combined strengths

Analyser Basics

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:41:27 +0000

The 8 buttons on an Analyser have straightforward direct actions for the main printing and exposure controls. Less frequent controls and settings are obtained from a simple menu or a long press of a button.
This first movie shows the basic functions.
The ZoneMaster meter shares the metering functions of the Analyser and has the same buttons.

Analyser Greyscale

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:40:35 +0000

This simple patented idea has transformed more prints than any other darkroom meter. It’s simplicity is beguiling: Without making a print, the user can predict the effect of any exposure and contrast setting. This is done automatically and in real time without the need to translate numbers onto a table or dial. Up to 8 readings can be displayed on the greyscale.
Ilford Ltd., when the head of product design evaluated the Analyser unit in 1995, he reported this simple feature and the design in general, outperformed their own commissioned design proposals from Marconi Research and achieved an optimum balance of automation and user control.

Ultimate Timer Accuracy

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:34:06 +0000

There is no point having an accurate meter or time base if other parts of the system or the material characteristics rob you of their benefit.
All our f/stop timers use compensated control: They allow for bulb warm-up and cool-down times, such that, 15 1-second exposures give the same result as 1 15-second exposure. The Analyser always uses a compensated timing system, whereas the StopClock has alternative timing systems. As well as linear and f/stop modes, it also has a compensated mode.
The StopClock also features dry-down compensation and 1/24th f/stop control, the most precise f/stop timing available in the world, for critical applications, usually at high contrast settings. Using a number base of 24, gives useful coarser increments of 1/12, 1/6, 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2 f/stop. Systems that use 1/10th are less friendly - we too had it in our original products but changed over, as customers found it awkward in practice to do familiar fractions.
As soon as a StopClock is coupled to a ZoneMaster meter, it switches over. In this way, irrespective of the enlargement size or aperture, a consistent print in guaranteed from an exposure reading, without new test strips.

Ultimate Meter Accuracy

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:31:42 +0000

Accuracy is not the same as resolution. I have three £300+ spot meters and they all have an ‘accuracy’ of 1/10th stop. They don’t agree by up to 1/2 stop. This is resolution, not accuracy. Now consider old film loses its speed, latent images degrade over time, processing variations and your ability to detect 1/10th stop exposure difference on negative film or slide film. An accurate meter in 1/3rds is better than an inaccurate one in 1/10ths stop.
The same is true in the darkroom. You need to understand the entire system to design a product with meaningful parameters.
The Analyser and ZoneMaster have refined metering systems with an internal metering resolution of 1/60th stop and which multi-sample to ensure noise-free readings and stable light conditions on the baseboard. (Although you cannot see it, most bulbs flicker at the mains frequency and modern silicon sensors can be fooled. It takes an average of several samples to ensure that the light level is accurately measured). The density readouts are rounded to the nearest 1/30th stop, (in density terms 0.01), in common with dedicated units. Since they also meter enlarger light leaks and diffuse reflected baseboard light, D0.01 is more than enough resolution.

Analyser Exposure ControL

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:29:43 +0000

The basis of the metering system is to get the very important highlight exposure spot-on. Once you have taken a reading, you can alter the highlight density by changing the exposure with the time buttons. Up to 8 readings can be displayed on the greyscale at the same time, allowing you to work out exposure and contrast settings for the main and subsequent exposures
Depending upon the step-size in play, it will change the exposure time in fine jumps of 1/12th stop or coarser, moving the light on the greyscale at the same time to reflect the actual print tone. The total amount of exposure change is shown on the display in 12ths stop for future reference. (For example C 04 represents +1/3rd stop and C -06 represents -1/2 stop).