When I use my 4x5 graflarger should I leave the light on when the shutter is closed, or turn it on/off all the time when printing? I'm just worried about the light going dead.

Tough call. Graphic Graflex Photography says they are instant starting so you can use the toggle switch, if that were true then you could use a normal timer.

The question then is, "What burns out a tube faster, the intial voltage spike, or the long run?"

Aristo made the tubes, and I know they are on the net, just don't know what the URL is at the moment. Maybe they have replacements? Hey stranger things have happened

It would seem that I should find a 4x5 enlarger. I am watching several items on ebay that would give me that capability using the Graflok/Graflarger system. I've used cold light enargers before, so I am somewhat familiar with them. I wonder though how durable these things are... I gather they are fifty or more years old... is the cold light going to give me grief?

Also, many years ago I used a camera lens for an enlarger lens with 35mm. It worked, but quality was less than spectacular. I read something years ago about using the same lens to enlarge that one used to take the picture and that the lens aberations would then tend to cancel each other out. I found this to be a bit dubious, though I understand the theory.

Have any of you had experience with this sort of arrangement?

Dale A. Raby
CEO The Green Bay Web
http://www.thegreenbayweb.com

Two places I find rare bulbs
Top Bulb
and terrys@photomall.com (he lists Graflex)
may not be the one you need but----I found Terry under >Enlarger Lamps< Bert

Quote:

On 2001-12-05 09:08, daleraby wrote: It would seem that I should find a 4x5 enlarger. I am watching several items on ebay that would give me that capability using the Graflok/Graflarger system. I've used cold light enargers before, so I am somewhat familiar with them. I wonder though how durable these things are... I gather they are fifty or more years old... is the cold light going to give me grief? Also, many years ago I used a camera lens for an enlarger lens with 35mm. It worked, but quality was less than spectacular. I read something years ago about using the same lens to enlarge that one used to take the picture and that the lens aberations would then tend to cancel each other out. I found this to be a bit dubious, though I understand the theory. Have any of you had experience with this sort of arrangement? Dale A. Raby CEO The Green Bay Web http://www.thegreenbayweb.com

Can't address y'r question about Graflargers' life expectancy, but as far as aberrations coming and going cancelling, it just doesn't work.

Don't have to use a standard camera lens for enlarging, though it is indeed convenient. It is possible to mount an enlarging lens, designed to perform well relatively close up, on a shutter or in a shutter, and there you are. Better of both worlds.

Sad thing is there's a complete 2x3 Graflarger up on eBay right now, and I'm too broke to bid on it. Sigh.

Cheers,

Dan

Just recieved my Graflarger... with the fluorescent tube smashed. The thing was shipped inside a wooden crate carefully line with styrofoam sheets fitted to enclose the merchandise completely... Oh well... now on to the search for a new tube or a else engineer something myself. Next time, I pay for the insurance!

Sorry to hear about your Graflarger, if it helps any the tube used in the Graflarger is an Aristo Gridlight W35, whether it is still be made by Aristo is another question.

I never could get a reply from Aristo when I sent them an e-mail a while back, I think I'll write a snail mail letter and see if they reply, details to follow if they do.