I have been VC or MG projection printing with dichroic filters for 25 years and recently got an enlarger with a coldlight. I am not too fond of coldlights but this is a special low profile unit (Aristo 1414-2) that allows the head of the Durst L1840 to go to the top without hitting the ceiling, so I suspect I am going to keep it.

I have already tested the bulb on Ilford MG paper with some small filters and it gives the full range.

Some specs so you know the requirements:
Filter drawer = 10.5" x 10.5"
Image circle right under the 300mm/5.6 lens = 3.5"

I would prefer a system that allows ME to choose between the so called 'split-grade' vs. graded filters, as required (though, most of the options listed below would be for 'split-grade' only).

I have reviewed the following (prices per B&H photo):

FOR FILTER DRAWER:
Roscoe 20x24" = $6 per filter
Ilford MG 12x12" = $20 per filter
Kodak acetate CC 12x14" filters = $80 per filter.
Other optoins??

UNDER THE LENS FILTERS:
Tiffin 6x6" glass CC filter = $320 to $400 per filter
Round 86mm screw in filter for the Rodenstock 300mm/5.6 = $124 to $150 per filter
Kodak Wratten CC filter 4x4" = $50 to $100 per filter
Optiflex CC 4x4" = $35 per filter
Lee CC filter 4x4" = $20 per filter
Ilford MG 6x6" (Can really be used under the lens??) = $45 (whole set)
Other options??


Looks like the Ilford 6x6" filters would be the best but I need more info about the material construction and would like some documentation or something to show they are optically flat and won't affect the image.

Can anyone comment on how these Ilford filters perform under the lens? Thanks

I use Ilford MG filters intended for filter drawers (8.9x8.9cm) directly under the lens with no apparent sharpness loss (and this is tested with ultra high resolution Spur Orthopan UR / Adox CMS20).

As Andreas says filters below the lens are normally fine. The Ilford below the lens sets are great, I used them for nearly 25 yeras with my 5x4 with cold head, but far too small for your lens, ideally you need something to hold the filters. The Ilford filters are well made, as good as the Lee filters, but they probably won't last more than a year or so, if you use them constantly.

Ian

I have used the Ilford 6x6 gelatin filters under the lens for split filter printing. Just keep them clean and dry and they will work fine.

Jon

You could try finding a colour head, and switch to using a 240mm lens for 10x8 negatives. I've found that my 300mm Componon needs quite a lot of height, and the base board dropped for even quite modest enlargements. Rodenstock recommend the 240mm Rodagon for enlarging 10x8.

Ian

You could try finding a colour head, and switch to using a 240mm lens for 10x8 negatives. I've found that my 300mm Componon needs quite a lot of height, and the base board dropped for even quite modest enlargements. Rodenstock recommend the 240mm Rodagon for enlarging 10x8.

Ian

Just checked the Rodenstock site and you are correct. This is good to know. I did the measurements and I will loose about 6 inches from full extension if I had the CLS1840 head. I could make this up by lowering the baseboard, but adding the 240 lens would make a good combo.

Thanks for your replies, this is the info I looking for.

So I have been using Rosco filters in the filter drawer for two-filter MG printing but what a pain to reach up over my head and change the filters. Sometimes as many as 50 times in a printing session.

To use the Ilford 6x6 inch filters under the lens I will have to build a filter holder. There are NO pre-made filter holders that I know of that will take these 6x6 filters ($50.00 for the set).

And, again the 12" x 12" Ilford filter set that goes between the light source and the negative cost $240 US dollars and is special-order-non-returnable. Since I have been using a dichroic head since 1974 for MG printing, I didn't want to spend this much money for something I may not like.

Here is the filter holder I was able to make. It fits on the end of the rod that holds the red safety filter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/ic-racer/painted1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/ic-racer/finished1-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/ic-racer/finishedinstalled1.jpg