I have recently purchased a Leitz Valoy II enlarger.

I would like to know how I use filters on this enlarger if I use variable contrast paper ?

Do I use under the lens filters ? If so is there any degradation in image quality ?

Can the filters be inserted anywhere else in the enlarger ? I have an anti newton condenser if this assists you in your answer.

Kind Regards,

Tony Salce

-- Tony Salce (NadinaTony @bigpond.com), May 26, 2002

Answers

I use use under the lens filters on my Valoy II with no problem--well actually, there WAS one problem--finding a filter holder. Normal Kodak or Ilford under the lens holders don't work because of the rotating helical focusing mount. I used an under the lens swing-away filter holder from an old Kodak enlarger. I had to make a new bracket from a hardware store "L" bracket and attach it in place of the Valoy's red filter. This is harder to explain than to actually do. Anyway, the image quality is fine as long as you're careful not to damage the gel filters.

I imagine you could put plastic filters inside the lamphouse, on top of the condenser, but this would not be very convenient.

-- Robert Marvin (marvbej@earthlink.net), May 26, 2002.

Filters inside the lamphouse works just fine, with the advantage of no filter between the lens and print.

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), May 26, 2002.

I've been using filters on top of the condenser housing with my Focomat 1c for years. It is not particularily inconvenient, and you don't have to worry about scratches.

-- Ian MacEachern (iwmac@sympatico.ca), May 26, 2002.

I have an extra set of Ilford filters from the filter drawer of the enlarger I used before i got a Valoy II--maybe I should try them--I was afraid they would melt, but if others are getting good results....

-- Robert Marvin (marvbej@earthlink.net), May 26, 2002.

Thanks for you responses so far. Where though do you put the filters in the lamp house ? Underneath the lamp ?

-- Tony Salce (NadinaTony@bigpond.com), May 26, 2002.

The lamp comes off with the top half of the housing, and then you just lay the filter on top of the condenser housing. There isn't enough heat to worry about unless you were to leave the enlarger lamp on for several hours. I would suggest a 75 watt lamp rather than a 150 watt, as the printing times are more reasonable (longer, and there is less heat). I've been using Ilford Ilfospeed Multigrade II filters this way for many years, and have no problems with the filters being damaged.

-- Ian MacEachern (imaceachern@hotmail.com), May 26, 2002.