Spare bulbs for Meopta Magnifax 4 Colour 3 head in the UK.

[Tom Kershaw]

Does anyone have a recommendation for where to get spare halogen bulbs for the Color 3 Meopta head in the UK? The specs are: 12V 100W. I am a bit concerned that when I change bulbs my filtration settings for RA-4 will go out of whack, but I suspect this will happen anyway, even if I got the same replacement bulb, due to manufacturing differences.

Tom.

 

[Nick Zentena]

It'll change with age. That is a new bulb will be different then a 1/2 life bulb which will be different then a old bulb.

Doesn't the bulb have some sort of designation? Maybe E followed by a couple more letters? If you're lucky the same bulb is used in various items.

 

[Stoo Batchelor]

The bulb you are after can be purchased from FIRSTCALL PHOTOGRAPHIC. The bulb is listed as a A1/231 £7.99 inclusive of VAT.

I'm afraid that I'm not qualified to answer your other question.

Regards

Stoo

 

[Dave Miller]

Yes Tom, the colour temperature of the bulb does change as it ages, so the new one will need slightly different filter values, and exposure times.

 

[GR-K]

If you'd like to get a bulb in Norwich, the Maplin on Castle Meadow usually has them in stock. I use a Magnifax 4a at the UEA and thats where I get spares from.

Hope it helps

 

[Mark Pope]

Yes Tom, the colour temperature of the bulb does change as it ages, so the new one will need slightly different filter values, and exposure times.

Do any of you change bulbs on a regular basis rather than waiting for them to blow? I (currently) have a Meograde head on an Opemus 6.
If the colour of the bulb changes over time, will this have significant effect on printing grades over time?

 

[benjiboy]

I know R.K Photographic used to sell this enlarger you will find them at I have just looked on their website and you may find the type you need listed, or they may be able to get one for you.

 

[benjiboy]

Sorry Tom, I tried to put a link in for you, just Google RK Photographic I really think they will be able to supply you.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

I bought one from Maplin.

Thanks,

Tom.

 

[David H. Bebbington]

As the bulb is a tungsten halogen type, its color temperature should not change much if at all during its service life. What is worth knowing is that the styrofoam mixing chambers used in Meopta enlargers yellow with age and need changing (probably every 5 years or so wth occasional use, more often with heavy use).

 

[Tom Kershaw]

The enlarger was bought new about 8 months ago.

 

[Dave Miller]

Do any of you change bulbs on a regular basis rather than waiting for them to blow? I (currently) have a Meograde head on an Opemus 6.
If the colour of the bulb changes over time, will this have significant effect on printing grades over time?

This is more of an issue if you are printing colour Mark. The light output reduces gradually over the lamp life, just as the colour changes slightly. The only time you may notice this is when you replace the lamp with new, but it's not a big issue unless you happen to be in the middle of a print run when the lamp blows. It is certainly good practice to keep a couple of spare lamps ready.

 

[Stoo Batchelor]

As the bulb is a tungsten halogen type, its color temperature should not change much if at all during its service life.

What is worth knowing is that the styrofoam mixing chambers used in Meopta enlargers yellow with age and need changing (probably every 5 years or so wth occasional use, more often with heavy use).

Thanks for that info David. Thats interesting to know.

Regards

Stoo