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Does anyone still make/sell round aluminum reflectors?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by Steve Goldstein, Apr 19, 2009.

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  1. Apr 19, 2009 #1
    Steve Goldstein

    Steve Goldstein Subscriber

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    I want to make a simple setup for contacting printing my WP negs as using my Beseler 45 for a light source with Lodima paper is gruesomely slow. The old-style round aluminum reflectors would be just the thing, but when I went to the largest local photo store yesterday they had only fancy and expensive setups more suited for studio use. I can't find anything on the B&H site either, though that could just as easily be a problem with my search.

    There's a big local photo show next weekend, but if I don't get lucky there, what are my options?
     
  2. Apr 19, 2009 #2
    Monophoto

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    Check Home Despot or Lowes - they often have aluminum reflectors that would work just fine for what you are trying to do.
     
  3. Apr 19, 2009 #3
    DWThomas

    DWThomas Subscriber

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    At B&H (Sometimes it's a little difficult to track their product hierarchy.)

    In days of yore, hardware stores used to sell about a 10" aluminum reflector, sometimes with a spring clamp holder and a socket. They certainly weren't the quality of official photo gear, but might work. (Of course I haven't looked for such a thing in twenty years either -- maybe they're gone!)
     
  4. Apr 19, 2009 #4
    JBrunner

    JBrunner Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    I have one of these. Works famously, six bucks.
     
  5. Apr 19, 2009 #5
    Richard Wasserman

    Richard Wasserman Member

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    How about just using an R40 Floodlight bulb? They come in many wattages and don't need an additional reflector.

    Richard Wasserman
     
  6. Apr 19, 2009 #6
    David A. Goldfarb

    David A. Goldfarb Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    For Azo I tried various light sources, and know what works best for me? A cheap Ikea halogen desk lamp with the UV filter removed. The halogen bulb doesn't put out enough UV for reasonable exposure times with alt-processes like albumen, but it's perfect for Azo and Lodima. My exposure times are usually around 30 sec. or less for an 8x10" or smaller neg targeted for Azo. Larger negs require that the light source be farther from the neg, so times are longer. I couldn't find the lamp I use on the Ikea site (I think I got mine from an old roomate who left it behind after moving), but this one is similar--

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20079200
     
  7. Apr 19, 2009 #7
    Pinholemaster

    Pinholemaster Member

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    Tractor Supply, or any place that sells poultry stuff for raising chicks. I saw some recently at Lowe's.
     
  8. Apr 19, 2009 #8
    mgb74

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    The ones DWThomas referenced are easily found at Home Depot, etc. Typically limited to 60-100 watt bulbs.

    The "poultry" ones will often have a wider (but more shallow) reflector and a ceramic socket for higher wattage bulbs.
     
  9. Apr 19, 2009 #9
    RJS

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    Smith-Victor makes relatively inexpensive reflectors that might work for you. As always, Google Smith-Victor for a look. B&H also can get them.
     
  10. Apr 21, 2009 #10
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    Steve Goldstein

    Steve Goldstein Subscriber

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    $12 at Lowe's got me a nice big reflector with a ceramic socket. Thanks for the tip!