I hate my enlarger(s)

[TheFlyingCamera]

The condensers could be in in reverse order, or one or both of them could be inverted from their intended orientation. I'd suspect inverted condenser(s) for giving you falloff like that.

 

[Vonder]

The condensers could be in in reverse order, or one or both of them could be inverted from their intended orientation. I'd suspect inverted condenser(s) for giving you falloff like that.

With the C700, that is impossible. They only go in one way.

 

[clayne]

With the C700, that is impossible. They only go in one way.

Well given that the number of variables here is not infinite I'd say the problem is still solvable. Most threads like these usually result in something stupid or unmentioned as the cause.

How about the light bulb itself?

 

[Vonder]

Well given that the number of variables here is not infinite I'd say the problem is still solvable. Most threads like these usually result in something stupid or unmentioned as the cause.

How about the light bulb itself?

I wish I had a clue. Now, the head WAS removed a few weeks ago, and I just now put it back on, but there's nothing to that... not that I can see. It's 4 screws and done. True, the enlarger did work before, but I don't think I printed 11x14 with the LBL lens at all.

 

[Rick A]

I have several C-700s, the upper is removable, as is the lower, for cleaning. One or the other could very well be askew from shipping. Doesn't hurt to take it apaprt to clean and double check for placement. None of mine exhibit that problem, at worst, with a junk lens, I get 1/4 stop fall off at extreme enlargment.

 

[Vonder]

I've examined the condensors in detail and while they do come out, when they are in, they are firmly in place.

Hmmm... could it be the filter? I'm printing with a number 4. I suppose it's possible that the edges of the filter (where I handle it) is dirty. I'm not a coal miner (although I DO go home for lunch on occasion ) but I guess it's possible that standard everyday oils could be built up there.

 

[5stringdeath]

I've examined the condensors in detail and while they do come out, when they are in, they are firmly in place.

Hmmm... could it be the filter? I'm printing with a number 4. I suppose it's possible that the edges of the filter (where I handle it) is dirty. I'm not a coal miner (although I DO go home for lunch on occasion ) but I guess it's possible that standard everyday oils could be built up there.

Simple to figure out .... do a print with no filter, and move your filter holder out of the way too (if you are doing below the lens.)

 

[clayne]

Simple to figure out .... do a print with no filter, and move your filter holder out of the way too (if you are doing below the lens.)

This is standard troubleshooting procedure for issues like this - but after reading the recent thread with the guy who had uneven development issues and at the very end chose to tell us he wasn't even inverting the tank because he wasn't using a proper cap - I've come to expect all sorts of duh reasons. This is why I question if the enlargers have *any* issue at all.

 

[srs5694]

Another suggestion: Take some snapshots of the enlarger, including close-ups of critical items like the lens and condensers, and post them for others to examine. Maybe somebody familiar with this model (which excludes me) will spot something that's obviously wrong.

 

[alexhill]

Can you post your enlarging lens? Manufacturer and such? You are printing 35mm right? Are you using negatives that you know well and trust? What's your light bulb? (wattage, manufacturer, ect). The more info the better

I'd guess that the enlarger wasn't designed to make 11x14 sized prints and at that magnification it's failing to illuminate evenly. Also negatives fall apart at high magnification, so this could be an exaggeration of a previous existing problem (I doubt this though). The more info we have, the better