Calibrating RH Designs analyzers when using a Kaiser MG head - a novice's question

[Emmanuel06]

Hello,

I join this forum for some questions regarding the pro analyze. There is virtually no information on the French forums. Before asking these questions I of course read the conversations here (and found no answers).
Therefore, I would like to ask you for your opinion in the hope that my intervention as an applicant and non-contributor will not be badly received .
In advance I thank you very much for your answers.

My technical English is even worse than my current English, I use a translation tool, so please excuse my approximations (and do not hesitate to cross out the false propositions and to answer me as if you were talking to a child...)

For information I I own a Kaiser Multigrade enlarger head, which ranges from grade 0 to 5, meaning it does not include grade 00. So instead of grade 00 I intend to use when needed an acetate Ilford 00 filter to place in the drawer, while leaving the magnifier head on 0 , with white light of course.

My questions) are referring specifically to the very first reference measurement (the initial measurement, chapter 4.4 in the calibration manual).
This reference time must be determined without a density filter, without a negative, (but with the negative carrier in place ?), the lens aperture at its minimum, and the enlarger head at its maximum height. Ok.

Therefore, regarding this reference measure, how to make it ?
Hypothesis 1:
1.1 the reference exposure is at grade 00 on the Analyser Pro and on the magnifier (with Ilford acetate filter 00 in the carrier and dial at grade 0, as far as I’m concerned).
This SINGLE reference exposure is therefore the basis for test bands for all grades.
this single reference exposure will be the basis for all test bands regardless of grade, from grade 00 to grade 5.

1.2 A reference exposure made with the grade that will be calibrated on the test strip (same grade on the magnifier and on the timer of course).
So this involves 7 reference exposures + 7 corresponding test strips.

1.3 the exposure is at a grade X (WHICH?) on the magnifier and X (WHICH) on the timer?
this reference exposure is therefore the SINGLE reference exposure for test strips for all grades.


I have of course also contacted the company RH Designs and am waiting for their answers.
Thank you again for taking the time to read me and for your help!

 

[Emmanuel06]

My first question above having gone unanswered, I’ll dare to ask a second one.

Regarding calibration (using either the Analyser Pro or the ZoneMaster), since I’m working with a Kaiser multigrade head and there is no grade 00 setting available, do you think calibrating grade 00 using an Ilford filter (in the filter drawer, with white light activated) and the other grades (1 to 5) with the multigrade head could lead to inaccurate measurements?
In other words, does using an Ilford filter for grade 00 affect the overall consistency of the calibration?

Thanks a lot for taking the time to read me (and for your help) !

P.S. : I have, of course, contacted RH Designs, but haven’t received any reply so far.
If I do get an answer, I’ll post it here to help anyone who might have the same question.

 

[Neal]

Hello Emmanuel06,

This isn't really an answer to either of your questions (and I admit here that my opinion is nothing more than wild speculation) but I propose that it doesn't matter as long as you are consistent. It would seem unlikely that what you propose would have a large affect in the normal working range and if you are going to tweak a given print to your taste in the end it doesn't matter if it is "really" grade 2.2 or 2.5.

In any case, at least you know we care even if we don't know how to help!

Good luck,

Neal Wydra

 

[Emmanuel06]

Thank you, Neal, for your reply, I never doubted that this forum would leave desperate questioners alone with their existential anxieties. Your response confirms it!


Indeed, whether it's a grade 2.2 or 2.5 matters little to me — I’m just concerned about compromising the measuring function and ending up with consistently inaccurate readings, which would defeat the purpose of this tool: avoiding a large number of tests.


In any case, I think I’ll give it a try (I’m very attached to my MG Kaiser head).


Thanks again,
Have a great evening,
Emmanuel

 

[MattKing]

Hi Emmanuel,
First, welcome to Photrio.
Second, I think the reasons for your not receiving a reply to your initial question is rooted in how specific it is.
In essence, the only people who might be likely to respond would be the people who both have the equipment you are asking about, and have attempted to explore what you are exploring.
I certainly am not in that group!
I think that the meaning of your question(s) is that you are asking how best to deal with calibrating your analyzer when the manual tells you to start with a 00 filter, but your light source only starts at 0.
Personally, if I was in your position, and I had no response from RH Designs, I would just start the calibration using the 0 filter setting on your enlarger.
Third, I'm going to combine your two threads into one, because they cover essentially the same issue, and our forum rules discourage multiple threads that duplicate each other.
Don't be concerned about being technically in breach of those rules regarding duplicate threads - you are new here, so unfamiliarity with that part of the rules is understandable.
I've taken the liberty of amending your thread title as well. If you have a problem with the new title, don't hesitate to bring it up.