Being somewhat new to this in my just completed darkroom, I actually used my Durst Enlarger yesterday for the first time, and I'm able to get decent results, but there seem to be a few unusual limitations that I wanted to ask about. It has the Varipoint Condenser Head on it.
First, with the varipoint light source, I can't seem to get the aperture closed down farther than about f/11 on the Schneider 105mm without all kinds of dark brown and blue distortions showing on the projection. Open f/11 and wider I can adjust the light source so it's fairly even. I have no idea what's going on here. Other enlargers that I've used haven't had this type of light source, so I haven't experienced this issue.
Second, when I'm trying to print on 5x7, it's very difficult to see the entire negative projected AND get it in focus. Also, the corners have less light than the middle. Should I try a lens other than the 150mm, or will that not help?
Third, when turning the enlarger "on", it takes anywhere from 1-3 seconds for the light to fully come one (less time if turned on very recently, more time if off for a while). Also, the bulb does take time to fade, but not as long. Is this normal? I seem to be able to guestimate times, but it makes it hard to use the 3 second interval method for burning and dodging.
I'm hoping this head with work for black and white printing. Otherwise, I might look for a CLS 501 head.
Any advice?
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