Help! My enlarger won't turn on!

Clarimort · May 17, 2019

Hello friends,

I have a problem. A week ago my enlarger (Kaiser VCP 6000) just stopped working mid session. Of course I thought the light bulb was just dead so I ordered a new one that has the same product number as the one inside the enlarger.
I just put the new bulb in but... It still won't turn on.

I am really really upset because I only have had this enlarger for a few weeks now and I was planning on a big printing session this weekend with new paper I just got.
But I have no idea what could be wrong. Everything looks fine, no rust or anything. The cables all look fine and nothing happened.
Could it be the transformer? Am I too dumb to put the light bulb in? There shouldn't be much you can do wrong, right?

Is it the wrong bulb? I just searched for "Osram 64627" on eBay (this was the one that was already in the enlarger) and bought one with the exact product number and volt/watt numbers but it sais "Xenophot" while the one in the enlarger sais "Bellaphot". But as far as I understand "Xenophot" just uses different/more advanced gas inside the lamp so that shouldn't be the problem... right?

I really have no idea since I am new to all of this.
I hope someone can help me since I would really be devastated if my enlarger was just dead.

Thanks in advance,

C.

Ian Grant · May 17, 2019

Sometimes when bulbs pack up they also blow a fuse. I know that my Durst transformers all have a fuse on the side, as does my Jobo and De Vere. I'd check this first.

Ian

Jerevan · May 17, 2019

You could try to contact Kaiser Fototechnik -> http://kaiser-fototechnik.de/de/index.asp and ask them. If none of the two bulbs you have work, I guess the problem might be somewhere else.

Possibly, could it be the fuse in the transformer?

removed account4 · May 17, 2019

There really isn't much that can go wrong with an enlarger. Its just a plug, and socket and a light bulb.
Working methodically from the wall to the bulb ...

Have you tried plugging something else in that plug? Tried a different plug?
Is the enlarger plugged into a timer?
Is the power cord broken or frayed?
Does your power cord have a ON/OFF Switch ?
Will another, any other it doesn't matter as long as it has the right screw base, light bulb that you know works, work in the enlarger?

If other things don't work in your plug you might have a household electrical problem, fuse? circuit breaker?enlarger fuse?
If the enlarger works in the wall plug directly and not in the timer, get a new timer.
If the power cord is frayed maybe you need to replace the cord.
If the switch is off, maybe you didn't realize it was off ...
Maybe you were sold a bulb that was already dead if other things work in the fixture and the bulbs don't light up.

good luck!
john

Clarimort · May 17, 2019

Ian Grant said:
Sometimes when bulbs pack up they also blow a fuse. I know that my Durst transformers all have a fuse on the side, as does my Jobo and De Vere. I'd check this first.

Ian

How do I check that? There is this little thing that you can screw out on the transformer. Is that the fuse?
If its actually blown, do I need to get a new one?

AgX · May 17, 2019

With small halogen bulbs it is less easier to see whether the wire has broken.
Use a loupe (if possible with the reflector around...)

Check contact wires for corrosion. And insert again.

Check the fuse at the transformer.
Incandescant lamps burning through, may form an arc that trips the resp. fuse.

Clarimort · May 17, 2019

Have you tried plugging something else in that plug? Tried a different plug?
Yes to both. My washing machine works fine in the same plug and I have tried different plugs for the enlarger.
Is the enlarger plugged into a timer?
It was when it stopped working, yes. But I plug the transformator directly into the wall now so I know it is not the timer.
Is the power cord broken or frayed?
It doesn't look like it. Are there any indications that I could see/feel if the cord is broken? It looks normal to me.
Does your power cord have a ON/OFF Switch ?
No, only the transformer has.
Will another, any other it doesn't matter as long as it has the right screw base, light bulb that you know works, work in the enlarger?
I don't have something that I can try those bulbs on... But I've ordered three new ones and tried them all so I am guessing it isn't the bulb.

