Could changing my Nuarc 26-1K bulb speed print time?

hchapman · Jan 13, 2011

I'm starting to get impatient with my Nuarc's 9-10 minutes for standard palladium printing. I got the unit used with a functional but definitely well-experienced (pretty frosty looking) bulb.
Have a new bulb ready to go.
Might using the new bulb speed my printing times?
Am looking at doing some new print runs and am prepared to re-do my digital negative calibrations if necessitated by the new bulb.
Thank you,
Harlan

PVia · Jan 14, 2011

I'm surprised no one left an answer for you. Yes, a new bulb can shorten exposure times, but I'm not sure by how much. In my own experience after acquiring a used 26-1Ks a new bulb (Ushio MHL-1000), times were cut by approx 1/3 or slightly more.

Of course, it all depends on your specific negatives. I've found that a digital negative that takes 7-8 minutes in full bright cloudless Southern California sun, takes much longer in the NuArc.

hchapman · Jan 14, 2011

New Nuarc Bulb = Shorter Print Time?

A potential 1/3 decrease in exposure time is substantial, even 10% would be welcome.
I'll take the plunge with a new bulb then. Will let you know what change I see.
Thank you for the information.
-Harlan

MVNelson · Jan 15, 2011

changing the will change speed and most likely contrast a bit too. The change was substantial when I put in a new bulb ....

Curt · Feb 5, 2011

Will I expect an increase or decrease in contrast with a new bulb? I'm going to change mine since I've had the same bulb for a while and my 26-1k was bought used. I have no way of telling how much time is on the bulb, it could be new or way old. Harlan would you let me know where you get your bulb from and who the manufacturer is?

Thanks,
Curt

I've got my eye out for a 5x7 Rittreck!

hchapman · Feb 6, 2011

Changes with new bulb in Nuarc

Hello Curt,
With the new bulb I see a subtle increase in contrast and a faster printing time by about 25%. The old bulb was really frosty. And the Nuarc doesn't make the same throbbing noises it did with the old bulb, seems happier now.
I'll post the info on my bulb source later today.
And when you find your 5x7 Rittreck I suspect you will like it.
-Harlan

Curt said:
Will I expect an increase or decrease in contrast with a new bulb? I'm going to change mine since I've had the same bulb for a while and my 26-1k was bought used. I have no way of telling how much time is on the bulb, it could be new or way old. Harlan would you let me know where you get your bulb from and who the manufacturer is?

Thanks,
Curt

I've got my eye out for a 5x7 Rittreck!

hchapman · Feb 6, 2011

Nuarc Bulb Replacement

Hello Curt,
I purchased the replacement bulb for my Nuarc 26-1K-LC
in 2009 from
LAMP EXPRESS - BLUETEC - THEIMER -SOLAR SIMS -TECHNIGRAF - HANOVIA - OLEC
It is a BlueTec BT GW 114
The box label says "Universal Light Source Incorporated, San Francisco" and has a phone number on it: 415-864-2880
There are other sources for bulbs too.
Hope this helps,
-Harlan

Could changing my Nuarc 26-1K bulb speed print time?

hchapman

PVia

hchapman

MVNelson

Curt

hchapman

hchapman

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