Light meter/clock

dummbabbler · 2004-01-21T22:12:56+00:00

hallo, seit ich mit dem vergrößern wieder begonnen habe, quäle ich mich mit dem problem herum einen anständigen belichtungsmesser/schaltuhr/gradationsmesse...

dummbabbler

Hello, Ever since I started enlarging again, I’ve been struggling with the problem of finding a decent light meter/timer/gradation meter. At first I had a simple timer. That was OK, but it lacked the luxury of a light meter. Then I had an older Phillips unit – the one equipped with a light sensor that switches the enlarger and darkroom lighting simultaneously. It works wonderfully for determining the rough exposure and gradient – unfortunately, the timer no longer works at all. Finally, I tried a Kaiser 4033. It’s a real waste of photo paper, and the results weren’t actually that great either. :P Now I’ve decided to set out once again in search of the best possible timer/light meter. I’ve had a bit of a look on eBay, after unfortunately reading on our host’s website that they no longer sell second-hand equipment – a shame, but understandable.... There – on eBay – I’ve come across a few devices and now I’d like to hear your opinions and experiences, and what you’d recommend. Among others, I’ve found: Gossen Labosix Gossen Sixtolab Jobotronic 2000 Wallner Report Kaiser CPD Fem-Kunze MP 104 By the way, for enlarging I use a Meopta Opemus 5 and for the light I have a Kindermann with 4 different coloured bulbs (very handy...). And what I do is standard b/w development – a bit of experimenting, but nothing out of the ordinary. Thanks for your help. Maggus

cfb_de

Hello Dummbabbler, Apparently, you’re not satisfied with simple integral measurements without multi-point measurement. I don’t really get it, but whatever. There’s only one option left for you: even when it comes to laboratory electronics, the old saying still holds true – being cheap *isn’t* cool. You’ll have to fork out some cash and be prepared to invest time in learning the ropes. You can still get away relatively cheaply with a Hauck Trialux (better still: a Pentalux with a few extras). With a Splitgrade or an RHD Analyser, no wishes remain unfulfilled. But then we’re talking about a new price in the region of 1k.

Gast

Hi, I’ve had good experiences with the Hauck Trialux = Gossen Sixtolab (identical in construction, as far as I know). Other amateur lab technicians were also very satisfied. You can’t avoid testing the paper and using test strips if you want good prints. But it’s always enough for the first batch. I bought mine on eBay too. So good luck with that. Regards, Marion

MirkoBoeddecker

Hello, I just have to give a quick shout-out to the Heiland Splitgrade. We use it ourselves in the lab. In my opinion, it’s by far the best device out there. It’s also unique – compared to the others. It’s really fun to work with. http://www.fotoimpex.de/Labor/Splitgrade/splitgrade.html Just make sure it’s actually a Heiland for Meopta, and you’ll need a 6x Opemus as well (if you decide to go for it). Regards, Mirko

Gast

@cfb_de , I think I didn’t express myself clearly – I don’t need multiple measurements; if they’re included, that’s fine, but it’s not essential for me. The devices I listed are simply the ones currently up for discussion on eBay… I just forgot to mention the Bäuerle BS 785. Unfortunately, I’ve no idea how to assemble one myself…… @ guest diver, thanks for the info. Test strips are and always will be a must. That said, for quick checks and to get a rough idea, these bits are really sufficient. B.T.W., how much did you pay for yours? @mirko Yeah, yeah, you’re just making my mouth aqueous with that Splitgrade...Unfortunately, it’s not within my budget. I’d have to get rid of my wife and child first, and I think that would be a bit over the top... :P Thanks for the quick replies for now; maybe there’ll be more to come... :) maggus

dummbabbler

That last post was mine, of course... :P maggus/dummbabbler

Gast

Analyzer at Heiland: http://www.heilandelectronic.de/html/deuts...preise_main.htm I don’t have one (yet), but it’s probably only a matter of time… as Franz rightly points out, it should be mentioned in the same breath as Splitgrade, even if it works differently. The price is significantly more attractive – around half that of the cheapest Splitgrade model. However, the Analyzer does not automate the reverse turning process. RH-Design (Google!) provides a detailed description of the device. Regards LS