papers are provided.

Best regards,

Robert

 

[sgoetzin]

I use the Heiland Splitgrade on a Kienzle 6x9 since 2004 with the motor driven filter module. As mentionned above, have a look at their webpage http://www.heilandelectronic.de/ to get a detailled description. The system is very easy to use.
The grade and the time measured by the splitgrade for a given paper is a very good starting point. Up to you to interpret these parameters to get the result you want to have. I would not like to miss it in my darkroom.

And not to forget, Mr Heiland is a very helpful person who will give you all the
information you need. Don't hesitate to contact him.

Serge

 

[cmo]

I second all of the above, the Heiland Splitgrade system is one of the best inventions ever for the darkroom. Making prints is much easier and faster, especially when it comes to doing more than just making a 'normal' print.