opal glass for durst m 600

[jesa]

I have recently gotten the manual for the durst m 600 I am planning on using in the darkroom I am putting together. In it an opal glass is listed among the parts and pieces. I do not have one. How important is this piece of glass? How difficult is it going to be to find a replacement?

I am still very new to all this darkroom equipment, any help or information that any of you can give me is deeply appreciated.

 

[Murray@uptowngallery]

surplusshed.com has some Eastman Kodak single-side flashed opal glass in 4x5 5x7 and 8x10 (I don't know if those are precise or nominal).

The 8x10 was $7.50 and I don't remember the others, something like $2.50 & $5 maybe.

It's used to diffuse or even out the light from the lamp if you want a diffusion look rather than pure condenser look. Supposed to reduce effects of duct & negative scratches. Any other benefits others may describe.