Painting an Elwood?

[Mark Sampson]

I'd paint it white with black blocks/checkers like an Apollo Saturn V rocket. But the it would be an 'art' piece itself (ha). This winter I plan to reassemble my c.1950 Omega D-II. It's mostly clean now; I'll get it all cleaned up- but I won't paint it; I'll let it wear its scars/patina proudly.

[Tin Can]

I'd paint it white with black blocks/checkers like an Apollo Saturn V rocket. But the it would be an 'art' piece itself (ha). This winter I plan to reassemble my c.1950 Omega D-II. It's mostly clean now; I'll get it all cleaned up- but I won't paint it; I'll let it wear its scars/patina proudly.

It does resemble a few things. I like the swan neck curve of the support casting.

I consider it Art Deco.

[William Whitaker]

Is Earl Scheib still in business?

[Tin Can]

Is Earl Scheib still in business?

I wish! They had great colors.

Never used them.

I painted one car, my 1969 Cutlass beater, with black oil paint and a roller in 20 minutes. No prep. I needed an Art car to bolt my sculpture to. It fit on the roof. 1986, well before Burning Man.

[John Kasaian]

I say, 'yes do it. '

I totally rebuilt my old Seal 200 press. I replaced all the rusty fasteners and re-painted it, re-wired it, put on a new thermostat and rubber mat. I'm glad I did it, it really looks like new. I don't know about other darkroom workers, but I can't make a fine print in a dirty environment with dirty equipment. I mean, physically, yes it can be done, but mentally, it messes with my compulsive personality.

What paint did you use? I can find hammered metal paint, but it's not heat resistant.

[Duolab123]

It does resemble a few things. I like the swan neck curve of the support casting.

I consider it Art Deco.

Clean it and clear coat it, satin. Or better yet just leave it be. Elwood made beautiful under appreciated enlargers. My extra 8x10 enlarger is an Elwood, a joint venture with a friend . 30 years ago we were making 10 inch x 4 foot pan shots with that beast, horizontal! She has a stash of NOS 50 year old 500 watt bulbs for the Elwood
Great fun. Best Regards Mike

[ic-racer]

What paint did you use? I can find hammered metal paint, but it's not heat resistant.

The paint is not heat resistant. But the housing of press should not be getting that hot. The paint (Hammered Metal that is commonly available) has held up well past 6 years.

[Tin Can]

I decided not to paint. A whim. I cleaned and greased it. Ready to use. I have six 500 watt bulbs. To save them, I use a huge CFL for set up. When I moved my Elwood family, I took out the many layers of 'heat' glass, all is well. I even have spare spring balance reels. Not for sale.

I discovered my Saltzman 5X7 film stretcher fits exactly in the 8X10 film carrier slot. I have a powerful LED conversion ready for that purpose. It pulls the film very flat.

I'm not sure anyone is ready to fully appreciate survivor enlargers in full patina, but I know car collectors vastly prefer unrestored survivors. The spun copper dome would be tough to replicate...

Clean it and clear coat it, satin. Or better yet just leave it be. Elwood made beautiful under appreciated enlargers. My extra 8x10 enlarger is an Elwood, a joint venture with a friend . 30 years ago we were making 10 inch x 4 foot pan shots with that beast, horizontal! She has a stash of NOS 50 year old 500 watt bulbs for the Elwood
Great fun. Best Regards Mike

[ic-racer]

Can't you just buy a case of 500W bulbs? I have seen Osram ECT for $2.

[Tin Can]

The correct bulb is over 7" long, maybe 8" to hit the domes sweet spot. Lettering is on the base side, not top which can print through. I have Osram ECT. They are short. I tried ceramic extenders. Then I went to old camera stores and bought NOS.

Can't you just buy a case of 500W bulbs? I have seen Osram ECT for $2.