Dust problems with condenser, where?

I have just purchased an Omega D2 with condenser lens (I can assure you that this will not be my last post on this...).

Before that I have not used a condenser-machine, but with a diffusor.
I have heard that condenser may give higher contrast, but more dust-problems.

So, I wonder where the dust-problems are. Is it the dust that may be on the glass-side closest to the negative that is the problem or is it every glass-surface in the condenser-lens.

I usually use glassless negative-carriers, because I really hate the dust and I hope that I don't have to have zero dust-particles on every glass surface now.

/ Marcus

The dust problems are from the negative. A diffuser enlarger helps disguise any blemishes on the negative whereas a condenser is less forgiving.

I have had lots of problems with dust between the two condensor lenses. I clean mine at least once per week to avoid problems. The symptom is white spots on your print that are not in focus.

I haven't tried the enlarger yet, but I think I can see lots of dust from the lens that is closest to the negative. Isn't that easy to get in the image since the DOF may be long enough to include those dust-particles?

Dust on negatives has never been my problem otherwise.

/ Marcus

brummelisa said:

Dust on negatives has never been my problem otherwise.

/ Marcus

Click to expand...

You should get good results. You may need to decrease film development times somewhat if you want to print on the same grade paper as you diffusion experience.