Ilford 400 HL

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
53,892
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
AnselMortensen said:
I love mine...
It's on an Omega D5XL.
Parts & service are unobtainium, however.
Click to expand...

I had a very similar setup, although mine was a D6.
And I was very happy with it.
At one time, I was able to get a footswitch for it that KHB put together - the challenge being the old style English connector.
While I expect parts can't be particularly easy to find, the head is probably serviceable with a hammer and a chisel, and I wouldn't be surprised if the controller parts were discrete and plentiful.
And the styling reminds me of old Nanaimo .
A move to smaller premises mandated a sale of my 4x5 enlarger, or I would have happily continued with it.
 

Lachlan Young

Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2005
Messages
4,994
Location
Glasgow
Format
Multi Format
It's pretty good, the grade spacings are odd on the original controller (as it matched gen 1 of modern multigrade). It can be run with the correct adapter (i.e. if you have the plugs and schematic) off an MG500 PSU & controller, if it has the voltage tap for the 500HLZ head.

Alternatively, if you are prepared to work on a split-grade methodology, you can run it off suitable power supplies directly.
 
OP
OP

Melvin J Bramley

Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2021
Messages
529
Location
Canada
Format
35mm

I had not considered how the $00 would perform with more modern papers.
Is this an issue that can be overcome?
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
53,892
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
I used split grade techniques mostly - the O and 4 settings are totally functional for that.
And if you want to just rely on the grade spacings as is, you will soon get used to it - they just differ a bit from others. It is only a problem if you regularly use other enlargers with other sources.
I kept at hand a separate under the lens 6 filter from a PolyMax filter set for the rare times when I needed maximum possible contrast - the 400 series lets a little bit off too much green through even on the 4 setting.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…