VC filters and 23C

[kenneth_bruno]

Greetings,

I currently use a Beseler 23C with a condenser head. There are two

filter drawers, one just below the light source, 5.5"x5.5", and

another one that fits smaller mounted filters, 2.25"x2.25", between

the negative and the lens. I have an older set of Beseler mounted

filters that fit nicely into this slotted drawer. My question: the

Beseler filters are somewhat limited in thier range and am looking to

use others, are there mounted filters available that would fit this

smaller drawer? This seems an ideal location for the filters. Or,

should I use the larger drawer and the larger unmounted filters?

This enlarger does not have the provisions for mounting filters under

the lens.

Any advice in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Regards.

Ken

[donald_miller1]

I would not consider mounting the filters between the image and the lens. This is creating a source of distortion in what is already the formed image light source. I would only mount them above the negative (between the negative and the light source). Since the formed image light source will not be compromised in any way.

[lemastre]

Check out this web site, where your question was dealt with

yesterday:

 

http://www.apug.org/forum/index.php?s=735c371a297bd1870a3

e711c026416a6&act=ST&f=9&t=652&st=0&

[dennis_o._larsen]

I completely agree with Mr. Miller. However, with so many people

going to digital scanners and ink jet printers, you might be able

to find a dichroic head at a very reasonable price. The further

advantage of the dichroic head is you get rid of the Callier effect

of a condenser head that gives you lower contrast in the shadows

and higher contrast in the highlights. This is sometimes advantageous

in product photography, but ususally not in landscape or architectural

photography. Dennis

[rick_jones5]

While I know of no source for 2.25"x2.25" mounted filters I wouldn't hesitate to cut down an 11 filter set of 3.5"x3.5" Ilford filters and use them unmounted.

[kenneth_bruno]

Greetings,

Keith, thank you for pointing that out to me. I am new to that forum and couldn't for the life of me figure out how to access the replies. I thought I would be notified via e-mail as this one does.

In regards to the dichroic head, I suppose I could give it a try but I have limited funds. I like the look of the condensers and am not concerned about the Callier effect. I also own an Arista cold light head but didn't really care for the look. Is there a dichroic head that someone could recommend for the 23C?

Regards.

Ken

[howard_dvorin]

I use ILFORD Multigrade filters in the 5.5 x5.5 drawer above the negative. They are sold 6 x 6 and I trimmed them with a pair of scissors. They work quite well and cost about $25.00 US

Howard

[ed_skibeki]

I too though that filtration below the lens was just asking for trouble, but I did a test. I have a 23C as well, and tried a 16 by 20 enlargement of a very sharp 6 by 6 negative with componon s 80 mm lens. The enlarger had been carefully aligned via the 2 mirror method. Using graded paper & no filter, and graded paper with Ilford filters below the lens, I could truthfully see no discernable difference... whatsoever. And believe me I tried.

 

It seems impossible, but those are my results. Since this test, I've not hesitated to use below lens filters, even if it feels wrong.