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  #1  
Old 4th September 2021, 05:15 PM
ssharp ssharp is offline
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Default Ilford 500 lamp Issue

Hi All,

This is weird.

Today my left lamp blew on focus startup. No worries, i have 5 so i replaced it.

Well, the new lamp didn't work so i took it out and put another one in.

That didn't work either. I then put that lamp in the right hand position and it didn't work there.

Scratching head i took that lamp out and now i put the original right hand lamp in the left position and it worked, so that lamp worked both sides so i put it back where it started, in the right.

From here i replaced the left lamp 5 (FIVE) times with new lamps and none of them worked.

I know this sounds confusing but i can't have 5 dud in the box lamps can I ?

In a way i almost want to as it takes the heat off the head but i can't find anything wrong with them, no broken coil etc, they just don't work.

Perhaps the only way to find out is to buy more and see what happens with them but i thought i'd check here first.

It's a bit weird. I know the left socket works and i can't figure out 5 dead lamps, unless i got caught out on the auction site.

Any info appreciated.

Simon
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Old 4th September 2021, 07:10 PM
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skellum skellum is offline
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Hi Simon. To be clear:
The original Right hand bulb (A) works in both the Left and Right bulb holders.

You've tried 5 bulbs in the Left bulb holder, and none work.

The fact bulb A works on both sides implies both bulb holders are OK. It also sounds like you've only tried the new bulbs on the Left side?

Next step I'd take is to try each of the 5 new bulbs in the Right bulb holder. If none work then it just could be you have 5 duds.
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Old 4th September 2021, 08:07 PM
ssharp ssharp is offline
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Hi Skellum,

Yup i tried all 5 both right and left so like you say i must have 5 duds.

I can't wait to try a new one and see though !

How unlucky is that to have 5 duds !?!
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  #4  
Old 4th September 2021, 10:16 PM
Mike O'Pray Mike O'Pray is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ssharp View Post
Hi Skellum,

Yup i tried all 5 both right and left so like you say i must have 5 duds.

How unlucky is that to have 5 duds !?!
Just out of curiosity, where did you get the lamps from?

You are right that you are unlucky to have 5 duds but more to the point was the seller just unlucky to sell you 5 duds or might there be another less palatable explanation?

Mike
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Old 5th September 2021, 06:43 AM
ssharp ssharp is offline
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Hi Mike,

I'm not 100% they duds until i buy another and see if that works.

I see no reason physically at least why they shouldn't work and others in the batch did work fine.

Ironically i hope they are all duds then at least it's a simple fix !
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  #6  
Old 5th September 2021, 07:07 AM
mpirie mpirie is online now
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Easiest way to check the lamps is to use a test meter for continuity across the two pins.

It is possible that the lamp holder contacts are getting dirty with corrosion where the pins make contact (or not) with the holder.

Another option is that the lamps may be of lesser quality so the pin thickness or spacing could be out.

Mike

BTW, which lamps are you using? There are reports of 300w or 150w lamps being used in error.
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  #7  
Old 5th September 2021, 11:50 AM
Terry S Terry S is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mpirie View Post
It is possible that the lamp holder contacts are getting dirty with corrosion where the pins make contact (or not) with the holder.

Mike
This is a good suggestion by Mike, as I had similar trouble to the OP, but mine was with batteries in a flash unit where some worked first time and others didn't. A good clean with one of those tough ended photo brushes sold for this made all the difference and after using the brush, ALL batteries worked with no problem!

Terry S
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Old 5th September 2021, 12:06 PM
ssharp ssharp is offline
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Agh right.

Didn't think of that. Yup all 5 dead and one the good one is live so no surprises there i guess.

Perhaps the message is check these old bulbs as soon as received if storing them for down the line.

I wish i checked these but lesson learned.

Thanks,

Simon
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  #9  
Old 6th September 2021, 09:54 PM
JOReynolds JOReynolds is offline
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The lampholders get hot and eventually crumble. These are not specific to the Ilford 500 head and are freely available from specialist dealers. The 250W lamps get half as hot as the 500W. Check that the fan starts when the lamp lights and stays on for two mins after the lamp switches off.
I fitted 250W lamps because I can only print up to 30 x 40cm. Exposure times at f/11 about 30...60 sec, normal negs.
The fan in my secondhand 500 head caused it to vibrate. It was very dirty so I dismantled it, protecting the bearing with tape and cleaning the rotor in the dishwasher.
Brilliant piece of British kit!
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  #10  
Old 9th September 2021, 01:00 PM
ssharp ssharp is offline
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Yeah it was 5 dodgy lamps in the end.

I bought a bunch from SLC lighting for £10 each brand new and they all work great.

Problem solved.
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