Focomat V35 Vario Contrast Question

[henkie]

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Hello,

 

I finally found a variocontrast module for my focomat V35 in excellent condition.

I am repainting my darkroom and can not wet print for about 2 weeks.

 

The documentation says that no exposure corrections are necessary

if changing from grade 0 to grade 5 (for Ilford multigrade).

 

Is that really so, because if I dial grade 0 "looks" to give more light then grade 5.

 

Thanks

[christer]

I use an RH Design Analyser to determine exposure time and paper grade when enlarging. I have very carefully calibrated it so that it gives similar midtones for all paper grades. This calibration is made in 1/12th f-stop steps and the difference between different paper grades from 0 to 3 is zero, one or two one 1/12th f-stop steps; thus effectively the same exposure for all these grades.

 

I have four different brands of paper calibrated. All require about double exposure time when moving from paper grade 3 to grade 4, and then doubling once more when moving to grade 5. The old (very much missed) Polymax is the paper needing the largest adjustment, 2.5 stops.

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[gyoung]

Hello,

 

I finally found a variocontrast module for my focomat V35 in excellent condition.

I am repainting my darkroom and can not wet print for about 2 weeks.

 

The documentation says that no exposure corrections are necessary

if changing from grade 0 to grade 5 (for Ilford multigrade).

 

Is that really so, because if I dial grade 0 "looks" to give more light then grade 5.

 

Thanks

 

I seem to remember that Ilford used to claim that for Multigrade, but all depends on what density you are reproducing, speed is measured at a particular density (at least in ISO terms) but negatives don't work like that!

It is one of those things which are OK in theory, but dont work in practice, you need to test to fit the density range of the neg to that of the paper to get the print you want.

 

Gerry

[jpattison]

Hi,

In my Ilford Multigrade II (2) book from 1982, it states:

 

Filters 0-3.5 require the same exposure.

Filters 4-5 require twice as much exposure.

(There are 11 in the set, in half increments)

 

I assume the same filters are used in the V35 module shown in the book.

 

Ilford's M/G III and IV filters may be different, but I don't think Leitz updated the module.

 

Regards,

John

[jpattison]

Take a look at this...

Heiland SplitGrade system from RH Designs

 

Things have moved on !

 

John

[jpattison]

Hi Henkie.

Definitive answer !

 

In Steve Anchell's excellent "Variable Contrast Printing Manual" from 1997, he states..

 

"The Leica V35 Variocontrast module is adjusted by two dichroic filters so that the gradation can be set continuously by turning a rotary knob. The exposure time stays constant for the entire contrast range, while the filters can be moved out of the optical path for focusing and exposure with white light" (diffused 75watt quartz-halogen projected through a special illuminating unit).

 

Best wishes,

John

[waileong]

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The exposure time definitely changes if you base the exposure time on the highlights, which should be the case.

[henkie]

I have finally tested and worked with the module. Exposure times keep constant.

Very easy to work with. I definitely recommend it for V35 users who use multigrade

papers. It is hard to find, but I'm glad I kept on looking for one !

 

Thanks for your replies !