Metrolux II Timer Question

[rmann]

I am considering getting a Metrolux II timer and have a question about the optional probe. I have been to the website where there is a set of instructions for the timer only. Could someone who is using this timer and probe shed some light on how useful they find it? Can you take a density reading on the easel and get useful information? How long will the display hold the reading (I ask because I have used a R H Designs meter where the density reading is flashed for only a few seconds). Would also appreciate any other comments on the Metrolux as a tool that a user could share. Thanks.

 

[lee]

I have the Metrolux II timer and both probes (one for making the cold light and timer a closed loop and the densitometer thingy). I dont quite understand your question really but I dont use the densitometer thingy at all. I have access to a really good unit. The probe for the cold light is mounted in the head and monitors the light intensity of the cold light. I think this timer is right up there in build quality and usefulness as the RH Designs Stopclock Pro and I own one of those also. I have the Metrolux II attached to an Omega enlarger with an Aristo VCL 4500 and the RH Designs on a condenser Durst 138. Both units are excellent.

lee\c

 

[BruceN]

Here's the page in the instructions where it starts talking about using the remote sensor, or MRS: http://www.meteredlight.com/timer7.htm
I haven't started using mine yet (new darkroom isn't ready), so I'm afraid I can't be much more help.

Bruce

 

[John Oliver]

Metrolux II experience

Would also appreciate any other comments on the Metrolux as a tool that a user could share. Thanks.

I recently purchased the Metrolux II. I have an Omega D2 with an Aristo cold light head. Now that I have spent the money for the Metrolux II I really don't know how I lived without it. Repeatability, multiple timing channels, control of drydown percentage, a beep tone that I can live with, ease of programming etc. etc. It is a great unit and worth the money in saved paper alone. I don't have the densitometer probe. I thought that if I ever felt the need for it I could always buy one as I already have two print exposure analysers that I don't use. I did add a footswitch (jack for focus and exposure footswitches are already installed on Metrolux) which is a big help.

 

[Loose Gravel]

I've used Metroluxes (Metroluxi ?) since the very beginning. It is a great instrument and none is more repeatible or accurate. The remote sensor is most handy for me for resizing a print -- if I get a print all figured for times and then want to change the size. It can be used as a densitometer by a couple of means.

One is a projection desitometer where you can make densitometer reading with a projected negative. This is okay, but what you find out is how uneven your light source is. The better way to make densitometer reading is to use one spot of your light source, the center, and move the test negative over the spot. This eliminates errors due to the uneveness of light sources (they are all bad, its scary). I have also seen the remote sensor used as a densitometer on a light table where the remote sensor was converted to look down. This works pretty well.

 

[rmann]

I have received the timer and will answer my own original question - the probe displays the log density readings as it is placed on the baseboard - hold the probe in one place and the reading stays visible - much nicer than my RH timer which only flashed the reading. Find base + fog within the image (or edge) and null the meter, it thens gives readings for the other parts of the image. As I am using a Zone VI VC twin tube head I had only three choices - a Zone VI, RH Vario, or the Metrolux - So far it seems that I made a good choice to go for the Metrolux - seems very easy to use, just wish they had a better web site to promote the product and its features.

 

[ChuckP]

Doesn't the Zone VI VC head have a built-in stabilization system? Seems like with that you wouldn't need to use the timer feedback control as required by a non VC coldlight. Are you actually using a light sensor in the head to connect to the timer?

 

[rmann]

The VC head does have a voltage stabilization built in - interesting that when the Metrolux is calibrated to the head you get a read out of light values over a two minute time period - there is clearly drift in light output with my head and it drifts at both the start of a two minute period and the end. I was getting fairly nice results before upgrading using a simple timer, but felt that the feedback system would be an improvement - have not used it enough for a long term evaluation - so far seems to be a nice addition with the shutter timer and density functions as a bonus.

 

[BruceN]

My understanding of it is that the built in stabilization unit is fine as long as your line voltage is steady, but if you get any fluctuations (like from furnaces or dryers kicking on and off) all bets are off. Apparently the Metrolux, attached to the built in sensor on the Zone VI, does a wonderful job of compensating for this. I have yet to try mine, but the big new darkroom is coming right along so the moment is approaching...

Bruce

 

[ChuckP]

So the Zone VI VC head has a built-in light sensor similar to the non VC head? And you're connecting the timer to this sensor so time will vary with light intensity.

 

[rmann]

Guess that should have been stated clearer - the Zone VI twin tube VC head has a sensor installed at the factory and a plug for the cable connection to the timer - with the Metrolux you need to use a cable to connect the sensor to the timer. You would also need to use a cable to connect the head to a Zone VI timer or to a RH Designs Vario timer.