Ilford multigrade 500H enlarger question: light mixing box

[Photopathe]

Hi! The diffusion light mixing boxes in this enlarger head has to be changed depending on the negative format. Is it ok to use the largest (4x5 format) mixing box all the time even for smaller formats? What would be the impact? My understanding is that it would just make for longer exposure times wth smaller formats than if I would use the smaller mixing box.
Thanks!

 

[Lachlan Young]

Is it ok to use the largest (4x5 format) mixing box all the time even for smaller formats?

Yes.

What would be the impact? My understanding is that it would just make for longer exposure times wth smaller formats than if I would use the smaller mixing box.

Essentially yes. Unless you need the higher output from the 35mm box for mural scale work (for small prints it can make exposures extremely short) - and can get everything lined up perfectly so that you get no cut off from the edges of the box - use the biggest mixing box for your system as a default.

 

[MattKing]

You are correct in your understanding.
Depending on the enlarger, there might be a small difference in flare if you use the 4x5 diffusion for a smaller format. There also might be a difference in stray light leaking out the side, if the enlarger doesn't seal well between the light source and the negative carrier.

 

[Photopathe]

Great! Thanks!

 

[mpirie]

I leave the 5x4 mixing box in for all formats, though to be fair, i only use 6x6 up to 5x4.

Mike

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I had this head in Japan for a few months. I always left the 4x5 chamber inside when printing 6x7's. No worries.