Hi, After several years away from the darkroom I am now back. Yeah! I have a few questions that I would like to get an answer. First, I will be using Ilford Warmtone FB VC paper with a Zone VI cold light in a Beseler 23C enlarger, I have always used graded paper and was wondering about the VC paper concerning filtration. Should I get the Beseler 6x6cm variable contrast filters for above lens or should I go with the Ilford VC filters (are these below lens?), all chemistry is Ilford. Or would I be better off with this paper to use my condenser light source. Also, I am setting up a laundry tub and would like to know how difficult the procedure is for tapping into the water line. Thanks in advance... Terry

-- Terry Pittman (tp16mm@aol.com), February 09, 2001

Answers

I'd use Ilford 6x6 cm, above-the-negative filters. Trim them to fit the filter slot. If you have a cold-light head already, go ahead and use it. The condenser head that comes with the enlarger works fine, too. As for plumbing, I have no experience breaching water lines. I just collect prints in a large tray of water during printing and then wash them in the nearest sink. After all, you don't need special equipment to wash prints.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), February 09, 2001.

If you have correctly installed a cold light head in your 23C, it will no longer be possible to insert filters in the drawer. The Zone VI can will be in the way. Under-lens filters will be your only option.

-- Sal Santamaura (bc_hill@qwestinternet.net), February 09, 2001.

I have an Aristo cold light in my 23C III enlarger. I place the filters on top of the lens carrier. I realize this makes it impossible to employ split filter techniques, but I'm comfortable with this arrangement. One of my principle papers is Ilford Warm Tone Fiber. For this paper I use the Ilford filters. Another paper I am very fond of is Forte Polywarmtone Fiber. For this paper I use the Kodak filters.

Tom Schumacher

-- Tom Schumacher (tlschuma@orotech.net), February 09, 2001.

Hi,living in UK I've never used a Beseler 23C, Durst are our main supplier...so can't offer enlarger knowhow, but can talk about filters.I only use under lense swing filters simply because dust on the filter doesn't show up on the print, infact you can still get a crisp,dust free print even with a few dog hairs, several finger prints, and half a stale sandwich on the filter surface cos they're too out of focus to cast edge shaddows...hence a clean print!, corse if you use a diffuser head then it doesn't matter which method you use but under lense filters are quicker to change and can be done in a trice!...Latus!

-- Lance H (l@olly.karoo.co.uk), February 25, 2001.

Need help with a few questions

Terry, Then there is the idea that you might want to buy my Beseler 23c Dual Dichro Color Head, with power supply, for $250, and now worry about filter packs. I sent to Beseler and bought an owners manual for the color head that is on the enlarger I use and have a spare Dichro Head. In the manual the magenta and yellow filters are described to be used with whatever contrast you will use in your VC papers. I can be reached at the email address if you're interested. Dave

-- H. David Huffman (craptalk@lvcm.com), April 14, 2001.