De Vere 504 Problem

Stuart.Matthews

Member

Joined

Jan 7, 2007

Messages

6

Location

Plymouth

Format

35mm Pan

• Jul 16, 2007

• #1

Hi,

I am currently in the process of getting hold of a De vere 504 enlarger although it has a colour head, is it possible to change the head to Black and White one? is that quite a complex procedure? Also does anyone know of any suppliers that I could contact about getting hold of a Black and White Head?

Thanks

Stu

 

Dave Miller

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Dec 22, 2003

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Middle Engla

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Medium Format

• Jul 16, 2007

• #2

Welcome Stuart, the colour head you have is used for Black & White printing work.

 

Ian Grant

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Aug 2, 2004

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23,286

Location

West Midland

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Multi Format

• Jul 16, 2007

• #3

Dave's right a colour head is extremely flexible. You just dial in the filtration for B&W, and Ilford and Kodak publish the settings or they are also available online.

It's easy.

Ian

 

Uncle Bill

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Apr 24, 2005

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Oakville and

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Multi Format

• Jul 16, 2007

• #4

I would stick with the head you have on the soon to be yours 504. Ilford has I think a chart for dialling in the proper inputs to replicate their filters.

Switching to a the Varicon Condenser head though in theory easy, reality is, you have to find one with the proper condenser lenses and they can be rare beasts on their own.

You will love the 504, I started printing with mine last weekend, you won't be disappointed.

 

Peter De Smidt

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Oct 20, 2004

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Fond du Lac, WI

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Multi Format

• Jul 16, 2007

• #5

As others have said, the diffusion color head gives very good results with BW negatives. I've used a 504 with a Dichromat (color head) for printing BW negatives for years. The magenta filter might have faded somewhat, which might limit the maximum contrast obtainable on VC paper, but you can always replace the filter, or use Multigrade under the lens filters.

 

OP

OP

Stuart.Matthews

Member

Joined

Jan 7, 2007

Messages

6

Location

Plymouth

Format

35mm Pan

• Jul 17, 2007

• #6

Brilliant thanks guys! I’ve been using a De Vere 504 for the last few years at University but since graduating I obviously don't have the facilities anymore, so currently trying to construct a darkroom in my parents garage.

Thanks Again

Stu

 

Matt5791

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Joined

Nov 15, 2005

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Location

Birmingham UK

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Multi Format

• Jul 17, 2007

• #7

The other option for B+W is of course to use the under lens Ilford filters.

These are really great enlargers which seem built like a brick.

Also the real bonus is that they are really well supported - you can get all the parts you need from here or even arrange a service (which I imagine woudl cost you and may not be worth it depending on what you are going to be doing)

www.odyssey-sales.com