Painting an Elwood?

[Tin Can]

I think an might be 'interesting' painted. Fully functional now and will be after primping.

Get some tomatoes to throw...

I had 4 Elwoods. Now 3. One Iron 8X10 Elwood I gave to a friend. Iron as Elwoods can have the support beam made of iron or aluminum. Same molds.

I use a wall mount 5X7 Elwood the most. It just hangs around, out of the way. Very lightweight. The wall is the support beam. The tabletop aluminum 5X7 Elwood is cute. An aluminum 8X10 Elwood is the possible target of paint. Not the 5X7's.

I am not much of a painter, more of a broad brush type painter. Pics shot today after reassembly from moving. The blue reduction cone will not be painted as it matches the wall mount 5X7. Who does reductions these days?

What say ye? Any ideas? Paint schemes? Colors?

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4549/26912011229_5fc89fbb17_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H186kB)IMG_0494 (https://flic.kr/p/H186kB) by moe.randy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4579/26912011759_2d13f160f3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/H186uK)IMG_0491 (https://flic.kr/p/H186uK) by moe.randy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Amedeus]

I received my 8x10 metal Elwood painted white and I like it that way !

Cheers !

[Tin Can]

I received my 8x10 metal Elwood painted white and I like it that way !

Cheers !

See, white never occurred to me!

[Jac@stafford.net]

I painted one enlarger and stand yellow so it was more visible under safe light.

[Tin Can]

I painted one enlarger and stand yellow so it was more visible under safe light.

Logical!

[John Kasaian]

Mine is Elwood Gray. Highly unimaginative.
I should put some woodpecker decals on it172361

[Gary Beasley]

Maybe a picture of a Pookah? (You gotta be old to get this)

[John Kasaian]

Maybe a picture of a Pookah? (You gotta be old to get this)

172370

[ic-racer]

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.

172399

[Tin Can]

I do understand that. I have been thinking about painting Elwood for some time. Years.

I need to finish my new shop setup first, as I cannot start a project until my tools are put away. This may take awhile.

[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.

[ic-racer]

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.

I wondered how much diffusion vs condenser that head has. I wasn't sure if the lettering would show. You seem like the type that would have a Variac laying around. I wonder if a Variac could be used to focus and extent lamp life without having to change to the CFL.

[Luis-F-S]

Could also use an Aristo D750 dimmer, which is what I use. Good up to 750 watts. L

[Tin Can]

I use a Variac on my Beseler MX and CB7 using PH 212 150 watt and drop the voltage to 90 vac, they have it built in. I also have an old DIY solid state box somebody else made, but I don't want to try it with 500 watts. I use it to dim 100 watt actual LED. One of these days I will buy a known heavy load model.


I wondered how much diffusion vs condenser that head has. I wasn't sure if the lettering would show. You seem like the type that would have a Variac laying around. I wonder if a Variac could be used to focus and extent lamp life without having to change to the CFL.

[Jac@stafford.net]

The paint [hammer-tone] 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.

I might just be lucky, the the hammer tone paint I get at our local auto parts shop is certainly heat resistant enough for lamp housings and motorcycle parts (not exhausts).

The difficulty with the paint is making it behave properly to give a desirable texture. Clean prep is important, then lay down a coat of zinc spray (it is green), then hammer tone. Two layers with the first layer just short of curing - usually 30 minutes, followed by the second coat. Let it be for an hour, then bake it at 350° for two hours. (Your housemate must be forgiving. It smokes and stinks.)

[LabRat]

If you have a wrinkle finish paint that has bare spots, don't strip, you can fix 'em by taking an old can of flat to semigloss enamel, carefully removing the lid to find some of the paint glop that is on the inside lid, dapping that glob onto the bare spot filling it up, then after setting for ten or fifteen minutes, take a well washed fingertip and lightly dab the paint about 10 times... Your fingerprint will leave a texture, and some paint will stick and release from your finger, raising the wrinkle... (don't overdo it) Then paint a light coat over everything, or black can be matched if careful...

Good luck, but test a spot first...

Steve K

[LabRat]

I wondered how much diffusion vs condenser that head has. I wasn't sure if the lettering would show. You seem like the type that would have a Variac laying around. I wonder if a Variac could be used to focus and extent lamp life without having to change to the CFL.

Yes, but one problem would be when using any kind of dimmer is that it shifts the color spectrum towards the red end, and you loose more of the remaining blue/green end, so this severely affects the B/W paper sensitivity...

Better to just use a lower wattage lamp if too much output, but in practice, most lamps can last a long time if carefully installed and cycled...

Steve K

[Will Frostmill]

Yes, but one problem would be when using any kind of dimmer is that it shifts the color spectrum towards the red end, and you loose more of the remaining blue/green end, so this severely affects the B/W paper sensitivity...

Better to just use a lower wattage lamp if too much output, but in practice, most lamps can last a long time if carefully installed and cycled...

Steve K

Just last week I was reading a post on here, where someone plotted out how much bulb life you save by using a Variac. Something like using 110V instead of 120V nets you a noticeably increased lifespan. Sadly, I cannot find the thread :)

[Paul Ron]

the face idea strikes me as the only solution. elwood after all looks more like a cute alien rather than a machine and does have personality.

btw, high heat paints adhere better to metal and come in a nice assortment of colors... auto paint shops carry it.

[Steve Williams_812]

I have an Elwood in my basement that a friend gave me. Never used it since I was only contact printing 8x10. But his wife painted it -- the column and base -- blue with white clouds. Kind of neat looking.