Thanks to all for your quick replies. I am hoping we will find the solution.

Kino · May 17, 2019

Here is the manual: http://www.kaiser-fototechnik.com/pdf/anleitungen/4420_1_en.pdf

I see no "user serviceable" fuse mentioned, but that doesn't mean there isn't one internally in the transformer. Of course, if you are not confident in opening a transformer to see if there is an internal fuse, then don't.

I would assume the transformer is bad.

AgX · May 17, 2019

It is hinted at in other Kaiser manuals....

It is under the typical cap located between the mains connector and the on-off rocker switch.
Have a second look.

Clarimort · May 17, 2019

AgX said:
It is hinted at in other Kaiser manuals....

It is under the typical cap located between the mains connector and the on-off switch.

So it is the thing I thought it was. I screwed it out and yes, it seems to be burned, there is black stuff inside. I just ordered new ones. I am afraid I won't find a store in my city where I can buy those directly so I'll have to wait again.
Let's hope it is just a simple fix like that.

Thanks again to everyone!!

AgX · May 17, 2019

Clarimort said:
I am afraid I won't find a store in my city where I can buy those directly so I'll have to wait again.

In the long past there still were electronics stores for tinkerers. Meanwhile there hardly are tv/radio repairers left either...

pentaxuser · May 17, 2019

Clarimort, you have my sympathy and I understand your frustration but I think that from what you have described in #10 it is almost certainly the fuse that has blown so once the new fuse arrives it should be OK Here is hoping I am right

pentaxuser

Ces1um · May 17, 2019

Clarimort said:
So it is the thing I thought it was. I screwed it out and yes, it seems to be burned, there is black stuff inside. I just ordered new ones. I am afraid I won't find a store in my city where I can buy those directly so I'll have to wait again.
Let's hope it is just a simple fix like that.

Thanks again to everyone!!

Is it a very small glass cylinder? If so, those are fairly common fuses for small to medium electronics. Hardware stores, possibly the source/radioshack, etc...

AgX · May 17, 2019

As indicated, no more existent in Germany.

removed account4 · May 17, 2019

Some automobile repair and parts stores might have your fuse. Can you post a snapshot of it in this thread and if you can't find it locally maybe someone else can give you an idea of another place that sells it.

mgb74 · May 17, 2019

There are attributes to fuses beyond the amperage rating. Most importantly, how quick they blow. Your enlarger, and many others today, are as much electronic as the are optical. You don't want to "fry" the electronics. Unless you know what you're doing, wait for the ones you ordered (I assume you ordered to match the part number).

Martin Rickards · May 17, 2019

Another point, probably unrelated, is not to handle those Xenophot bulbs bare-handed. The grease on your fingers can reduce their life. Always try to wear cotton/latex gloves when changing them.

mshchem · May 17, 2019

Clarimort said:
So it is the thing I thought it was. I screwed it out and yes, it seems to be burned, there is black stuff inside. I just ordered new ones. I am afraid I won't find a store in my city where I can buy those directly so I'll have to wait again.
Let's hope it is just a simple fix like that.

Thanks again to everyone!!

Hopefully the blown fuse isn't indicative of bigger problems. If you don't have any further problems you are great. The fuse being blown usually indicate an event of some sort.

voceumana · May 17, 2019

If your washing machine is on the same circuit as the enlarger, I would recommend using a surge protector on the enlarger--I would recommend it even if the enlarger is not on the same circuit. But definitely the surge of the washing machine motor turning on and off has the potential to blow the fuse, especially if the fuse is a "fast blow" type.

Clarimort · May 17, 2019

mgb74 said:
There are attributes to fuses beyond the amperage rating. Most importantly, how quick they blow. Your enlarger, and many others today, are as much electronic as the are optical. You don't want to "fry" the electronics. Unless you know what you're doing, wait for the ones you ordered (I assume you ordered to match the part number).

