I've just set up a used ZVI with VC head, and I'm amazed at how dim this
cold light head is compared to my old Beseler 23C condenser head. Is this
normal for these heads or is there something wrong with mine?
-Lew

This post is similar to my last one about "Homemade dektol". Answers
found there are very interesting and rich of suggestion. The fact is
always the same, but a new post is better to obtain more specific
answers.

Am selling a full set of DeVere condenser lenses for a 504 enlarger. These
fit the Varicon, Point Light and possibly the Cathomag lightsource. Set
consists of 2x180mm, 1x120mm and 1x100mm lenses. Using various combinations
of 2 lenses these will cover all neg sizes up to 5"x4".

I just bought a package of Luminos rc/vc paper and was surprised to see an
iso rating ( of 640). I've been away from a darkroom for 20 yrs and this is
the first time I've seen an iso for paper. Is this normal now? What's it
mean? I find it hard to believe that the paper is faster ...

I recently purchased a used Apo-Rodagon 80mm.  When I looked in the glass,
there is a fungal mycelium along the outer edge of one of the inner elements.
This fungus occupies less than 5% of the surface area of the inner element of
the involved lens.  The 5% or less area covered is ...

I would like to try Dektol to develop Tech Pan to obtain an extremely
contrasted negative. But it is very difficult to find this product.
Any idea on an alternative - but always very high contrasted -
product? I've the formulation for D-19, but I'm not sure results might

I believe that Kodak's "High Definition" film is just available in two
speeds: 200&400.  However on their UK website, Kodak is indicating that
the APS size of this film is actually 100 speed.
http://wwwuk.kodak.com/UK/en/consumer/films/everyday/advantix/?type=AdvantixFilmHD

I have a few rolls of TMAX400 overexposed by what looks like 2 stops. I have
the Darkroom Cookbook but I'm not sure whether to use Kodak R-4a or R-4b.
Which will reduce density and increase contrast? Thanks.
Natural Light Black and White Photography

This is not over/under exposure specific but rather film specific. Nor is it
120,4x5 or 8x10 format specific.
I can pull  good "straight" print rather easily  from say Plus X which I
normally rate at 100 for Portraiture using strobe lighting. On the other

I have a couple of questions about Ciba/Ilfochrome printing.
Firstly, how much adjustment can be made when making the print? I mean in
terms of colour correction and lightness etc. I have a few EIR slides I
would like printed but they are fairly underexposed. I have scanned a couple

     Okay let me try and get the info I've got out first.
     1) The sensor seems to read temps fine
     2) It works just fine for B&W [it is the colour probe] Both
exposure and contrast

I have much experience in making printed circuit boards
using photoetching techniques. Recently I got 10 Kgs of
epoxy glass copper clad boards, double sided, from a
friend that quitted his electronics activity.

Alas, I'm without a 35mm camera, and I need to take some color
pictures, which means using 120 film.  Looking at the cost that
professional labs charge has motivated me to look into developing C41
at home.  I have a Jobo CPP2, and I've made color prints before, but I

Leica will always take the better shot. And they have better glass by far!

In reading the news that actor David Hemmings had died,
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/ap20031204_1127.html
it reminded me of the story line of the movie "Blow Up", in which he
starred.  I was just starting darkroom photography when I first saw the