As an update, my new (for me) condensers came in and the results are MUCH MUCH better. My old set was actually in a pretty sketch state of affairs by comparison. They might do ok for 35mm and maybe 120 but yeah wow it was a HUGE difference.

So my immediate issues are solved at least! I think the next step is still to look at an LED head (or if I can find a color head for a decent price in the future perhaps that). Much like the cold light, I can always swap back and forth.

Thanks again for all the help and discussion everyone!