The only enlarger I have access to is a Beseler 4x5 with a condenser head. I've read about the Callier effect, and I'm wondering if it can be minimized by using under-the-lens filters for multicontrast printing, and making a "filter" of opaque class or other material for the filter drawer. Will this work? Any disadvantages? Many thanks for your input.

-- Gregory Bell (gbell@uclink4.berkeley.edu), November 18, 1998

Answers

The Callier effect is caused by the negative being lit by directional light. If you put opaque glass between the light and the negative, it won't be illuminated at all. Perhaps you mean opal glass, or other diffuse material. This will difuse the light, and reduce the Callier effect. I have used this method on a De Vere 54.

-- Alan Gibson (Alan.Gibson@technologist.com), November 19, 1998.

I've proven myself "opaque" in the newer sense: hard to understand. I did, indeed, mean to ask about using frosted glass or something similar. Thanks for your feedback -- other opinions would be appreciated as well.

-- Gregory Bell (gbell@uclink4.berkeley.edu), November 19, 1998.