Replacement for that little white thing?

[sarahfoto]

Help! I think I've accidentely scratched the white plastic above the negcarrier on my Durst 850 colour machine...
Does anyone know if it's possible to replace it? Or do I have to get a new machine? It gives bright marks on the enlargements, see attachments, took me ages to figure out what it was.
:confused:
-Sarah

 

[largeformat pat]

Hi,
That is the plastic between the light source and the neg carrier? If so you can just replace the diffuser. And all is well. There is a places who can cut white perspex for you. Most sign writers have and can cut perspex for you.
Hope this helps
Pat

 

[sarahfoto]

Ah! It helps to know what it is called...
Thing is I thought it would be easy to just find some new plastic but it's not flat, it's thicker in the middle.
But now when I know the term, I'm sure it's easier to search for a new diffuser than a new "plastic thingy".
Thanks!
-Sarah

 

[Denis R]

neat

nice effect, like a fog filter, I like

 

[bdial]

It's likely thicker in the middle to even out the light. A flat replacement may not give you even illumination. As an alternative, see if you can just invert the one you have. The extra distance may make the scratch out of focus enough to not affect your prints.

 

[ricksplace]

It's likely thicker in the middle to even out the light. A flat replacement may not give you even illumination. As an alternative, see if you can just invert the one you have. The extra distance may make the scratch out of focus enough to not affect your prints.

Great idea. If turning it over doesn't work, try filling in the scratches (like noseoil on negs for scratches), and if that doesn't work, try sanding out the scratches. It's ruined the way it is now, so you really can't hurt it.

 

[ic-racer]

Finding a new diffuser may be quite a task. You might just look for a new mixing box of the appropriate size, which would have the diffuser in it.

What size mixing box has been damaged?

Here in the states Omega mixing boxes use a similar design diffuser which is still in current production. That diffuser could probably be made to fit the Durst mixing box.

 

[sarahfoto]

Tomorrow I will try to turn it around (if I don't break it when I bend it loose, it seems to be glued on). And I will check what size it is. Thank you all for your advice, wish me luck!

 

[ic-racer]

If it is like the Omega one, it may leave a circular pattern when you use it turned around but it is worth a try.

 

[largeformat pat]

If you can't get the correct piece, you may be able to make a filter to cut down the density where the thicker part is. You could use you laser jet to print something on clear material and then cut and fit. Clear at the edge becoming greyish towards the middle.
Pat

 

[ic-racer]

Ebay UK has a filter now. May not be exactly like yours, but may be adaptable:

(points to ebay listing for a Femobox 69N Diffuser plate)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Durst-Laborator...mSupplies_SM?hash=item1c103d211c#ht_500wt_956