MetroLux (One) and MetroLux II

Well folks, we've been under cover for a bit. It is hard to have a job and run a business at the same time. There are only two of us. But, as one of us is now unemployed, there is a little more time. I've been learning about blogs a bit, so I thought I'd set up a blog for Metered Light since our website went down with all the info when the webmaster died. We should have backed him up.

Eventually we will have the instruction manuals for MetroLux One and MetroLux II here. Also answers to common questions. Then we will expand into the PocketSpot light meter information. As production comes back to life, we will get our website up, too.

MetroLux Q and A

Q Why use a MetroLux?

A MetroLux was primarily designed for use with coldlight enlargers. Coldlights have a fluctuating light output that is dependent on temperature mostly. MetroLux monitors the light output continuously and adjusts the exposure in real-time to compensate.

Q Will MetroLux work with other light sources?

A Yes. Although it was designed for coldlights, it works equally well with many light sources: tungsten, quartz, florescent, and the sun although we have had a hard time turning the sun off.

Q Can a MetroLux be upgraded to a MetroLux II (One to a Two)?

A No. Not only is the firmware different, but the hardware is different, too.

Q Can a MetroLux be repaired?

A Yes. We have the parts. Repairs are generally simple, quick, and inexpensive. Probably best to call Karl at headquarters: 415.452.9923 PST

Q Are instructional manuals available on the web?

A Yes. They are available at this blog. See April and May. Maybe I'll figure out the link soon.

Q What are the differences between a One and a Two?

A They look and function pretty much the same. The calibration procedure is different. Two has more memories and is friendlier to use and adjust. Two accepts the Remote Sensor, should you have one (no longer available new). Two has a shutter speed timer included.

Q What is the DIN plug on the front of the One?

A A very few of the first Ones had a DIN on the front. We had plans, but they never happened. It does nothing.

Q What is the screw in the hole on the front of the One?

A This adjusts the frequency and thus the resonance and volume and sound of the beeper. If you don't like the beeper, put tape over the hole beside the hole with the screw.

Q My Metrolux One doesn't reset and doesn't work. What gives?

A Very early Metroluxes didn't have a power on reset. If it doesn't count properly, make sure that all the memory registers have 'proper' numbers in them. The times can have anything, but the percent needs to be between 50 and 200. If it is '00' , this will cause problems.

MetroLux II Specs

Guarantees accurate and repeatable print exposures without the use of expensive voltage regulators by turning any printing system (contact or enlarging) into a closed-loop, feedback system. With a strategically mounted MetroLux II® photo sensor monitoring light output during exposure, the MetroLux II® Darkroom Lamp Controller compensates for intensity fluctuations by extending or shortening exposure lengths.

Since 1986, Redlight Enterprises has provided a cost-effective tool to eliminate the problems that photographers faced with voltage fluctuation, coldlight drift, and lamp aging. MetroLux II® is so versatile, it is used by photographers exposing platinum prints outdoors, compensating for cloud cover during exposure.

In 1993, the MetroLux II® Darkroom Lamp Controller introduced many new features:

Expanded time base: 0.1 to 9990 lux or seconds

Dual Calibration Channels w/ Three Memory Locations

Hold/Reset Option during exposures

Built-in Shutter Tester

Remote Sensor/Projection Densitometer Accessory

Compatible with Variable Contrast Heads

Lamp Decay Factoring

Dual Calibration Channels are ideal for use with twin-grid Variable Contrast coldlights. Due to rugged circuitry, no contactors are necessary for use with grid lamps up to and including 12" x 12". