Elwood enlarger and filters

[AnselAdamsX]

I just bought a 5x7 all metal Elwood enlarger and I'm wondering how people use contrast filters with it? It doesn't have a filter drawer. Are there large under the lens filters?

[lenser]

If you go on the bay, search Polycontrast filters and you will come up with a good many Kodak kits that feature a rack of sorts that attaches to the enlarging lens via three rubber tipped thumbscrews. They work fine as long as they are clean and not scratched.

[AnselAdamsX]

would they fit a 2.5" diameter lens?

[ic-racer]

You may need to use the 6" x 6" Ilford filters. I made a tray that holds them under the lens.

[joselsgil]

Just out of curiosity. What lens are you planning on using? It will be a while before I set up my Elwood enlarger.

[AnselAdamsX]

The one it came with is a Carl Meyer 8.25" Antistigmat. Its in nice shape but I have heard they are not very good. I also have a Kodak Ekatanon 7.5" but it has some scratches and half the coating is gone. I will probably look for another lens once I try these out. The Kodak looks small enough to take the polycontrast adapter.

[coisasdavida]

I use a G-Claron 150mm for both 4x5" and 5x7". I also have a 210mm repromaster mounted on an extra board for small enlargements.

[Graybeard]

The one it came with is a Carl Meyer 8.25" Antistigmat. Its in nice shape but I have heard they are not very good. I also have a Kodak Ekatanon 7.5" but it has some scratches and half the coating is gone. I will probably look for another lens once I try these out. The Kodak looks small enough to take the polycontrast adapter.

My Elwood also had an Ektanon lens. The Kodak Polycontrast filters in a below the lens holder worked just fine.

[rjmeyer314]

My 8x10 Elwood came with a 10" Kodak Ektanon lens. I wasn't happy with the sharpness and switched to a 210mm Fax Nikkor (it covers 8x10). Now I have a 180mm Repromaster (it also covers 8x10).

[rjmeyer314]

On my 5x7 Elwood I use a 135mm Repromaster (which covers 5x7).