Removing supplementary filter on Durst CLS2000

[Pasto]

Removing supplementary filter on Durst CLS 2000

I started taking apart my CLS200 head to remove (and replace) the supplementary filter. I can't seem to figure out how to remove the filter. There does not seem to be any way of accessing it from above. I removed the bulb assembly with the reflector dome, but that's where it ends. Do I have to dissasemble the entire head to access the filter?

 

[ic-racer]

I think you will have to split the case to get to that one. Did it break?

 

[Pasto]

You're right ic-racer! I had to remove the top half of the head and then remove the structure that holds the lamp assembly. All the filters are then easily accessible.

No the filter is not broken. I'm actually trying to implement the solution to split grade printing with this head that you suggested to me a few months ago. I have some time now. I'd like to replace the supplementary filter with either a yellow or magenta filter of equal strength to the other filters in the head. I got the supplementary filter out. It measures 83 mm x 87 mm x 2 mm. Now, where do I get a dichroic filter to replace this one with? I tried Jensen Optical but he asked about $1600. I'm not sure that he understood, or that I explained well, what my need was...

Also, as the filters are accessible now, is it worth cleaning them individually, or better to not take the risk of breaking them...?

 

[ic-racer]

You might try a non-dichroic filter. What is the risk? In 15 years it might fade? Then just replace it again.
Here is a link to high temp. polycarbonate lighting gel designed to be placed over hot theater lighting. For $6.50 USD you get a 21" square sheet. Enough to last a lifetime of printing. Might be worth a try. I believe the fan in the head will be blowing on it, so it might survive pretty well up there.

Also check this catalog for ideas: http://www.colorfil.com/upload/files/Lee Filters Lighting Catalog.pdf

 

[Pasto]

Thanks ic-racer. That is a good idea although I'm a little worried that these would melt and destroy the rest of the filters in the head. Did you mean to include another link to the filter you recommend or is the pdf catalogue all you intended me to look at?

 

[paul_c5x4]

Now, where do I get a dichroic filter to replace this one with? I tried Jensen Optical but he asked about $1600.

Dead Link Removed is one source of optical glass that several apuggers have used. In the UK, UQG Optics is another source that I've used - Neither source will be as cheap as ic-racer's suggestion, but then it won't be anywhere near as much as Jensen's quote.

 

[Pasto]

Thanks for the info. I just send them email to see what they can offer.

 

[ic-racer]

Thanks ic-racer. That is a good idea although I'm a little worried that these would melt and destroy the rest of the filters in the head. Did you mean to include another link to the filter you recommend or is the pdf catalogue all you intended me to look at?

I think there are glass filters listed in that catalog.

 

[Pasto]

OK, thanks again ic-racer. I've now received a response from Edmund optics. The largest dichroic they offer is 50 x 50 x 2 mm, and it appear they do not offer custom sizes...

 

[ic-racer]

I don't recommend touching the other filters because the risk of breaking them is costly, HOWEVER, did you consider taking the existing yellow or magenta filter out and putting it in the holder for the supplementary filter. Or are they not the same size?

 

[ic-racer]

Here is a brochure showing Hoya non-dichroic glass filters that are 165mm x 165mm x 2mm. You would have to cut them with a glass cutter.
http://www.hoyaoptics.com/pdf/ColorFilterGlass.pdf

 

[Pasto]

Yes, I have considered it. They appear to be the same size. Problem is I won't be able to use my color head for color printing. I now print 4x5 color with my L1200. Although unlikely, I may want to try 8x10 color. If I can pick up a dichroic filter that fits at a reasonable price I will. I'm still waiting for responses from some other suppliers. Otherwise, I'll do just what you suggest.

Thanks Regarding Hoya. I just sent another email....

 

[Bob Carnie]

Are you both talking about a Durst 8x10 colour head, and are you trying to split print in BW??

If so why would you not use the dichroic filter set that is in the enlarger head for this purpose??

what am I missing here??

 

[AgX]

Lee Filters now also offer dichroic filters, though they are intended fot lighting use:

http://www.leefilters.com/architecture/arch-dl-col.html

 

[Pasto]

Yes Bob, it is the 8x10 Durst with a CLS 2000 head. Dialing in filters at least twice twice for each work print is driving me crazy. To add to this, the CLS 2000 head dials don't move as easily and smootly as my CLS 450.

ic-racer suggested an elegant solution. Dial in maximum yellow and use the white light lever to actuate yellow filtration. Use the supplementary filter (with a magenta filter in place instead of the standard one) as the maximum magenta filtration independatly actuated with the supplementary filter lever.

