/ Register

Condenser position inside Vivitar VI rule of thumb?

Discussion in 'Enlarging' started by Kurt.Strecker, Nov 29, 2009.

Thread Tools

Thread Tools

  1. Nov 29, 2009 #1
    Kurt.Strecker

    Kurt.Strecker Member

    Messages:
    4
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2009
    Location:
    Cincinnati,
    Shooter:
    35mm
    Greetings all, I'm excited about joining the community!

    I just bought a Vivitar VI with the Color head.

    I haven't used an enlarger since school (a whole 3 years ago . . . ) and I remeber something about where the condenser should be placed in relation to the format or focal length enlarger lens used . . . but I can't remember anything more than that.

    When I picked it up, the condenser assembly was in the lowest position.

    The whole setup came with 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm lenses and the largest neg carrier is a 6x6 . . .

    Is the condenser in the right place for this setup?

    Thanks so much for your help.

    Kurt.
     
  2. Nov 29, 2009 #2
    troym

    troym Member

    Messages:
    20
    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2006
    Shooter:
    35mm
    If you flip up the hinged door to the condenser housing, there should be a diagram on the inside of the door that shows the proper placement of the adjustable condenser. The upper slot is for medium format and the lower slot is for 35mm.
     
  3. Nov 29, 2009 #3
    OP
    OP
    Kurt.Strecker

    Kurt.Strecker Member

    Messages:
    4
    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2009
    Location:
    Cincinnati,
    Shooter:
    35mm
    Hm, I looked around inside to check that everything was in order, but didn't see a diagram. Thanks for the info!
     
  4. Nov 29, 2009 #4
    troym

    troym Member

    Messages:
    20
    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2006
    Shooter:
    35mm
    No prob. I think it's a decal, so it may have peeled off over the years.
     
  5. Nov 30, 2009 #5
    dancqu

    dancqu Member

    Messages:
    3,676
    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2002
    Location:
    Willamette V
    Shooter:
    Medium Format
    Test by making two or three small prints
    with no negative in the carrier. An evenly
    gray print and you're OK. A Good test to
    run feeling safe or not.

    BTW, a condenser position which does
    well for your largest format will do
    well for any smaller format. Dan