Contrast
I don't really find any problem with using any problem with using a colour head enlarger when making B&W prints. Even with 'thin negatives' so long as there is some detail in the shadows I can generally manage to print something acceptable.
As I still print colour RA4 so having 2 dedicated enlargers is really not practical due to the space I have available.
The convenience of being able to make minute contrast changes instead of 1/2 grades outweighs the possible advantage of condenser optical arrangement. On the rare (very) occasions where I need grade 5 I use a Gd 5 Ilford MG gelatin filter on the negative carrier above the actual negative. Introducing the filter below the lens can affect a high quality enlarging lens and the actual grade may be less than the value suggests. It could be like using a lens element which is uncoated and also adds another surface for dust to reduce any possible contrast
OK, my way of working may be micro-managing the printing process, but for me - it works.
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