Ilford 500H

[Melvin J Bramley]

Any thoughts on the Ilford 500H?
Can you split grade print with one?
Are they compatible with Agfa multi contrast paper?
Are they reliable?

 

[AnselMortensen]

The photo lab where I worked had an Ilford 500 setup on a D5XL.
Right before I left, they switched from Kodak paper to Agfa MCC, and there were no problems.
It was very reliable, but that was 1989-1996.
You can change filter grades in mid-exposure if you want to.
The best enlarger setup I've ever used.

I currently have an Ilford 400/ D5XL system at home (older than 500), and I miss that grade 5 sometimes.

 

[mitch brown]

I have 3 of them and never had a problem great set up

 

[MattKing]

It takes a bit to get used to the fact that there is just green and blue light coming from it (assuming it isn't from the relatively rare first version).
But once you do, you will appreciate it.
Harman/Ilford has some manuals here: https://www.ilfordphoto.com/technical-downloads/equipment-manuals/

 

[albada]

It takes a bit to get used to the fact that there is just green and blue light coming from it (assuming it isn't from the relatively rare first version).

How does one dodge/burn at high contrast? That's mostly blue, which is hard to see, making it hard to keep a tool in proper position.
I heard that's why Ilford's contrast filters are reddish: They pass red light so you can see the image and keep your tool positioned.

Mark

 

[MattKing]

How does one dodge/burn at high contrast? That's mostly blue, which is hard to see, making it hard to keep a tool in proper position.

It is fairly easy to see what you are doing. When the only light is blue, that is what you see.

 

[koraks]

Any thoughts on the Ilford 500H?
Can you split grade print with one?

Yes

Are they compatible with Agfa multi contrast paper?

Yes

Are they reliable?

Yes