Fujimoto G70 and Stopclock Pro

[Jerevan]

I have a Stopclock Pro that I bought about a year ago. Needless to say, I really like it!

But having moved into a shared darkroom, I find myself in a bit of a pinch. There are two enlargers, a Durst 1200 with a 500H head and a Fujimoto G70. I know that the 500 head does not work with the Stopclock, but what of the G70? It does not have any extra controls of any sort - just the knobs for colour correction. I am not keen on plugging in my Stopclock to experiment, I suppose that would fry something in it. From the information on your homepage, I gather that Fujimotos doesn't work with the Stopclock, due to being "closed-loop control systems". Does this apply to the G70 also? Are there any exceptions when it comes to Fujimotos?

 

[RH Designs]

From the information on your homepage, I gather that Fujimotos doesn't work with the Stopclock, due to being "closed-loop control systems". Does this apply to the G70 also? Are there any exceptions when it comes to Fujimotos?

I've never seen one of these enlargers but from what little I know about them, they normally have some sort of computerised exposure system built in. A brief Google threw up (there was a url link here which no longer exists) which suggests the computer bit is separate from the enlarger proper. If that is the case with yours, and the computer control can either be disconnected and/or removed, then you can probably use the StopClock with it. Remember the StopClock is simply a mains on-off switch as far as the enlarger is concerned, so if you can control the enlarger by switching the mains power to it, then you can use the StopClock. Remember to keep the transformer, if any - applying mains power direct to the lamp (which is probably a low voltage one if it's a dichro head) will blow it instantly!

 

[Jerevan]

I have only looked at the G70 very briefly yesterday, but now that you say that the computerized part can be separated, I recall it had a standard timer and a transformer connected to it, so it may work with the Stopclock, which would be great news! I'll check it in more detail when I get to the darkroom next time. Thank you very much for your answer.

 

[Mick Fagan]

I've used a G70 enlarger a bit. A friend had one about 15 years ago, it developed a problem with the electronics. Basically there is a complete closed loop colour system built into the bottom of the baseboard.

We managed to run the enlarger manually using an old Stag 30 second timer (Baurle or something like that)

Whatever, it is possible to work around the electronic doo-dahs.

Great enlarger, one interesting point is the possibility of using either a condenser or diffused head by simply turning the head 180 degrees.

It has a built in colour analyser built into the negative stage at the bottom of the bellows. I think it measures 6 colours and is a beautifully simple system.

There is also a density probe built in, you take a reading (after calibration of course) and it will automatically adjust the timer.

By the way the enlarger is primarily designed to do colour work, but you can do B&W easily.

The colour programmes are also designed to do readings in negative or positive modes. It was on the market when Cibachrome was a serious colour option for home darkroom workers.

It will do a 20 x 24 print with a 6x7 neg but the baseboard is that size (I think) and it is a tight fit.

I believe this enlarger was quite unique and way ahead of most of the competition in it's day, and today!

Mick.

 

[RH Designs]

I have only looked at the G70 very briefly yesterday, but now that you say that the computerized part can be separated, I recall it had a standard timer and a transformer connected to it, so it may work with the Stopclock, which would be great news! I'll check it in more detail when I get to the darkroom next time. Thank you very much for your answer.

In that case just replace the standard timer with the StopClock (on the 230v side of the transformer of course) and all should be well

 

[Jerevan]

I was in the lab today and checked things a bit - yes, it had a Bauerle timer and I just unplugged that and plugged in the Stopclock and it worked.

Nice to know about the option of diffusion or condenser head - it was marked "condenser", but I'll try the suggestion of turning it 180 degrees. I found none of the other things mentioned, though.

 

[du a gwyn]

fujimoto G70

HELLO,i've used the stopclock timer on the G70 enlarger for many years without any problems what so ever.this was the model without the build in timer on the front.this was one of the best enlargers i've used,only used for b/w printing.i only change it when i bought a de vere 203 fitted with the ilford 500 head model.i couldn't get used to the control pad with the 500 head at all,then i bought the RH design dedicated timer for the Ilford 500 head,back to heaven again!!.can't recommend it enough,takes time to get use to but then this is only natural for any new tool.
hwyl am y tro.
(no conection what so ever with RH only a happy customer!!)