Heiland Electronic "Splitgrade" VC Head & Controller system

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I'm not 100% sure if this is the right place for this question so I will graciously accept the agony of delete if it isn't. Otherwise I am looking for your ideas regarding this really remarkable sytem.

I read with great enthusiasm in the 8/99 issue of Leica Fotografie an article by the esteemed lens tester, photographer, and darkroom worker Erwin Puts about the Heiland Splitgrade system. I wish I could show you the photographs in the article for they were really superb. And a few of them were not just run-of-the-mill samples; these looked like they would take some time coming to the proper exposure and contrast even for experienced darkroom workers. He said that within a matter of 15 minutes or so, he had 5 prints (shown in the article) not only perfectly exposed, but also with an ideal contrast based upon the densities of the negative and the particular paper you're using (not just the rated contrast). You can download software updates as they become available. He used the probe (see link) to scan the various densities of the negative and, without using even one test strip, made the exposure. This thing controls the contrast and also the time value (it works as the enlarger's clock) and all you have to do is set it to f/5.6 (hopefully adjustable). I've sent email to this company for more info.

I know there have been color and exposure analysis tools for darkroom work before. But running on software and having this thing actually control contrast and exposure seems remarkable. Are there others like it? Is this too good to be true? Do you have any experience or further knowledge about this system?

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@alaska.net), January 19, 2000

Answers

On Irwin Puts' web site (toward the bottom) he remarks, "The Heiland SplitGrade is a radically new invention for advanced and easy printing with VC papers. Best results I ever saw in a few minutes. A test shortly."

If this didn't come from Irwin, who is considered a leading authority on optics and lens testing, I don't think I'd be so intrigued by this "radically new" system.

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@alaska.net), January 19, 2000.


After reviewing the article again, I found a point or two that I left out. Firstly, the system is for VC papers only. Secondly, two different exposures are made, one for the low contrast green light layer of the paper, and the second for the high contrast blue light layers. This is the key to the system, I believe.

"In such a way, it is also possible to manipulate each component partially, applying conventional dodging or buring-in techniques. For example, one can hold back the shadows during the green exposure, yet give them supplementary exposure during the blue stage."

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@alaska.net), January 20, 2000.


I haven't used this gadget, or read the article. I have done quite a bit of split-grade printing (see here), and now wouldn't want to live without it. Yes, it gives you stepless contrast grades. I don't use a darkroom meter, and get the 'ideal' contrast with a single test strip. More importantly to me is the ability to readily modify the grade across the print, by dodging or burning with the hard or soft filters. It usually takes me two or three (sometimes more) trial prints to get this right. This gadget sounds as if it should assist in that process.

You might consider trying out split-grade printing without the assistance of a gadget, before investing heavily. All you need is a set of filters and a piece of bent wire.

I have never liked enlarger meters, because they would have to be calibrated for every box of paper, and every darkroom session. Perhaps they are more useful for better darkroom workers than myself.

-- Alan Gibson (Alan.Gibson@technologist.com), January 21, 2000.


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