Topic: Enlarger confusion!

[Thom Stone]

I have 2 enlargers:

paterson pcs 1000

Aico colour 35 SL

I am really struggling to find any info on either online. the Aico is weirdly m32 lens mount so I have been using a 50mm yashinon f1.7 on it. I have not yet used the paterson as I am trying to hunt down a 6x6 or 6x7 enlarger for it as I have mostly been shooting MF recently (see the sales, trades, and promotions section of the forum).

I have a few questions:

Does the fact that the Aico has a colour head mean I have to use different contrast filters? I have so far been using my Ilford multigrade with it and haven't really done enough regular printing to vouch for their effect.

Is there some sort of universal MF negative carrier that might work with one of these. I can't find negative carriers for either online and the only carriers I can find do not look like they would fit.

I would love to know anything anyone can tell me about either of these enlargers or just tips in general. I have only ever set up my full darkroom 3 or 4 times due to the time it takes and the fact my family usually get pissed off at me :-P

when I find my usb cable I will upload some photos of the 35mm negative carriers.

[LT]

Thom - Ilford supply colour contrast settings for most enlarger types for use with their MG paper.

try here: http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/2010628932591755.pdf

If the Ilford PDF isn't good enough - try using full yellow only for really soft contrast, full magenta only for really hard contrast, and a variety of combinations in-between (leave the Cyan off altogether). equal y and c or white only will be grade 2-ish. You will need to do a new test strip for each setting though as the filter factors will affect the highlight exposures.


I've never heard of Aico enlargers I'm afraid.

I;ve also never heard of universal neg carriers, although I have heard of people making their own using foamcore board ....?

[Thom Stone]

excellent, cheers for the info leon. Yeah, I was thinking I may have to make my own... I'm not so bad at the old make do and mend so I'm sure I can manage something. Just a bit gutted its not as easy as finding one on the net and buying it. thought it might be abit easier with the paterson (£4 from my local car boot :-) but hey ho.

[Francois]

Also, almost all enlargers use the Leica M39 thread.
Thing is, back in ye ole daze, it used to be common for companies to suggest using the same lens for printing.
They used to say "Would you let your photos be printed with a lens of a lesser quality than the fine lens you used to take the picture?"

In reality, there is a difference. Enlarger lenses are optimized for flat field reproduction while camera lenses are not.