A-Class Visual Design

Condenser Enlarger

What are the disadvantages of condenser enlarger?

A - Exposure needs to be more accurate?
B - Image contrast is too high?
C- Graininess in prints if more obvious?

A. Print exposure more than accurate enough when using any timer, used digital timers are now so cheap this issue is moot. (Most enlarger lenses perform best 2-3 stops down from wide open.) And you always add neutral density to the filter drawer.

B. Image contrast, on the same grade of paper, is at most one contrast grade higher with a "true" condenser enlarger and is best controlled by proper time and temperature when processing negatives, but can be controlled by using a softer grade of paper, using a softer developer like Selectol Soft, or control print contrast by pre-flashing paper. Or by a combination of the above.

C. Non issue, if your print is properly focused you will see the grain no matter what illumination system your enlarger uses.

You missed the most obvious advantage of using a diffused light source, however, and that is the suppression of dust and scratches from the negative on the print. The biggest real advantage.

Using a Photographic Enlarger : Photographic Enlargers: Condenser

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