KIENZLE C120 PROBLEM

[yya]

I used the 4x5 condenser box to print a film today, This is the first time I print the 4x5 negative after installation and I noticed shadows in the four corners, so far I don't know where the problem is，I'm use 150mm lens and 135mm lens, same result

 

[Ian C]

Condensers project a fixed angle of light that forms a circle that is only somewhat larger than the diagonal of the intended format. This concentrates the light into a uniformly illuminated circle to use the light most efficiently.

That’s true for a given format rectangle. But if a different format is used, we must either change to a different set of condensing lenses, reconfigure the condensers, or move the condenser set to a different condenser-to-negative distance, depending on the design of the enlarger and its condensing lenses.

The photo shown in post #1 shows the light falloff and total cutoff of the corners typical when using a condenser setup intended for a relatively smaller format when attempting to enlarge a larger format. The projected circle of illumination is too small to properly cover the corners. If you check the owner’s manual, you can learn how the condensers must be configured to properly illuminate the entire negative.

On the U.S. made Beseler enlargers, this is accomplished by adjusting the distance from the condenser unit to the negative. The condensers focus the light into a cone of light with the vertex below the negative. For a relatively small negative, the condenser unit is in a high position, so that the illuminated circle is only moderately larger than the diagonal of the negative. Very little of the light falls outside of the format rectangle. This uses the light most efficiently and allows using a relatively low wattage lamp compared to non-condenser designs.

For a large negative, the condenser unit must be brought closer to the negative so that the projected circle of light is somewhat larger than the diagonal of the larger negative. I don’t know which adjusting system is used by the Kienzle C 120 enlarger.

Probably your best source of information is the manufacturer. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you should try to obtain a copy.

http://www.kienzle-phototechnik.de/home_english/contact/contact.html

 

[yya]

Condensers project a fixed angle of light that forms a circle that is only somewhat larger than the diagonal of the intended format. This concentrates the light into a uniformly illuminated circle to use the light most efficiently.

That’s true for a given format rectangle. But if a different format is used, we must either change to a different set of condensing lenses, reconfigure the condensers, or move the condenser set to a different condenser-to-negative distance, depending on the design of the enlarger and its condensing lenses.

The photo shown in post #1 shows the light falloff and total cutoff of the corners typical when using a condenser setup intended for a relatively smaller format when attempting to enlarge a larger format. The projected circle of illumination is too small to properly cover the corners. If you check the owner’s manual, you can learn how the condensers must be configured to properly illuminate the entire negative.

On the U.S. made Beseler enlargers, this is accomplished by adjusting the distance from the condenser unit to the negative. The condensers focus the light into a cone of light with the vertex below the negative. For a relatively small negative, the condenser unit is in a high position, so that the illuminated circle is only moderately larger than the diagonal of the negative. Very little of the light falls outside of the format rectangle. This uses the light most efficiently and allows using a relatively low wattage lamp compared to non-condenser designs.

For a large negative, the condenser unit must be brought closer to the negative so that the projected circle of light is somewhat larger than the diagonal of the larger negative. I don’t know which adjusting system is used by the Kienzle C 120 enlarger.

Probably your best source of information is the manufacturer. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, you should try to obtain a copy.

http://www.kienzle-phototechnik.de/home_english/contact/contact.html

I think the problem is on the condenser box, I try to contact Kienzle

 

[Hilo]

Did you actually print or did you only turn on the enlarger?

It could be just a matter of wrong focus with the lens being too far from, or too close to the negative holder

 

[yya]

Did you actually print or did you only turn on the enlarger?

It could be just a matter of wrong focus with the lens being too far from, or too close to the negative holder

I’m used 150mm lens to print, as you can see the film, it is actually print, I think it is a design problem

 

[koraks]

I think it is a design problem

I don't think so.

Contact Kienzle. I think you need to install the proper condenser for the 4x5 format / 150mm lens you're using. You probably have a condenser for up to 6x9cm installed. While on some enlargers the condenser itself is adjustable, on others, you need to actually install the right condenser for the right format. I suspect the Kienzle C120 falls into the latter category.

 

[yya]

I don't think so.

Contact Kienzle. I think you need to install the proper condenser for the 4x5 format / 150mm lens you're using. You probably have a condenser for up to 6x9cm installed. While on some enlargers the condenser itself is adjustable, on others, you need to actually install the right condenser for the right format. I suspect the Kienzle C120 falls into the latter category.

I actually use 4x5 condenser box

 

[yya]

I don't think so.

Contact Kienzle. I think you need to install the proper condenser for the 4x5 format / 150mm lens you're using. You probably have a condenser for up to 6x9cm installed. While on some enlargers the condenser itself is adjustable, on others, you need to actually install the right condenser for the right format. I suspect the Kienzle C120 falls into the latter category.

I have two condenser box, one for 4x5 and another for 6x9

 

[koraks]

You're not using the lens cone/plate for a shorter lens to mount the 150mm on, are you? This would present problems with the cone possibly obscuring the extremities of the image circle.

 

[yya]

You're not using the lens cone/plate for a shorter lens to mount the 150mm on, are you? This would present problems with the cone possibly obscuring the extremities of the image circle.

Let me check later, I have short lens cone

 

[koraks]

OK, given how the corners of the image seem to be clipped rather abruptly, I'd expect that there's something (round) protruding into the image area somewhere. This should be fairly easy to see as it'll light up when you turn on the enlarger lamp.

 

[yya]

OK, given how the corners of the image seem to be clipped rather abruptly, I'd expect that there's something (round) protruding into the image area somewhere. This should be fairly easy to see as it'll light up when you turn on the enlarger lamp.

Same result
Very short lens cone

 

[Anon Ymous]

Same result
Very short lens cone

I'm not familiar with this enlarger, but perhaps the lens cone, or something similar can be flipped?

 

[yya]

I'm not familiar with this enlarger, but perhaps the lens cone, or something similar can be flipped?

no worries, I'm waiting Kienzle reply, if I get update, I will post here, I think the problem is on condenser box, Kienzle use box to create condenser, looks like diffuser box, I cannot change the set up for condenser box

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Just a few items to scratch your head about:
Is the centring and hight of the bulb right?
Is the condenser box not upside down (if that matters)?
As it is a condenser BOX, there must be a number of optical elements in it, are these still in their correct position (due to transportation)?

There are so many things that can be off and even more to be checked...

 

[yya]

Just a few items to scratch your head about:
Is the centring and hight of the bulb right?
Is the condenser box not upside down (if that matters)?
As it is a condenser BOX, there must be a number of optical elements in it, are these still in their correct position?

There are so many things that can be off and even more to be checked...

I’m sure all correct, the condenser box has small window on the top to accept light source, the lamp cannot be adjusted, the condenser is a fixed box, I cannot change the elements

 

[naaldvoerder]

I’m sure all correct, the condenser box has small window on the top to accept light source, the lamp cannot be adjusted, the condenser is a fixed box, I cannot change the elements

How did this end? I am contemplating purchasing a Kienzle enlarger.

 

[yya]

How did this end? I am contemplating purchasing a Kienzle enlarger.

I made a mix box for this enlarger