Has anyone used this item for 4x5 work. Looking for pros/cons suggestions.
Thanks.
I plan to just use it for B&W.
-Rob Skeoch

I have the 4550XL VCCE and think it's excellent. I actually was sent the 4500
II by mistake, and completely set it up when I realized it wasn't the 4550 I had ordered. The point is that I found almost no appreciable difference between the more expensive 4550 and the 4500 other than the bulb on the former is 250 watt while the latter uses a 200 watt one. The 4550 also has a larger baseboard which will allow a 20x24 easel, but if you're not using one that large, it's actually easier to accomodate the somewhat smaller baseboard on whatever you are setting up the enlarger. The machine works smoothly, stays aligned (in fact, there's no way to align it) with a dedicated match between baseboard and column. It's solid and as sturdy as a house. The VCCE head is a pleasure to use. If you're getting the color head, I'm sure you'll be pleased as well.

Use it all the time - it works great, but if you can afford it I would recommend the 4550, simply because it has a brighter light source. I can comfortably to 16x20's, but if/when I go to 20x24 the times will start to get a bit long. They're rock solid, come from the factory in perfect alignment, and will leak light like a sieve around the negative stage (easily fixed).

Bruce Barnbaum has 7 4500-IIs. Ray McSavaney uses the 4550, and I think John Sexton also uses a 4550. If it's good enough for them...

Hope that helps!

I used to use a 4500II for doing Cibachrome work. I still have it, not sure if it still works or not (it's been sitting in a box for 10 years or so) and is missing the baseboard (which was stolen). I may pull it out and see if it works; if so, I may try to find a replacement baseboard.

I own and have used a 4550VCCE. It works great for 4X5 work. I have not used it in about two years since I got a 138S Durst. I prefer the sharpness and local contrast of a condenser light source over the diffusion source. This is a personal preference.

Any ideas on a fair price for a used one. It has a color head and what I guess is a b&w head with just one dial. I didn't check what holders it has.... are they still available new?
-Rob skeoch

Is there a kit to convert these to either 5x7 or 8x10.
-Rob

Is there a kit to convert these to either 5x7 or 8x10.
-Rob

No, 4X5 is as large as these go. A search on Ebay should tell you what recent sales prices have been. I paid $1,400 (used) for mine about three years ago. I have since converted it for pin registration to allow masking.

Yes they are still available through Calumet, B&H and other sources...holders and other items are available.

I've had a 4550VCCE for about 2.5 years, using it for 6x7cm and 4x5". Love it. No service problems. Light leaks galore that you patch up with black tape at the start. Be careful not to block the cooling air. I cut off too much at first and had to replace the bulb, definitely my fault.

One of the running discussions here is the battle between condenser and diffusion. One of the advantages of diffusion is it is very forgiving of dust or negative flaws that would require spotting if run through a condenser enlarger. The 4550VCCE is a quality product made in Japan. Unfortunately it has been sold in the USA by companies that had a hard time staying in business. It is a good thing from a service point of view that it is well built.

John Powers