Gentlemen:

I have two enlargers, a Beseler 23CII and a Focomat I. With the same lens (Schneider Componon 50 f:4.0) on either enlarger, the Beseler produces better contrast by about 1 to 1.5 grades. I have cleaned the condensor on the Focomat and this improved it to about 1 grade difference. The Beseler is a straight condensor design, is the Focomat considered a condensor or diffusion enlarger? I am going to run some film and determine the process time and EI for my preferences. What is a good base line for D76 1:1 when printing with the Focomat?

As always thank-you for your assistance and support.

-- Mark Johnson (logical1@catholic.org), January 28, 2002

Answers

I use a Valloy II, which has the same lamp housing ahd single condensor as a Focomat. I've noticed that it produces slightly lower contrast than the double condensor enlarger I use for medium format. I just use a higher contrast filter. The enlarger design, plus the relatively low contrast D-23 developer I use often requires a #3 or 3 1/2 filter for "normal" negatives, but I like the results. FWIW, my 1951 "Leica Manual" refers to 3 types of enlarger--condensor, diffused light, and "the Leitz enlargers, which have a diffused source of illumination with a single condensor of special design....This combination of 'diffused- parallel' light renders a sharp enlargrment full of detail, yet free from excessive grain and spots". I agree--wish I could afford a Focomat II, so I could have only one enlarger for 35 mm and 2 1/4.

-- Robert Marvin (marvbej@earthlink.net), January 28, 2002.

Mark,

Kodak development times reflexs a contrast index of .56. They recommend a CI in the low 40s for a condensor light source. If you are normally printing a 31/2, try 10% longer development and adjust from their. I try to print a normal small format negative at 21/2.

-- Richard Jepsen (rjepsen@mmcable.com), February 23, 2002.

I just re-read my post. What I wanted to say is to reduce your development so as to lower your negative contrast. The lower negative contrast may allow you to normally print using a 2/1/2 filtration. Development time reductions of 10% are normally a good starting point.

-- Rich Jepsen (rjepsen@mmcable.com), February 27, 2002.