The 4 x 5" Ultra Contrast 1 Filter from Tiffen helps to open your shadows by using the ambient light surrounding the image area as well as the light in the actual image itself. It lowers contrast uniformly throughout, with little or no loss of sharpness within the scene, even where there are varying degrees of brightness.

Shadow areas will reveal more detail but without any flare or halation from direct light sources or bright reflections. The Ultra Contrast works similar to a Tiffen Low Contrast filter with the difference being that it reduces contrast throughout the entire image whereas a Low Contrast filter will only open the shadows.

The #1 Ultra Contrast filter is the first full grade this filter is available in. More of the surrounding light is employed to open your shadows yet you will still not see any highlight flare or halation. Sharpness continues to be consistent.

Tiffen's ColorCore glass is produced through a process that entails permanently laminating the filter material in between two pieces of optical glass that are ground flat to tolerances of a ten-thousandth of an inch, then mounting them in precision aluminum rings.

Uses Ambient Light to Open Shadows    Lightens Shadows to Capture More Detail    Lowers Contrast Evenly Throughout    Generates No Flare or Halation    ColorCore Glass    Made in the USA    10-Year Warranty

Bright lights or sunlight create problems when the ratio between the highlight and shadow areas is beyond the latitude of the film; if you expose for the highlights, the shadows appear without detail; if you expose for the shadows, the result is washed-out, overly bright highlights

Contrast reduction is achieved by lightening shadows without overexposing or darkening or by darkening highlights without darkening shadows further

Even direct shooting into the sun produces no flare or halation

Tiffen's ColorCore glass is sealed between two optical glass sheets. In this way, Tiffen can better control the various densities of their filters and thereby create more exact degrees of filtration. This process makes for greater accuracy of color as opposed to glass that is simply dyed and become subject to deviation during the dye process

Tiffen, a leader in the filter industry, proudly makes its filters in the USA and backs up its products with a solid 10-year warranty

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. is there a stage missing to enlarge 6x9 with the dichro vc head on xl? there is a massive space inbetween the head and the lens board when it is raised to the proper position

A: It is our understanding that with the Beseler 23CIII-XL Variable Contrast (Black & White) Enlarger there is no stage missing when working in the 6 x 9 format.

Q: 2. Will a late 1980s Printmaker 35 lensboard and negative carrier work on the 23CIII-XL?

A: No, i'm sorry but they are not compatible.

Q: 3. is this black and white or color?

A: The Beseler 23CIII-XL Variable Contrast (Black & White) Enlarger would be for Black & White prints.

Q: 4. What is the largest negative I can use with this enlarger?

A: The Beseler 23CIII-XL can handle film up to 6x9cm.

Q: 5. Does the variable contrast function mean that I can adjust contrast directly on the enlarger and do not need to use separate filters to adjust contrast?

A: The image is not correct in the page but yes that enlarger has built in filters that with variable contrast paper you can control the contrast.But the model you selected is 220v so that is for use outside the USA.If you are in the USA you need this model, Beseler 23CIII-XL Variable Contrast (Black & White) Enlarger, B&H # BE23C3XLVC MFR # 8019-02.

Q: 6. How tall is the enlarger at a normal setting for 8x10 printing? I have a low ceiling so I want to make sure it will fit.

A: The maximum height of the Beseler 23CIII-XL Variable Contrast (Black & White) Enlarger is 54".

Q: 7. Hello, can this enlarger take a two lens turret for two lenses?

A: Unfortunately, the Beseler 23CIII-XL cannot take a two lens turret. According to Beseler, they dont have an option on the market at this time for a two lens turret, though both their 8227 and 8545 can be used with either a single lens or three lens turret.

Q: 8. What is the length of the power cord?

A: The length of the power cord is 70 .

Q: 9. I want and enlarger and condenser to make B&W contact prints (most likely 8x10, but possibly 11x14 some day). Would this be good for this?

A: Yes. This will work just fine.

Q: 10. Just to make sure: Is it correct that the device comes without a negative carrier and without a lensboard?

A: The Beseler 23CIII-XL Variable Contrast (Black & White) Enlarger does not include a negative carrier and lensboard. Here is everything included: Includes: Chassis Baseboard Variable Contrast Lamphouse Lamp (ESJ) 6x9 Mixing Chamber Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty