Ilford Multigrade Filter Holder

[Jessestr]

Since I bought an analyzer I was thinking of switching to the Ilford Multigrade filters as they seem to give more consistency then using a color head. I've been scouting a B/W head for my M670 but I saw that there is a filter holder to use below the lens, but does it fit for all enlargers?

The red filter to frame the shot with the paper seems to be sitting to close to the lens to actually use the below lens filters... any idea if it would work on a M670 and would it give any advantage over using a color head (with analyzer)?

Thanks

 

[RobC]

the below lens filter set comes with a red filter if memory serves me correctly.

they work fine. Only downside is that you must keep them very clean and that means never getting them dirty in the first place so you don't have to clean them which could scratch them if you are not very careful. Also the holder attachment to lens can make access to the lens aperture ring a bit fiddly, especially if you are using a recessed lens board. I use the below lens filters on modular 70 occasionally.

AND importantly you should know that the b&w white head has an above the lens filter drawer in it so you wouldn't need to use the below lens filters with that head anyway.

 

[Molli]

My first enlarger didn't have any contingency for filters (made pre-variable contrast papers), so I popped out the red filter and simply sit the Ilford filters on top of that holder. Originally I only had the gelatin sheets which fluttered away and onto the floor. Then I was gifted with a set in the plastic holders. Perfect!

I've used the filters beneath my colour head enlarger a couple of times also for split grade printing and using a diffusion filter (little old ladies like me for this!) Presumably the hole in the lens board was originally intended to accomodate an under lens red safety filter, but no such thing arrived with the enlarger. So, I screwed a long bolt in place and attached the Ilford Multigrade Filter holder to that. It's pefectly fine beneath a 50mm lens but too cramped beneath my 80mm. A longer bolt would
remedy that.

(Apologies for the awful illustrative images!)

 

[Jessestr]

Thanks for the comments! Made it clear now!

 

[R.Gould]

I believe that the filter holder can be attached to the pole that holds the red filter as well as attached to the lens, They have a red filter in the set so you can do away with the enlargers red filter altogether, just remember that they must be kept very clean, but best not to use a cloth, or at least use a microfibre cloth very lightly