Vivitar E-34 filter drawer

I have 2 enlargers that I got at a thrift store. One is a Beseler 67C in perfect working order, and the other is a Vivitar E-34. The vivitar is missing it's filter drawer. I know I could just tape up the hole that the drawer goes into and use graded paper, but I would like to be able to use it with VC paper. I was thinking about fabricating a new filter drawer to go into it, but I've been unable to find a manual that shows the original drawer.

Do any of you fine folks happen to have this enlarger? If so, could you be convinced to post a couple of photos of the filter drawer from different angles so that I can see what it looks like? I would like to use it, but if I can't figure out how to put filters in it, I will probably just give it away.

Somebody may ask why I want to use the vivitar when I have a perfectly good beseler right next to it. The reason is that the Vivitar is already set up for 6x6 and I've got a bunch of old MF negatives of very old family photos belonging to my wife and would love to be able to print them for her.

Thanks,

Ed

Consider Below-the-Lens Filters

Finding the specific filter drawer for a long gone enlarger is unlikely. Graded papers are now mostly available in a limited number of grades, mostly 2 and 3. That’s too limiting.

You can use below-the-lens filters with ANY enlarger. Ilford makes a set with a filter holder that attaches to the lens barrel via 3 aluminum thumb screws with soft rubber contacts that grip the lens barrel. Many of us use this. It works well. They can be bought new or used on eBay.

The old Vivitar enlarger will work perfectly with a set of below-the-lens multigrade filters.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/24675-REG/Ilford_1762617_Multigrade_Filter_Set_with.html

Oh... I didn't realize that you could get the under-the-lens holders. I thought you had to have one on the enlarger already. My beseler has one on it that is attached to the enlarger head.

I can't immagine that a new filter drawer would be hard to make if I had the measurements of the original. I may just go with an under-the-lens solution, though. I have some under-the-lens filters already.

Ed

Just buy an extra lensboard for the Beseler 67C and the necessary negative holder: http://www.ebay.ca/dsc/i.html?_nkw=...25&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=1

Most likely you can transfer the lens from the Vivitar enlarger to that extra lensboard.

I would do that, Matt, but I don't shoot in MF so it's not really worth it to me to spend any real money just to print a few old negs.

Ed

EdGallop said:

I would do that, Matt, but I don't shoot in MF so it's not really worth it to me to spend any real money just to print a few old negs.

Ed

Click to expand...

Ed:

Where approximately are you? You may be able to borrow what you need from someone nearby.

I think I figured it out last night... I'm going to get some black foamboard today to make the lens drawer out of.

I'm just going to wing it using the dimentions of the slot and make sure the filters sit just above the condenser.

Ed

MattKing said:

Ed:

Where approximately are you? You may be able to borrow what you need from someone nearby.

Click to expand...

Oh, sorry... I'm in SW Virginia USA

I guess I need to add that to my profile.

Ed

I have a Vivitar E-34 that has the drawer, I'll PM you with dimensions later. It's in the attic and I have to unbox it. Did you get the 6x6 negative carrier insert with yours?

Awesome, Rick!

Yep... I have the 6x6 carrier and the 75mm lens. I also have a 50mm and the 35mm mask. It was pretty complete except for the filter drawer.

Thanks (again)



Ed

My daughter used this one with a 40mm Yashinon to get 11x14 prints from 35mm negs. It's a very decent little enlarger, pretty solid.
You're going to need a piece of heat absorbing glass in the drawer, the filters rest on that. You'll also have to trim 3x3's down just a tad to fit.

You'll need a piece of matboard 3in by 5in to insert into the slot, then trace the curve of the front of the enlarger onto that. The HA glass is located at the far end of the carrier, dimensions are 2-7/8 in square, and rests in rails 5/16 inch high, leaving 1/8 in for filter retention.

You're the man, Rick!

Thanks a bunch... I replied to your pm.

Ed

Oh... I just found out that they use heat absorbing glass in those energy saving windows. I can get some cut at my local hardware store.

Ed