Aristo VCL on a Durst L184

Early Riser · Mar 10, 2009

I am considering purchasing an Aristo Variable contrast cold light head. Has anyone had experience with this combination? Also my experience is with dichro heads for B&W what is the difference in operation between a Variable contrast cold light head and a Dichro?

Is it a problem to attach the Aristo to a Durst L184? Thanks,

dpurdy · Mar 10, 2009

I don't know about fitting it to the Durst but I have used the Aristo VCL for a long time and I like it but the first thing you will have to get used to is how dim the printing light is. I am using a later generation Aristo VCL head and for some reason I have to print at a high contrast setting. My normal contrast setting is between 3.2 and 4. Those issues aside it is a great head.

Early Riser · Mar 10, 2009

dpurdy said:
I don't know about fitting it to the Durst but I have used the Aristo VCL for a long time and I like it but the first thing you will have to get used to is how dim the printing light is. I am using a later generation Aristo VCL head and for some reason I have to print at a high contrast setting. My normal contrast setting is between 3.2 and 4. Those issues aside it is a great head.

Thanks for replying. Is the apparent dimness of the light a problem for dodging and burning? Do you need to work in an exceptionally dark darkroom?

Tom Kershaw · Mar 10, 2009

Brian,

What advantages do you see in using a cold light head? I've only used condenser or more recently dichroic heads.

dpurdy · Mar 10, 2009

Early Riser, yes I do definitely keep the dark room very dark for that reason. If you use a Thomas safe light or something that is very bright, the image is hard to see. Personally I am happy to work in a dark dark room just lit with red LEDs

Tom the advantage to a cold light is smoother tones and less problem with scratches and dust on the negative showing up on the print.

ic-racer · Mar 10, 2009

A couple other advantages (in the 8x10 size) is that less heat means no fan, and the overall head height can be lower than a dichro or condenser head.

Tom Kershaw · Mar 10, 2009

ic-racer said:
A couple other advantages (in the 8x10 size) is that less heat means no fan, and the overall head height can be lower than a dichro or condenser head.

I can see how that is an advantage. With all the fans going full throttle, my darkroom can sound like a small plane.

Tom.

Early Riser · Mar 10, 2009

Tom, some of the advantages have been posted. I'm in the process now of learning about all the advantages as well.

dpurdy · Mar 10, 2009

The noise is actually another reason I work with a darker darkroom. I find the hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm of the thomas florescent safe light to drive me insane.

Aristo VCL on a Durst L184

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