I know, I am certain I got the right ones! The slow ones.
And I think my enlarger doesn't have much electronic. There is no autofocus or anything. So it's pretty much just the light and, if I use it, the timer.

AgX said:
As indicated, no more existent in Germany.

What do you mean? The fuse? I asked a co-worker today (who used to be an electric engineer) and he told me where I could get those. I am gonna check out that store tomorrow.

voceumana said:
If your washing machine is on the same circuit as the enlarger, I would recommend using a surge protector on the enlarger--I would recommend it even if the enlarger is not on the same circuit. But definitely the surge of the washing machine motor turning on and off has the potential to blow the fuse, especially if the fuse is a "fast blow" type.

The washing machine isn't plugged in when the enlarger is. When I don't use the enlarger it isn't even in the same room as the washing machine and it's not plugged in at all! But I'll still look for a surge protector, might be a good idea for extra safety.

Thank you all sooo much for your ideas, the eBay seller already sent out the new fuses and I'll also check a hardware store tomorrow just to make sure I can try it out this weekend. I'll give you feedback if everything works again. Let's hope!
And:

mshchem said:
Hopefully the blown fuse isn't indicative of bigger problems. If you don't have any further problems you are great. The fuse being blown usually indicate an event of some sort.

Yeah, that's what I hope too. I'll have to watch it.

Thanks!

C.

Serg Lavrenchuk · May 17, 2019

jnantz said:
There really isn't much that can go wrong with an enlarger. Its just a plug, and socket and a light bulb.
Working methodically from the wall to the bulb ...
.....
good luck!
john

Thank you, Sir! You made my day!
I remembered my face when I saw this first time and it just stopped working.

Sorry for off-topic. Hope you smile like me now.
(on photo enlarger)

Clarimort · May 17, 2019

Serg Lavrenchuk said:
Thank you, Sir! You made my day!
I remembered my face when I saw this first time and it just stopped working.

View attachment 223754

Sorry for off-topic. Hope you smile like me now.
(on photo enlarger)

I have to be the dumb one:
What is it?

Chan Tran · May 17, 2019

jnantz said:
There really isn't much that can go wrong with an enlarger. Its just a plug, and socket and a light bulb.
Working methodically from the wall to the bulb ...

Have you tried plugging something else in that plug? Tried a different plug?
Is the enlarger plugged into a timer?
Is the power cord broken or frayed?
Does your power cord have a ON/OFF Switch ?
Will another, any other it doesn't matter as long as it has the right screw base, light bulb that you know works, work in the enlarger?

If other things don't work in your plug you might have a household electrical problem, fuse? circuit breaker?enlarger fuse?
If the enlarger works in the wall plug directly and not in the timer, get a new timer.
If the power cord is frayed maybe you need to replace the cord.
If the switch is off, maybe you didn't realize it was off ...
Maybe you were sold a bulb that was already dead if other things work in the fixture and the bulbs don't light up.

good luck!
john

It appears that the OP enlarger has a step down transformer and if he has the voltage stabilizer one then the circuit inside could be quite complex. I would check to see if this unit is still supplying power.

Clarimort · May 17, 2019

I just noticed: The fuse that was inside the transformer is a T1A (so 1 Ampere) but the sticker on the transormer says it needs a T0.63A.
Could that be the reason why the fuse blew? I'm gonna get one with 0.63 Ampere tomorrow.

I also checked my Kaiser Timer and noticed that it sais "2,5 AF" next to the fuse to I am guessing it should be a fast one with 2,5 Ampere. But inside is a slow one with 2,5 Ampere. Is that bad? Should I change it?

AgX · May 17, 2019

Clarimort said:
What do you mean? The fuse?

No, the stores that used to sell those fuses.
At least Bauhaus has meanwhile some types. But beware, there are quite some models and you have to pick the right one, in size and characteristics.

Help! My enlarger won't turn on!

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