Question about contrast filters for Saunders enlarger

[What About Bob]

I have a Saunders LPL C6600 enlarger and am debating on whether or not to jump for the Ilford Multigrade filter set that goes under the lens or just use the filters that I bought four years ago that go over the lens.

The problem with using the over the lens acetate filters is that I would be disturbing the enlarger when swapping out/in a different filter when I do get to the point of playing around with split grade printing. Swapping filters would require me to slide the top-front door up to get above the condenser and the heat absorbing glass that is in its carrier frame. How would I use over the lens filters without physically disturbing the enlarger? The enlarger is stable enough but maybe not for playing around with the top door.

The acetate filters I have, according to the Saunders manual, describe their placement as being in the carrier frame which I do have but mine all ready contains a square heat absorbing glass. I am not seeing any other slot to insert another carrier frame for filters in this top area. Only other place for these type of filters would be the gap between the condenser and the top part of the negative carrier but then the filter would be touching the negative.

Also in the C6600 manual there is an image showing that there is a loosening/tightening screw that secures an under the lens filter holder but there was no such screw when I bought the enlarger from eBay. Would this screw come with the Ilford filter kit or is this something that I can buy at a hardware store? Looks like it would be a sort of thin and not too long screw.

I was reading that under the lens filters could degrade image exposures due to reflections. Has anyone ever had this experience? If anything a red filter would be of good use for focusing and doing quick checks when paper is out.

I finished leveling the enlarger not long ago, as best as I could. Also leveling the table it is on. Getting these finer but important points taken care of as best as possible.

Thanks for any advice/answers anyone may have.

 

[Melvin J Bramley]

I have a Saunders LPL C6600 enlarger and am debating on whether or not to jump for the Ilford Multigrade filter set that goes under the lens or just use the filters that I bought four years ago that go over the lens.

The problem with using the over the lens acetate filters is that I would be disturbing the enlarger when swapping out/in a different filter when I do get to the point of playing around with split grade printing. Swapping filters would require me to slide the top-front door up to get above the condenser and the heat absorbing glass that is in its carrier frame. How would I use over the lens filters without physically disturbing the enlarger? The enlarger is stable enough but maybe not for playing around with the top door.

The acetate filters I have, according to the Saunders manual, describe their placement as being in the carrier frame which I do have but mine all ready contains a square heat absorbing glass. I am not seeing any other slot to insert another carrier frame for filters in this top area. Only other place for these type of filters would be the gap between the condenser and the top part of the negative carrier but then the filter would be touching the negative.

Also in the C6600 manual there is an image showing that there is a loosening/tightening screw that secures an under the lens filter holder but there was no such screw when I bought the enlarger from eBay. Would this screw come with the Ilford filter kit or is this something that I can buy at a hardware store? Looks like it would be a sort of thin and not too long screw.

I was reading that under the lens filters could degrade image exposures due to reflections. Has anyone ever had this experience? If anything a red filter would be of good use for focusing and doing quick checks when paper is out.

I finished leveling the enlarger not long ago, as best as I could. Also leveling the table it is on. Getting these finer but important points taken care of as best as possible.

Thanks for any advice/answers anyone may have.

Try the filters you have and see if you like the results!

I have been bitten by the 'this is better than that" for some time; it cost me money and did not improve my results!

That said , some purchases can make life easier in the darkroom.

TB
.

 

[mshchem]

I don't know the enlarger you have. My thought is with the under the lens setup this would allow splitgrade printing.

 

[Rick A]

I use 6x6 Ilford filters above the lens (condenser compartment) with my Omega ProLab(D5), and below the lens filters with my Beseler 45MX. No difference in function or convenience for split grade printing.

 

[Doremus Scudder]

The only issue as I see it (unless the older filters are faded) is the possibility of knocking the enlarger out of focus/position when changing filters to use split-grade printing methods on an image.

So, try it and see if it works well enough for you. If not, get the below-the-lens filters and a swing-away holder that makes for easy changing.

Doremus

 

[Sirius Glass]

I now have a color head on my enlarger, prior to that I never had a problem putting the filters below the lens in a holder.

 

[What About Bob]

I don't know the enlarger you have. My thought is with the under the lens setup this would allow splitgrade printing.

I have a Saunders LPL C6600 condenser. I will save up for the under the lens filter kit.

 

[What About Bob]

I use 6x6 Ilford filters above the lens (condenser compartment) with my Omega ProLab(D5), and below the lens filters with my Beseler 45MX. No difference in function or convenience for split grade printing.

This is good to know. For the time being I will hold the acetates under the lens until I can get my hands on the multigrade filter kit.

 

[What About Bob]

The only issue as I see it (unless the older filters are faded) is the possibility of knocking the enlarger out of focus/position when changing filters to use split-grade printing methods on an image.

So, try it and see if it works well enough for you. If not, get the below-the-lens filters and a swing-away holder that makes for easy changing.

Doremus

The filter set I have is new. 4 inch squares. There is so much activity working the filters in and out at the top of the enlarger that doing split printing would be a no-go. I will be saving up for the under the lens kit. For now I will just hold the acetate filter with one hand under the lens and not move around as much.

 

[What About Bob]

I now have a color head on my enlarger, prior to that I never had a problem putting the filters below the lens in a holder.

I wish I had one of those when I did color work back in the 90s. I still have my two boxes of the Ilforchrome filter packs from back then.

 

[markbau]

I used Ilford 4 inch filters above the lens on a condenser enlarger a while ago and the filters faded very quickly. I'd def go with below the lens. Don't monkey with split printing, Ilford give you 12 filters, just select the correct one for that negative.