As I now have time between semesters, I thought of trying to source a dichroic magenta filter the same size as the supplementary filter. I sent out several emails so far. What I've learned:


1) Edmond Optics does not custom cut dichroic filters (unless the order is for 50 pieces minimum)
2) The three filters in the CLS 2000 head measure 87 x 77 x 2mm. This is slightly smaller than the supplemtary filter at 87 x 83 x 2mm. This is important because one solution is to use the magenta filter of the CLS 2000 in the supplementary filter drawer.

As you say Bob, I can dial in the filtration. I can also make a filter holder for under the lens filters. This is what happens to me when I have time on my hands! I work hard to make my work easier

 

[Pasto]

Thanks AgX, I sent Lee an email....

 

[Bob Carnie]

Ok , I dial in my filters , I do not use a 0 and 5 method so your solution would be of little value to me.
I am looking for a power cord from the transformer to the head if any of you have an extra one.

btw the CLS 2000 is an awesome enlarger .

Yes Bob, it is the 8x10 Durst with a CLS 2000 head. Dialing in filters at least twice twice for each work print is driving me crazy. To add to this, the CLS 2000 head dials don't move as easily and smootly as my CLS 450.

ic-racer suggested an elegant solution. Dial in maximum yellow and use the white light lever to actuate yellow filtration. Use the supplementary filter (with a magenta filter in place instead of the standard one) as the maximum magenta filtration independatly actuated with the supplementary filter lever.

As I now have time between semesters, I thought of trying to source a dichroic magenta filter the same size as the supplementary filter. I sent out several emails so far. What I've learned:


1) Edmond Optics does not custom cut dichroic filters (unless the order is for 50 pieces minimum)
2) The three filters in the CLS 2000 head measure 87 x 77 x 2mm. This is slightly smaller than the supplemtary filter at 87 x 83 x 2mm. This is important because one solution is to use the magenta filter of the CLS 2000 in the supplementary filter drawer.

As you say Bob, I can dial in the filtration. I can also make a filter holder for under the lens filters. This is what happens to me when I have time on my hands! I work hard to make my work easier

 

[Pasto]

I hear you Bob. I do use the modified split method you taught me as well. More often than not, however, the 0 and 5 method gets my midtones where I want them. Regarding the power cord, I only have the one, sorry.

 

[ic-racer]

There was a cord for a CLS1840 on ebay a few months ago. I did not buy it as a spare because I was not certain it was the same as the CLS2000 cord or not. If I see one for sale I'll let you know.

I am looking for a power cord from the transformer to the head if any of you have an extra one.

 

[Bob Carnie]

much appreciated

There was a cord for a CLS1840 on ebay a few months ago. I did not buy it as a spare because I was not certain it was the same as the CLS2000 cord or not. If I see one for sale I'll let you know.

 

[Pasto]

Just found some new info. The regular dial in filters in the CLS 2000 head are actually a little smaller (87x77 mm) than the supplementary filter (87x83). I removed the yellow filter and put it into the supplemenatary filter holder. It turns out that while it is shorter (back to front) by about 6mm than the supplementary filter, it does cover the enitre space below the bulb. I think ic-racer's option of getting a dial in magenta filter and using it in the place of the supplementary filter is looking better especially as I have not yet found a source that would provide a magenta filter with the proper spectral characteristics cut to size.

I also found that Northern Photo in the UK sells the dial in filters for the CLS 2000 at 200 pounds each. I have yet to recieve a response from Jensen Optical.

 

[paul_c5x4]

£200 sounds a bit steep. Have you tried someone like Bock Optronics ?

Found them through Midwest Optical Systems

 

[Pasto]

Thank you. I'll follow that up.

 

[Pasto]

Just for closure, I have completed my modification of the CLS2000 head. I purchased a complete set of dichroic and UV filters for the head at $200. This gives me some spares just in case. I put the magenta filter in the slot for the supplementary holder. Now split grading is as easy as can be. Now I dial in my starting filtration with yellow and magenta (somewhere between grade 0 and 2), make my soft exposure, set the white light lever to remove the filters from the light path, set the supplementary filter into the light path, and make my hard exposure. Amazingly easier and faster than repeatedly dialing in the filter values. Thanks to all for your advice and comments with this.

 

[ic-racer]

Good to see that supplementary filter holder being put to good use in B&W printing. Thanks for sharing your success.

Another thing I did to 'convert' my CLS2000 to B&W was to change the filters over the bulbs that illuminate the dials so they are safe for B&W papers.