Fomaspeed variant 312: exposure time is too short?

jacksonwade · Apr 9, 2024

Enlarger: Meopta Opemus 5
Paper: Fomaspeed variant 312 5X7
Bulb: 150w
No filters

I tried with aperture from 4.5 to 16, the optimum exposure time is only 0.75-1.5 seconds.
Are there any fomaspeed variant user could share your experience?
I guess maybe the iso of fomaspeed is fast? So it called foma"speed".

Technical docs of fomaspeed variant

koraks · Apr 9, 2024

Yes, today's paper is fast. Using multigrade filters helps since they add some density. A neutral density filter also works. If you have a color head, you can dial in neutral density by setting the three dials to the same number. 30 units is generally one stop.

jacksonwade · Apr 9, 2024

koraks said:
Yes, today's paper is fast. Using multigrade filters helps since they add some density. A neutral density filter also works. If you have a color head, you can dial in neutral density by setting the three dials to the same number. 30 units is generally one stop.

I am using B&W head. I have ilford multigrade filters. If I don't want to change the contrast too much. Which number of filter should I use?

ic-racer · Apr 9, 2024

As mentioned, most of the filters have effective neutral density built in (red). You can leave the #2 in place all the time if you control print contrast by other means. Also, you could try a 75W lamp.

jacksonwade · Apr 9, 2024

Thank you very much for your useful information!

sorbrant · Apr 10, 2024

I have an Opemus 5, I use a 75w bulb and get 3-5 s exposures without filtration for a 5x7 print at f/8 on Fomaspeed. So your times are about right, from my experience.

I usually split grade print with Foma's filters, they cut out more light than the Ilford filters, they (Foma's) lengthen the exposures by at least 2-fold.

jacksonwade · Apr 14, 2024

sorbrant said:
I have an Opemus 5, I use a 75w bulb and get 3-5 s exposures without filtration for a 5x7 print at f/8 on Fomaspeed. So your times are about right, from my experience.

I usually split grade print with Foma's filters, they cut out more light than the Ilford filters, they (Foma's) lengthen the exposures by at least 2-fold.

Thank you for your reply. I will try 75w bulb.

Fomaspeed variant 312: exposure time is too short?

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