How to use (can) a durst 707 (be used) just for b/w?

Hi,

Found a durst 707 autocolor.........with a working bulb......but how can I use this enlarger just for b/w??? I am a bit confused because of the remote controller (color controller???) which interacts with the electricity (i have to click the remote and then the bulb works)


Any advice on how to simply get the timer + enlarger to work?? Can the "remote controller" be disabled??


[Edit] on another forum I read
".....The Durst AC707 timer is controlled by setting your exposure time on the enlarger head. To make an exposure you press the button on the meter probe (this is connected to the Durst head)."

I notice the little dial on the left side but didn't realise this could be the timer?? So I don't need to use an external timer like the m605?..

There is a trick to using the Omega D5500 COLOR computer/timer for B&W. In that case, one puts the computer/timer in "Calibrate" mode and it functions just like a standard color head. That is you set he three colors and time and work away normally. At the end, just turn it off, don't save anything.

For b&w you have to set the filters at the head to white light and then calibrate the integrated meter for your paper similar as you would calibrate it for colour prints.

For overriding the integrated autoexposure, set the filters at white light and the lamp on as for focusing, then control the whole shebang via the mains by a timer. I guess...

Goodmorning,

Tx for taken the time to answer.

I just found a manual for the 707 and after I have read it, I hope I understand your answers .........at the moment I am clueless .......never used an enlarger with a computer/timer with calibrate functionality.
"...... similar as you would calibrate it for colour prints." you assume I have ever printed a colour print (I wish )

@AgX ....your last sentence gives me more hope:
"..set the filters at white light" = C Y M set to 0, right?
"...lamp on as for focusing" = button on the base or button on the head??
"...shebang via the mains by a timer" = I can use a regular "external" timer just like using an M605 (I can skip the remote control on the 707 / don't have to do anything with it)

Sorry, I only got the manual, but no hands-on expruience. The manual is rather long, take your time.
-) look for lever #42. It is the white light lever. But it only makes sene if you use filters in one way or another and do not want to lose their setting. Otherwise just crank-down the three filter dials
-) no idea
-) yes, that is my guess.

Good morning,

Little update: I was in the darkroom yesterday and with the help of you and the manual I was able to make a print, not happy with the contrast yet. I have used the C Y M settings on the head with this table:


Thanks again for all the tips and info.

btw: the other enlarger has a Durst CLS 66 color head but the magenta doesn't go to 130 maximum is 100??? How can recalculate the YM filter settings for contrast control or is there another table??

There is nothing to recalculate. Durst employed the same filter scale at all enlargers, as far as I know. This means if a enlarger goes only to 100 and one needs 130, one has to set 30 and add a 100 foil filter, or a do a combo similar in density result.

(Once Agfa employed a set-up of of one movable (dyed-glass) 100 filter in the mixing chamber and offerd one static filter of same kind to be added in case one needed densities above 100.)

I own an AC-707 Autocolor since many many years, one of the best machines ever built by Durst in my opinion, although at this point in time it has too much electronics and no service, so today I would possibly not buy again such an high-tech machine. But what a terrific enlarger!

It seems you already got the basics of the machine in the meanwhile. You probably already understood that what you called the "remote" is a combined "on switch" and three-colours light sensor probe. You can set the head to "B&W only mode" with a three-throws switch and automate the work a bit by using the sensor as a plain lightmeter, which sometimes helps when changing from one frame to another or from one film to another. In order to use it this way, however, the enlarger should also be equipped with the white diffusing filter, mounted on the same red filter assembly. Should your unit lack it, coincidentally I have a complete spare assembly for sale.

Enjoy your AC-707 Autocolor!

Marco Gilardetti said:

You can set the head to "B&W only mode" with a three-throws switch and automate the work a bit by using the sensor as a plain lightmeter, ...

Click to expand...

This means employing an autoexposure function similar to that for colour, I guess.
However for "manual" exposure one needs an external timer, switched into the mains line.

Yes indeed. The three colour channels are summed up, and the signal is measured and evaluated as a whole. The three separated compensation knobs for YMC are bypassed, and the relative arrow pointer LEDs are also turned off in this mode.

There is no need in any case for an external timer: an excellent timer is built-in in the head, and it's the one at the left with a white dial (not visible in the picture above).

Thank you! I did not realize that. Either I was not alert or the manual is not clear on this.