What is the difference between a condensor enlarger and a diffusion enlarger?
These are basically the same, with different light sources. A condensor lightsource gives the highest contrast prints by aiming the light through one or more glass condensers, or lenses, and providing brighter illumination and faster printing times. They are also the least expensive. Color printing is possible, but less consistent. Diffusion lightsources give better modulation of middle gray tones in black and white (they are less contrasty), and allow negatives to closely match grade 2 printing paper with less manipulation. They are also more forgiving of less than perfect negatives. Their higher initial investment will be recovered through fewer spoiled prints from dust. Modern diffusion enlargers are generally fitted with Dichroic Filters that can be used for color correction in color printing, as well as for contrast control in black and white.
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