Zone VI 5x7 Type 2 Enlarger questions

Jeff Bannow · Jun 8, 2011

I may be getting a Zone VI type 2 enlarger (type 2 is the one with two posts sticking out of the head, right). My intention would be to use it exclusively for 6x17 enlarging.

Does this head have adjustments for contrast grade? The compensating timer is included, but I don't see any way to change the contrast grades.

Is there a power supply to worry about? I assume that is handled either in the head or in the timer.

Replacement bulbs - are they available anywhere?

This has the 44" column - what would the maximum print size be from a 6x17 negative? And since this is likely a factor of the enlarging lens, what lens would you use?

Is that enough questions for now? I guess so.

Ian C · Jun 8, 2011

I believe that the diagonal of the image rectangle of the 6 x 17cm format is 179mm.

If so, then a 150/5.6 EL Nikkor or the newer 150/5.6A EL Nikkor should work.

Heres the coverage data in my EL Nikkor brochures.

The original 150/5.6 lists a maximum coverage circle of 190mmφ.

The 150/5.6A list maximum coverage circle of 180mmφ.

Other lens makes should be similar, but might have slightly different projection angles.

If you can provide the maximum negative-to-print distance and the dimensions of the window opening in the carrier (or mask), then the magnification and largest print that will fit into the projection can be calculated. Don't forget to provide for the height of the easel.

Knowing the column length alone isnt sufficient to determine maximum print size.

Jeff Bannow · Jun 8, 2011

Interesting - do you think a componon-s 150mm would cover?

Ian C · Jun 8, 2011

Possibly the 150/5.6 Componon-S will work, but the Schneider data that I have only shows maximum negative size 90mm x 120mm.

That doesnt address the question of the maximum diameter circle covered which is surely greater than the 150mm diagonal of a 90mm x 120mm rectangle.

You could try it by mounting the lens on an enlarger of sufficient size and place a an object of 179mm in length onto the glass carrier and see if you can project a sharp image of the entire object centered under the lens.

If you dont have a glass carrier for your big enlarger, you could temporarily place the object on a glass plate and use it as a temporary negative to test the lenss ability to project the image of the entire length of the object.

Robert Hall · Jun 8, 2011

Call Calumet in Chicago to see if they still have bulbs. It was my understanding to get them, you need to send the head to them and have them install them.

Cheers,

ROL · Jun 8, 2011

Jeff Bannow said:
Does this head have adjustments for contrast grade?

If it's a VC head, then yes (blue and green tubes).

Jeff Bannow said:
The compensating timer is included, but I don't see any way to change the contrast grades.

It uses a Variable Contrast Contoller unit with the VC head, by which the intensity overall and separate blue (hard) and green (soft) tubes are adjusted by rheostat.

Jeff Bannow said:
Is there a power supply to worry about? I assume that is handled either in the head or in the timer.

Head.

Jeff Bannow said:
Replacement bulbs - are they available anywhere?

Good question.

Jeff Bannow said:
This has the 44" column - what would the maximum print size be from a 6x17 negative? And since this is likely a factor of the enlarging lens, what lens would you use?

Probably 24" longest side, projected to its base. I use 180mm for 5x7. 150 might work on 17cm.

Jeff Bannow said:
Is that enough questions for now? I guess so.

I this enough answers, for now?

Jeff Bannow · Jun 8, 2011

Thanks for the help!

ic-racer · Jun 9, 2011

Jeff Bannow said:
I may be getting a Zone VI type 2 enlarger (type 2 is the one with two posts sticking out of the head, right). My intention would be to use it exclusively for 6x17 enlarging.

Does this head have adjustments for contrast grade? The compensating timer is included, but I don't see any way to change the contrast grades.

Is there a power supply to worry about? I assume that is handled either in the head or in the timer.

Replacement bulbs - are they available anywhere?

This has the 44" column - what would the maximum print size be from a 6x17 negative? And since this is likely a factor of the enlarging lens, what lens would you use?

Is that enough questions for now? I guess so.

I thought you were done getting more enlargers. If that is not the case then you need this . (link points to a DeVere Horizontal with goodies for very a reasonable price) http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=76818

Jeff Bannow · Jun 9, 2011

ic-racer said:
I thought you were done getting more enlargers. If that is not the case then you need this . (link points to a DeVere Horizontal with goodies for very a reasonable price) http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=76818

You can never have too many enlargers! We need something bigger than 8x10 though.

Zone VI 5x7 Type 2 Enlarger questions

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