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Graded paper on Focomat V35 + VarioContrast Head?


aesop

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...need some help, folks - recently found some unopened Ilfobrom Galerie FB graded paper stashed away in an old suitcase (probably happened when I switched to Multigrade paper years ago). I am pretty confident the paper has not deteriorated, but will run a quick test on my Focomat V35 to determine if all is well.

 

Quick question - is it possible to use the VC head to print graded paper without any loss in quality? If so, what settings for grades 2 and 3? I do have a B&W head somewhere in storage, but would rather use the VC head if the process is straighforward and the final product not compromised.

 

Any real-world advice would be particularly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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...it just occurred to me that with graded paper and the B&W head, white light is used for printing. There is an internal red filter in the B&W head, but this is easily flipped out of the light path after it has been used to aid composition. So, I reckon the same "flipping" principle would apply with the VC head and graded paper.

 

I am still not clear on what effect the dichroic filters in the VC head would have on the light hitting the graded paper, though. So I guess I will have to use the external below-the-lens red filter until I can dig out the B&W head.

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This:

I think if you put the filter values to zero you can print straightforward.

 

At worst, the VC filters will just act as an ND filter, lengthening your print times. If you can't remove the VC filters completely, set it on grade 2 and just print.

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So I guess I will have to use the external below-the-lens red filter until I can dig out the B&W head.

 

As you would need for multigrade paper.

For graded paper, just flip up the filter with metal bar, unless you need longer printing time.

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Set the VC head to white light position.

 

The color head prints faster VC except for extreme filtration because you do not have all the neutral density sucking up light . The VC head uses ND to even out exposures over grades. If you need a slight boost, why not just add 30 M.

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Set the VC head to white light position.

 

The color head prints faster VC except for extreme filtration because you do not have all the neutral density sucking up light . The VC head uses ND to even out exposures over grades. If you need a slight boost, why not just add 30 M.

 

 

...I don't own a colour head, Tobey - but thanks for the VC head tip.

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