Macbeth TD-504m Densitometer

[Bruce Osgood]

I've come across this densitometer and am considering to buy it. The owner wants about $100 for it and claims it is working properly.

I know nothing about the use of densitometers and would have to find a manual. I think it is both Transmission and Reflective but don't want to ask the seller and let him know just how dumb I am about this (you know, Pride and Fall). So I am asking the people who aren't embarrassed to answer questions.

There are two "Calibrated Status" things that plug into the body. One is labeled A the other is M. They appear to set a color channel to read thru.

Thanks for any insights you can share.

 

[Barry S]

I have a Macbeth TD-903 and I'm pretty sure the TD series were transmission-only densitometers. I think the TD-504m is an earlier model and I've read some advice to stay away from older models due to non-linear drift, but I have no idea if the TD-504m is problematic. These densitometers are very simple to use--basically zero and read. It sounds like it comes with Status A (reversal) and Status M (color negative) filters, but you'd use a visual channel (white or orange) to read B&W film. I paid $30 for my TD-903, so you might see if he'll take less--$100 seems a bit high.

 

[Brickbird]

Bruce....On an X-Rite 310, A and M refers to a transmission checking status. In the A status it defines the response function for the measurement of photo products such as snapshots and other prints, 35mm slides, and transparencies intended for display using direct or projection methods. In M mode it defines the response function for the measurement of the preprint( sometimes called the internegative) films, which are camera films such as those used to create color prints that are to be printed on photo paper but are not to be viewed directly......So I would assume that the Macbeth A and M would do the same things as the X-Rite model. Status responses are industry standards for densitometric measurements. Hope this helps....................Tav

 

[Bruce Osgood]

Barry and Tav,
thank you very much. I will save my $100 at this time and feel a lot more knowledgeable about densitometers.

 

[Nick Zentena]

There are two "Calibrated Status" things that plug into the body. One is labeled A the other is M. They appear to set a color channel to read thru.

Thanks for any insights you can share.

I think that's the one I have. Not sure what you mean by plug into the body. Mine is in a box so I'm going by memory but it's fairly easy to use. I used a calibrated step wedge to calibrate it. Once calibrated [three channels on mine IIRC] you pick the right channel. One for B&W. One would be useful for Pyro negatives. I forget which is which and not all 504 had all the features. Stick the rebate of the film under sensor. Zero the unit. Then stick the part of the negative you want to measure under the sensor. Take your reading. This gives you a reading less the base.

Really that's about it for use.

$100 is likely on the high side for 2009.

 

[sanking]

I used one of these for a while and it was a good transmission densitometer. Pretty sure it did not allow for reflected readings. I had a manual and sent copies of it to a bunch of people over the years. If you get the machine I would look for the manual, though not sure I still have it.

Sandy King

I've come across this densitometer and am considering to buy it. The owner wants about $100 for it and claims it is working properly.

I know nothing about the use of densitometers and would have to find a manual. I think it is both Transmission and Reflective but don't want to ask the seller and let him know just how dumb I am about this (you know, Pride and Fall). So I am asking the people who aren't embarrassed to answer questions.

There are two "Calibrated Status" things that plug into the body. One is labeled A the other is M. They appear to set a color channel to read thru.

Thanks for any insights you can share.

 

[AutumnJazz]

Be careful if it comes with three plotting witches...

 

[Phil]

Bruce,

I'm looking at a copy of the TD-504 Operator's Manual dated March 1972. There were four models - TD-405 for general use, TD-504A for reversal color films intended for viewing, TD-504M for color film intended to be printed, and TD-504AM that combined the A&M models. These are transmission densitometers.

The TD-504 model that I have has Red, Green, Blue and Gold (visual) filters in the 'filter selector'. It sounds like that one has two 'filter selector' cylinders - (3" long - 2" around) that have the filters for color film - is there one with 4 colored dots in the unit now?

So, depending on what you wanted to use it for - it may not have the proper filters. These also came with three reading inserts - 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm. You also need to have a calibrated step tablet to allow you to calibrate the unit.

Phil

 

[Bruce Osgood]

Phil, Sandy and Nick;

Thank's for the input, I'm going to do more research before I take the plunge.

 

[Ponysoldier]

Good idea. These units were really good when first produced but there are better units available today for about the same price. The photomultiplier tubes used in many of the older units are very expensive and difficult to find.