Light spill Ilford 500h + Omega D5 enlarger

Hi Everyone,
After a few months out of the darkroom, I'm back trying to tame my new (to me) Omega D5-XL enlarger fitted with a Multigrade 500H head (controlled by a Analyser 500). Right off the bat, my initial test prints are way off. Im using T max 400 negatives developed in Pyrocat HD and the tone range readout from the analyser is just bizarre. Note that my first enlarger was a Durst M670 with a condenser head also run by a RH designs Analyser Pro and I was able to print my pyrocat negatives without trouble. Part of the problem, I believe, is that the sensor is picking up stray light radiating from the 500 head where it meets the double glass 4x5 negative carrier. This ring/band of light shines around my darkroom workspace (a corner of the garage) and bounces off the grey walls onto the paper easel. I haven't changed the setup of the enlarger from when I bought it (from a pro lab getting rid of it's darkroom gear). So, to those who have this same enlarger/head unit, how do you block the extraneous light from leaking around the negative carrier? Have you had issues calibrating your Analyser 500H?
Cheers
Adam

Is the light squirting out the sides of the enlarger or around the negative and onto the easel? You could try a glassless carrier, or light blocking with opaque black 3m masking tape in the first instance. or mask the negative with black paper in the carrier.

Have you got the correct light boxes that should drop down from the 500H head and virtually touch the top glass? There are 2 or 3 Light boxes with different drops from the notch that stops the box going through the retaining mask. Some keep the box flsu with underside of 500H some let it drop about 10-15 mm down into negative carrier area.

I use telescope flocking on top of the negative carrier on my Saunders 4x5. I did the same on my Focomat. Works great.

The only light coming out of the enlarger should come from the lens. Most enlargers need some help with this issue. Severe cases of light leak can be rectified with a little skirt of black felt. Painting the walls near the enlarger black is a common remedy if you can't stop all the stray light at the source.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've tried using a mask and it cuts out a bit of light but not much. The light is leaking horizontally and not down onto the easel. I took a picture of the interface of the mixing box ( 6x7 size box) , which protrudes slightly from the bottom of the head case and touches the glass in the upper leaf of the carrier. I think I'll need to fashion some sort of skirt or curtain to 'contain' the light. Back to the drawing board!
Cheer
Adam

That is a lot of light... If the interface rests on the carrier then you can use the flocking. Your best bet though with that much light would be the skirt ic-racer suggested. Maybe do both. You could also blacken the edges of the glass in the carrier. I used Speedball Super Black India ink to blacken the edges of the condenser on my Focomat that was leaking light. Worked great. It is shellac based so it doesn't rub off.

It is worth the time to get it totally sealed up.

Hope that all helps.

Do your negative holders have the round ring on the bottom?
Do you have and use the Omega adjustable masking attachment?

MattKing said:

Do your negative holders have the round ring on the bottom?
Do you have and use the Omega adjustable masking attachment?

Click to expand...

The negative holders have two rectangular bars that keep the glass in place and align the holder with the hole in the negative holder platform, not a complete ring. No I don't have a adjustable masking attachment ( had one with my durst enlarger and loved it!).
Adam

The Masking attachment might help you with the problem.
Could you make a temporary cardboard sleeve to shield the light leaks while you are using the analyzer?

I'd use foam like that for light seals. Also if you have an old mouse pad give that a shot.