RH Analyser Pro

The advanced Black and White Enlarging Meter / Timer with GreyScale Display and built-in Densitometer function

Banish the Test Strip!

This highly-acclaimed enlarging meter-timer combo features our patented greyscale print tone indicator which shows you the tonal range of the print, so you can place important tones and preview the look of the print without the need for endless test strips. Includes a spot-metering probe with densitometer function, a wide range (1 - 240 secs) heavy-duty (750W) timer which can work in intervals of 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6 or 1/12 f-stops, storage for the characteristics of eight different papers, and a clever burn-in feature which takes the guesswork out of printing. The perfect all-in-one solution for making the highest quality black and white prints - and it can be used for colour too!

Tests (and customers’ experiences) with Pyro and other staining developers indicate that the Analyser can be used with stained negatives in just the same way as with conventional developers. The meter will automatically account for the density of the stain.

The latest version features a sensor and measurement subsystem which provides fast response, especially at low light levels, and high stability with changes in temperature and over time. In addition, a calibration kit (included) makes calibration faster and easier, and we’ve re-written the User Manual to make it clearer and easier to read. There’s never been a better time to choose an Analyser Pro!

Why the VC Analyser Pro is different...

Enlarging exposure meters often suffer from a number of shortcomings. In many cases, a single reading is taken from a mid-tone area of the negative (or from a diffused image) and exposure based on that reading. This can work quite well but it won’t advise you which paper grade to use.

Enlarging exposure meters which indicate a suggested paper grade do so assuming you want your shadows to be at maximum black and your highlights at paper base white. This isn't always the case, particularly in portraiture work. And if it isn’t the case, then you’re on your own - back to the test strip!

The VC Analyser Pro is different because it tells you exactly the shade of grey that you will get on a print for any spot measured area of the negative. You can see the effects of changing the paper grade without making a print - the Analyser's display indicates the changes in print tone for each measured spot as you alter the grade setting. You can manually override the Analyser's suggested exposure time in order to produce a lower or higher key print, and see the expected results before committing a piece of paper. You can even make your own grey scale for use with the Analyser using your favourite materials and processing, so that the Analyser's indications will be as close as possible to the final print.

You no longer need to worry about compensating for dry down (the increase in density of a dry print as compared to a wet one) because the display indicates the tone on the final, dry, print. For special cases, fine tuning may be accomplished with the built in automatic test strip generator.

All this adds up to a significant saving of both time and materials, and with paper prices rising this can only be an advantage. Darkroom work is much more enjoyable when your success rate is high!

In common with our acclaimed StopClock range, we have designed the Analyser using industrial grade components for maximum reliability. Gold plated switch contacts, fibreglass printed circuit boards and heavy duty relays mean that it should last a lifetime, so we confidently offer a two year parts and labour guarantee. In addition, the Analyser comes with a fourteen day money back guarantee of satisfaction, so why not try one for yourself?

VC Analyser Pro Features...

• Up to eight spot readings of a negative can be taken and the corresponding tonal value of each on the final print will be displayed on the 15 step greyscale.
• Simple controls (harder, softer, brighter, darker) allow print contrast and brightness to be previewed without the use of test strips or prints - saves time and paper.
• Over and under exposure warnings. 12-stop measurement range.
• Exposure times of 1.0 to 240 seconds are calculated automatically by the Analyser Pro using the metering probe in conjunction with paper grade and built-in calibration settings. Exposure times can be adjusted manually.
• Basic and burn-in exposures are accurate to 1/12th stop maximum resolution and microprocessor controlled to within a hundredth of a second.
• Clever burn-in feature computes and times the difference between an increased exposure time and the basic print exposure. Makes burning-in a breeze! Simply make the basic exposure, increase the exposure time by the desired amount, then press and hold the Print key - the Analyser Pro subtracts the base exposure from the new time and times the result automatically!
• Adjustable calibration caters for your preferences of paper, processing, and enlarger characteristics for every grade of paper from 00 to 5, including half-grades.
• Automatic reciprocity failure compensation.
• Densitometer mode to help refine your film development.
• Eight individual calibration sets for different papers, surfaces, etc. Adjustable calibration caters for your preferences of paper, processing, and enlarger characteristics for every grade of paper from 00 to 5, including half-grades.
• Automatic test strip generation for fine tuning of print exposure; test strips can be generated either as incremental or full exposures.
• Switching capacity of 750 W (500W for 115v versions) handles most enlargers, including cold-cathode types.
• Industrial grade components throughout, including gold-contact switches and heavy duty relays, for maximum reliability.

VC Analyser Pro Specification

• Timing accuracy: Better than 1%. Timing repeatability: Better than 0.1%
• Internal measurement resolution: 1/60 stop
• Timing range: 1.0 to 240 seconds per exposure. Timing resolution: 0.01 sec
• Time setting intervals: 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6 or 1/12 stop; user selectable at any time.
• Automatic Test Strips can be made using the currently set time interval.
• Optional audible seconds tick ("metronome")
• Measurement spot size: 2mm (0.05 inch) approx. Measurement range: twelve stops, with over and under exposure indication. Up to eight spot measurements per exposure
• Calibration: built-in, user adjustable exposure and contrast settings for all grades from 00 to 5 in half grade steps. Eight individual calibration sets.
• Optional delay to accommodate slow-starting enlargers (e.g some Durst and Kaiser stabilised transformers)
• Switching capacity: (230v versions) 750W per outlet, 750W total. (115v versions) 500W per outlet, 500W total
• Display type: Yellow LED, 4 digits for time and paper grade: 15 segment bar graph for grey scale
• Size: Main unit: WHD 200mm x 65mm x 160mm (7.8 x 2.5 x 6.3 inches), Sensor: WHD 80x56x24mm (3.1 x 2.1 x 1 inches) approx. Weight: 2200g approx as shipped
• Accessories supplied: Mains lead,enlarger/safelight connectors, calibration kit, instructions.
• A convenient footswitch is available as an optional extra for hands-free operation - click here to purchase.
• Full two year guarantee, plus 14 day refund if you are not completely satisfied.

Please Note: The VC Analyser Pro is designed to control enlargers in which the lamp can be switched on and off simply by applying mains power - this covers the great majority of enlargers but excludes some which have closed-loop control systems such as the Durst Autocolor, Fujimoto, etc. A special version is available for the Ilford Multigrade. We do not support the Ilford Multigrade 400 or 600 systems. If your enlarger is not suitable but you would like the benefit of the exposure metering functions, consider our ZoneMaster II baseboard exposure meter.