I just purchased a used Saunders enlarger C7700MX. I do not have any instructions for black and white printing. I wondered if any one could let me know the filtration they dial for printing. I will be printing on variable contrast paper, Illford Multigade IV Fiber. My light source is a 12volt, 100watt Quarts Halogen Lamp w/dichroic mirror. My color fitration is Yellow 0-200; Cyan 0-200; Magenta 0-165 Non-step control. I know all I will dial is the Yellow. I was just curious to see what photographers who have experience with this enlarger dial for grades 1-5. Thank You!

-- Ron Rubino (ronnierubino@aol.com), January 20, 2001

Answers

The recommended settings are on the data sheet that came with your paper. I have a Saunders enlarger (different model) and have found both the Ilford and Kodak numbers to be workable (meaning I haven't done any specific tests, but the contrast does change predictably). Basically, printing with no filtration will give up about a grade 2. Adding yellow will decrease contrast; adding magenta will increase contrast. Don't use cyan unless you need neutral densisty.

-- Tom Raymondson (rayson@pacific.net), January 21, 2001.

Thank You very much Tom! I will give it a try. Thanks to everyone involved! Keep On Trucking!

-- Ron Rubino (ronnierubino@aol.com), January 21, 2001.

Greetings,

To add a bit more to the previous post. The only way you will really know what grade of paper you're getting with various filter settings and VC paper is to test them yourself. Essentially, increasing yellow filtration lowers the contrast of the paper and increasing magenta, increases the contrast. The color output and age of your bulb will be the determining factor when using no filtration and it can change over time. Adding equal amounts of C/M/Y just adds neutral density. You can purchase a density step wedge from Stouffer Graphics that really facilitates the testing.

Regards,

-- Pete Caluori (pcaluori@hotmail.com), January 22, 2001.