Contrast filters and Dichro 67 megenta wheel

Hey guys,

I use a Besler Dichro 67 enlarger for my 35mm film images to enlarge. I was wondering if there is a percent equivilant on the magenta wheel that would be the same as the contrast filter? IE 25% would be the same as a #2 filter contrast filter, ( just guessing).

Todd

From the Ilford website - the data sheet for contrast control for Ilford Multigrade papers: http://www.ilfordphoto.com/download.asp?n=782&f=2010628932591755.pdf

See the tables on page 3 - use the Kodak numbers for Beseler color heads.

not sure exactly what you're asking. Where a head has single dial for contrast settings it is usually combining both Y+M to give for example G2. So if you are using just 25% M then I don't think it will match exactly without testing it. Infact G2 is around zero filtration or a combined Y+M so I doubt there is a direct match of 25% M only giving G2 or a match to a combined Y+M value for G2 (except zero M+Y).

If you are thinking of filters such as the ilford filters then you should know they are a combination of Y or M plus some neutral density so that they are speed matched. So if you are using 25M your will need some plus or minus neutral density and in fact for G2 I would suggest its some plus neutral density to get same print time as G2 ilford filter. If you are not using the neutral density then the 25%M would look lighter on the baseboard than a G2 Ilford filter becasue the ND included in the Ilford filters.

Not likely The lower contrast grades are yellow. With VC paper and that head just use the Ilford tables.

My Beseler instructions say use a 30M for a grade 2 paper.

PE

Only way to know for sure is to check with an inexpensive (uncalibrated) step wedge. Just match them with trial and error (the #2 filter and your Magenta wheel).