Eiko vs. Ushio vs. Osram

BetterSense · Jan 25, 2015

All these companies make PH140 enlarger lamps. Is any of them better or longer lasting than the others? Does anyone actually have a preference, or should I pick randomly?

Ektagraphic · Jan 25, 2015

In the arena of theatrical lighting, projector bulbs, and other projects such as car headlights, I have have good luck with Osram. I used to prefer GE, but they haven't been making such a wide selection any more. I am guessing that they are all of similar quality, my positive experience has me leaning on Osram.

gorbas · Jan 25, 2015

My experience with EIKO halogen lamps was very bad. Ultra short bulb life comparing to same type of GE, Sylvania, Ushio or Osram.

chip j · Jan 25, 2015

Osram bulbs were specified for Leica enlargers. They are a little warmer looking, having just compared an old Sylvania bulb w/a Osram one (PH211). And more solidly built, too.

BetterSense · Jan 25, 2015

In incandescents bulbs, "warmer" typically translates to "longer - lasting". I also wonder if it also means "slower" photographically, although it wouldn't bother me too much since I find my enlarger too fast as it is.

BH sell Osram and Sylvania as the same thing:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/858563-REG/Sylvania_Osram_11625_PH140_75W_120V_Lamp.html

Interestingly, the Eiko and Ushio are advertised as 50-hour bulbs and the Osram is advertised as 35.

AgX · Jan 25, 2015

Warmer bulbs of the same wattage as cooler ones not only put out less visible light but also less blue light in relation to their overall output.

Ektagraphic · Jan 25, 2015

Well guess I will steer clear of Eiko/Ushio!

gorbas · Jan 25, 2015

Ushio is very high quality, EIKO is bad!

mauro35 · Jan 26, 2015

My enlarger uses PH1400 (like the PH140, but rated for 240V systems). Here in Europe the price of PH1400 lamps is absolutely insane (in the order of 30-50 euros per lamp, which roughly equals 40-60 US dollars), because I suppose the demand is very small. These lamps are rated for about 50 hours of usage. That makes for a money draining combination if I wish to print often. I was able to find an LED lamp with very similar shape and size and this is what I am using now. The color temperature is the same as the PH1400 and I have not found significant difference in contrast between the two on VC paper. The LED is rated for 20,000 hours so I guess one or two of them is all I need for a lifetime.

DREW WILEY · Jan 26, 2015

I prefer Japanese made USHIO. But more important than brand is where they are made. Chinese bulbs are wretched. GE label embraces both high-quality products and utter junk, again, depending on place of mfg and price point. You kinda get what you pay for, but with the exception that upper end product pricing can be all over the map, even for the same item, depending on the specific distributor (with photo and AV houses generally being much higher than dedicated bulb suppliers). But if you're just paying a few bucks a bulb, you have reason for suspicion concerning quality and longevity.

Rick A · Jan 26, 2015

Just a bit of info, Osram and Sylvania are one and the same company. There's an Osram/Sylvania lamp plant about 20 miles from me, and the original Osram/Sylvania vacuum tube plant was here in my home town.

Stephen Prunier · Feb 28, 2015

I just received an Eiko PH140 to have as a backup. Now I'm having buyer remorse!

Rick A. Osram/Sylvania has their Corporate Headquarters, and R&D here in my town. At one time they were a major employer here. Sadly, when the business changed directions, they closed most of their plants here. I knew a LOT of people who had to reinvent themselves at 40, 50 years of age. Most of the older workers got buyouts. It was sad to see. I know these things happen a lot. But it was a first for this area of the country. Before the late 80's, a lot of people worked at Osram/Sylvania, GE, Eastman Gelatin aka Kodak.

AgX · Feb 28, 2015

Stephen Prunier said:
Before the late 80's, a lot of people worked at Osram/Sylvania.

By then it still was Sylvania, not yet owned by Osram.

I know the situation at Philips, a company that formed a whole City (Eindhoven) and that changed dramatically due to variation in products and moving manufacturing.

Eiko vs. Ushio vs. Osram

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