The thing is a beast though and I want to get rid of it. No one wants it and I'm trying to bring myself to drag it to the curb for the junk man. Seems wrong somehow...

[MrFujicaman]

Randy.....

I have a 5 amp Variac that belonged to my late dad. It's dirty and might need a new power cord-BUT, if you want it,it's yours for postage. I need to test it,but I'm 90% sure it works.

[Tin Can]

I have an Elwood in my basement that a friend gave me. Never used it since I was only contact printing 8x10. But his wife painted it -- the column and base -- blue with white clouds. Kind of neat looking.

The thing is a beast though and I want to get rid of it. No one wants it and I'm trying to bring myself to drag it to the curb for the junk man. Seems wrong somehow...

Are you sure nobody wants it? Put it up for give away or $20 here on this Forum and let's see.

I got 3 at one go for free out of an old darkroom above a bar in Detroit. It was well worth the drive from Chicago. I was handicapped then and the owner's son helped move it all into my van.

ic-racer, I saw that comment...:)

[Tin Can]

PM in 2 minutes.


Randy.....

I have a 5 amp Variac that belonged to my late dad. It's dirty and might need a new power cord-BUT, if you want it,it's yours for postage. I need to test it,but I'm 90% sure it works.

[Tin Can]

Too cute to kill


the face idea strikes me as the only solution. elwood after all looks more like a cute alien rather than a machine and does have personality.

btw, high heat paints adhere better to metal and come in a nice assortment of colors... auto paint shops carry it.

[ic-racer]

This is what I posted, I thought it was a 2017 ad, but after posting I saw it was from 2009. Anyway, I agree with Randy, I think these enlargers are getting harder to find and people do still want them.

173080

[Paul Ron]

if i had the space, id be breaking your door down for it.

[Luis-F-S]

Randy, why not posts some photos of the beast in it's patinated original form. That way if it gets painted, we'll have something to compare it to!

[Tin Can]

Like this? http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?142998-Painting-an-Elwood&p=1418076&viewfull=1#post1418076

I noticed a few people adding the pics to their Flickr account.


Randy, why not posts some photos of the beast in it's patinated original form. That way if it gets painted, we'll have something to compare it to!

[John Kasaian]

Candy Apple Red with flames would look pretty cool173084

[MrFujicaman]

Randy- a few pix of the Variac173085173086

I tested it and it works and I cleaned it up a bit.

[Steve Williams_812]

Are you sure nobody wants it? Put it up for give away or $20 here on this Forum and let's see.

I got 3 at one go for free out of an old darkroom above a bar in Detroit. It was well worth the drive from Chicago. I was handicapped then and the owner's son helped move it all into my van.

ic-racer, I saw that comment...:)

Didn't think anyone would want it. Imagine my surprise at this thread. Have one PM about it already. If that doesn't pan out I'll post something in the For Sale section. Free to a good home...

[Tin Can]

Is that foreshadowing? Just kidding!

I am fond of red.


Candy Apple Red with flames would look pretty cool173084

[Tin Can]

Looks great. PM sent.

Thank you!


Randy- a few pix of the Variac173085173086

I tested it and it works and I cleaned it up a bit.

[Tin Can]

This Forum is the source.

Lurkering non-members lose, as they don't see the Lounge or classifieds.

And I for one am using the Lounge more.

Good luck and Merry Christmas!


Didn't think anyone would want it. Imagine my surprise at this thread. Have one PM about it already. If that doesn't pan out I'll post something in the For Sale section. Free to a good home...

[Jim Galli]

I confess to ignoring this thread until today when I said to myself . . . "how do you get 43 responses to Painting an Elwood?? It must be code for something else. Those guys are secretly talking about religion or politics or otherwise breaking the rules. Nobody talks about painting an Elwood! Especially 43 times. 44 now.

Idea. If you can't give it away, go to the boat forums and see what those folks are using for anchors these days.

[Luis-F-S]

A lot of people like to hear themselves type, LOL.

[John Kasaian]

I confess to ignoring this thread until today when I said to myself . . . "how do you get 43 responses to Painting an Elwood?? It must be code for something else. Those guys are secretly talking about religion or politics or otherwise breaking the rules. Nobody talks about painting an Elwood! Especially 43 times. 44 now.

Idea. If you can't give it away, go to the boat forums and see what those folks are using for anchors these days.

C'mon Jim!
Elwoods inspire this sort of behavior. Much like old Fords:cool:

Hmmmm....what about green metallic? 173139

[Tin Can]

C'mon Jim!
Elwoods inspire this sort of behavior. Much like old Fords:cool:

Hmmmm....what about green metallic? 173139

Now somebody understands. An Elwood is Art all by itself. A collectible Art Deco Lamp. Good for secret missions in the dark.

I love its style. First time I saw one. I knew I had to have one...same sort of thing has happened many times with cars, trains, trucks, aeroplanes and anything on 2 or 3 wheels. Sailboats ok, not submarines unless Sean Connery is Captain.

caterpillar drive...

[David Karp]

One ping Randy.

[Tin Can]

one ping randy.

lol

[wooserco]

Resurrection of an old thread, but here is a Craigslist ad: https://louisville.craigslist.org/pho/d/enlarger/6753760011.html.

So, I hope this isn't the one that might have been given away.

[Tin Can]

Not Me!


Resurrection of an old thread, but here is a Craigslist ad: https://louisville.craigslist.org/pho/d/enlarger/6753760011.html.

So, I hope this isn't the one that might have been given away.

[John Kasaian]

Ask 'em if it still has the diffusion disc.