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Old 1st March 2009, 06:33 PM
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Bill Bill is offline
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Default Enlarger Exposure Meters.

Hi Les,
Perhaps this would be better directed to Richard Ross but how useful do you think enlarging meters such as the RH Design Analyser Pro are in the darkroom?
I ask because I have one and have had for a number of years but comments on my prints always seem to centre around the contrast, usually it is that it is too low.
I have tried calibrating the machine but without apparent success. I have upgraded the software and have the RH Designs examples of just off white and just off black. It seems that however I try it just does not seem to work for me.
Is it possible to become too reliant on these meters? I have not made a test strip in years
Bill
 
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Old 4th March 2009, 04:07 PM
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Les McLean Les McLean is offline
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Hi Bill

Please accept my appologies for taking so long to give you my view on your question. I've been on the road since before it was posted and I had my laptop stolen so I couldn't access the site. However, all is well as the laptop has been replaced and I'm answering your question whilst still on the road.

I have to say that I am not a big fan of enlarger exposure meters, I firmly believe that a good test strip and your own judgement will enable you to produce the print you feel best suits the subject and the conditions prevailing when you exposed the negative.

Having been a user of RH Designs products for many years as well as having a good friendship with Richard, I know that the Analyser Pro is a good product and will be a great help in deciding contrast and tonality. The number of people who use them and speak very highly of them cannot be wrong. Have you spoken to Richard regarding the problems you've experienced in using the Analyser? Perhaps you are missing a simple detail or step. Give Richard a call if you haven't yet done that, he is a very logical man and very good at describing how things work.

I read your posts regarding your having tried many avenues looking for the "magic bullet" that certainly does not exist. Might I suggest that you concentrate on the very basics of making negatives and prints and learn from the work you do. Whist good sophisticated equipment is nice to have and use you really need to spend time building confidence in your own judgement and ability.

My first 15 years of making and printing photographs were spent using a medium format Minolta Autocord purchased for £10 and a very old second hand cold cathode enlarger that was so dim I was exposing for minutes rather than seconds. The experience was frustrating but in the end it taught me much about the photographic process that has been invaluable to me ever since those days.

I hope you find this answer is of use to you in your photographic endeavours.
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Old 5th March 2009, 09:12 AM
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Thanks Les. I knew you were away so was not expecting a quick answer.

Shame about your laptop but glad you are now sorted.

I have asked Richard a few questions in another thread and hope to speak to him at the Lakes weekend if there is a suitable opportunity.

I think you have hit the nail on the head with the comment about confidence. I am going back to basics and evaluating my working procedures.

Thanks again

Bill
 
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