De Vere 504 Problem

[Stuart.Matthews]

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]

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

 

[Ian Grant]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Stuart.Matthews]

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]

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