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Beseler 45A for B&W Printing

Alan9940

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Jun 17, 2006
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2,541
Location
Arizona
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Multi Format
Hello,

I've been pondering on getting one of these units and have a basic question. Since this is a color head and, I believe, is an additive type--that is, R-G-B light, can it be used effectively for split-grade printing of VC B&W papers? Seems logical to me that one could beam solid green light for low contrast, then solid blue light for high contrast?

Thanks!
 
Yes, some (or all) of the Ilford Multigrade heads are also additive.
 
Just watched a short video on YouTube...the flashing nature of the exposure tube doesn't somehow affect VC paper exposure?
 
Alan9940 said:
Just watched a short video on YouTube...the flashing nature of the exposure tube doesn't somehow affect VC paper exposure?
Click to expand...
You may run into some differences due to reciprocity issues.
From the Ilford data sheet for Multigrade IV RC paper (as an example):
"Exposing light sources
MULTIGRADE IV RC is designed for use with most enlargers and printers, that is, those fitted with either a tungsten or tungsten halogen light source. It is also suitable for use with cold cathode (cold light) light sources designed for variable contrast papers. Other cold cathode (cold light) and pulsed xenon light sources may give a reduced contrast range" (emphasis added by me).
 
Thanks, Matt, that's kind of what I thought. I think I'll just stick with my Aristo head and keep using the filters. It's just that the filters--at least, the above lens ones--aren't exactly convenient for split-grade printing. I guess the Ilford 500H unit might be the ultimate solution, but I don't see many of those for sale too often.
 
Try the 45A head.
I have an older, 400 series Ilford head that gives me the 0 - 4 range. 95+% of the time that gives me everything I need - including for split contrast grade work. If I need to use 5 I just add a below the lens filter of that designation, and prepare myself for a long print time.
Your 45A head works on a slightly different principle, but I wouldn't be surprised if adding supplementary below the lens high contrast filters (when needed) will meet your needs.
 
The 45A works great for Black and White. Dedicate a few sheets of paper to learn how each color in the head affects contrast. Took me a few tries to grasp the setting as it is a bit un-intuitive at first

If you dont have a manual and cannot find one online let me know I should have a PDF copy available
 
TheFlyingCamera said:
The Ilford Multigrade head or if you can find one, the Oriental VC-CLS head, are the gold standard for variable contrast printing.
Click to expand...

Well, I´d rather say "it used to be".

I think the Heiland LED Cold Light Source with the Splitgrade Controller & Splitgrade Comfort are the current gold standard.
 
Do these heads come with some type of "Compute" or "Analyzer".?
Do those pieces of gear start to become a problem as they age.?
Thank You
 
The analyzer is integral to the head via a fiber optic cable. The problems I have read about seem to rarely involve the controller as long as the cable hasn’t been damaged. I have one, it I have not had the determination needed to start using it. The unit (and manual) is intimidating!
 
Some people absolutely love these heads. They sold a lot of them. There's a VC routine as part of this unit's manual. I have one, have never had the patience to get through the manual. You can do ring around exposures , it's really quite a machine. I have been told that they are reliable, the tubes are available on Ebay. Mine came with an outfit.
I use VC cold lights with Metrolux II timers and Beseler Universal additive heads. The Beseler Universal came in two versions 1 for VC 1 for color. All these heads are closed loop heads.
The least expensive approach probably is the Minolta unit. You can split print with separate green and blue exposures .They are weird, they sound a bit like a bug zapper lantern.
Mike
 
I love this head. The problem is a lack of supply for flash tubes. If you make a lot of successive exposures, or use the grain focuser to compose, the head overheats and will burn out the flash tubes. This means that you need supplementary cooling or a big budget for flash tubes. I have also tried looking for similar flash tubes but was not able to find any. The ones that are still available are quite expensive.

You can make excellent prints with this head, but if you want a color head for VC printing my suggestion is to either get a dichro head, or use an RGB bulb like LIFX in your condensor.
 
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