Do I need a Conic Light Integrator to print B+W on a 23c Dual Dichro?

[tjordache]

I recently got a sweet deal on a Beseler 23C II enlarger with a Dual Dichro color head. I'm only setup to print black and white and was wondering if I need the additional Conic Light Integrator to do so? The enlarger was missing this item. Not a huge deal as this is a cheap fix (thanks internet) but wanted to know for sure. Thanks!

 

[mklw1954]

Here's a link to the manual for the Dual Dichro 23 color head: http://www.jollinger.com/photo/cam-coll/manuals/enlargers/beseler/Beseler_DualDichro23_head.pdf. The conic light integrator is used when using the glass condenser assembly (typically used for b&w) as opposed to the plastic diffuser assembly (used for color). However, you can print b&w using the diffuser assembly and the manual indicates the filtration equivalents using the color head for printing b&w. In fact, many prefer to use a diffuser enlarger for b&w.

 

[Doremus Scudder]

Just use the diffuser as indicated above. Then you have a nice, smooth diffuse light source that many (most) B&W printers prefer. If you find you desire the condensers and light integrator, you can pick them up later.

Doremus

 

[John Koehrer]

These folks may have what you need. Some of it is cut or you can get cut to size.
http://www.fpointinc.com/glass.htm

 

[tjordache]

Firstly, pardon my ignorance on this enlarger. I haven't one of these at all in about 20 years, when I last printed color. PP7 of the manual shows a lamp cap with bulb (which I do not have, because it didn't come with it). PP9 shows a honeycomb lamp on the Dichro head (which I do have). So i was wondering is whether you can print black and white with the condenser head without the conical thingy.

 

[StepheKoontz]

Don't do it! I know this will sound crazy but I tried printing with that color head using the honeycomb thing with the condensing lenses and it literally melted the plastic aperture blades inside a schneider enlarging lens!! I guess it was like using a magnifying glass to use the suns rays to start a fire, it concentrated/focused the light to the point the blades melted. I was like OMG what happened! lol Either use the plastic diffuser in place of the condensing lenses or get one of those conical things.

 

[Doremus Scudder]

Just use the dichro head alone without condensers like you would for color printing. It works fine as a black-and-white diffuse light source and you can use the filtration to adjust contrast on VC paper. You're already good to go with the set-up you have; no need for condensers unless you have a good reason to change (personally, I can't think of one...).

Best,

Doremus

 

[tjordache]

Thank you Stephe! So you're saying I can use the honeycomb fixture without the conical integrator as long as I use the diffusers not the condensing lenses. I don't even have those condensing lenses now that I look. Its just the diffuser tube.

 

[tjordache]

I love you all. Thank you for your help!

 

[StepheKoontz]

Thank you Stephe! So you're saying I can use the honeycomb fixture without the conical integrator as long as I use the diffusers not the condensing lenses. I don't even have those condensing lenses now that I look. Its just the diffuser tube.

Correct, the conic light integrator was to use the color head with the original condenser lenses.

 

[mshchem]

Beseler sold 3 different light chambers for the 45S colorhead as well, 35mm, 6x7, and 4x5. Just something to sell. I always used the 4x5, with the translucent plastic diffuser, works fine.
Marketing probably told Engineering that they needed it to compete.