flat atmosphere4 + flat photos?

[Vaughn]

I do not know about replacement halogen bulbs -- but as long as the voltage, etc., is the same, a lower-powered bulb might work nicely.

I suppose in theory, adding the same amount of each color would equal a neutral density filter. You might have to do a little testing to be sure that you still have the contrast control you want.

 

[MattKing]

Vaughn,

Thanks. I have the color head. I use the filters to increase contrast (magenta) but is there a combination that will imitate neutral density? Good idea about the bulb. Stupid question......since I am only exposing black and white, could I use a standard halogen bulb rather than a special photo enlarger bulb that will cost four times as much? No color correction needed.....

Alexis

I'll chime in.

The photo enlarger bulbs are supposed to be more consistent from bulb to bulb in respect to colour temperature, light intensity and light dispersion.

Assuming that you found a "standard" halogen bulb that had the same connector, voltage and current characteristics (all absolutely necessary) you need to be concerned most about the colour temperature - if there is too much yellow in the light, you might have difficulty with contrast.

 

[fralexis]

I just wanted to thank Thomas, Matt and all others who responded. I followed everyone's directions and made the necessary tests. The results were really great. I now have a couple of good prints that I am pleased with and that are exactly what I had in my mind's eye when I shot them. I still have a huge amount to learn and experiment with, but now I have a good starting point. I would post a scan of the prints, but that is yet another technique I need to master. I also need to figure out how to scan my negatives (4X5) without costing a fortune. Thanks again!

Alexis

 

[baachitraka]

Try printing them with Grade 5 and burn highlights with Grade 0.

Premium Arista 400, Rodinal 1+50 for 9 mins. Very flat day,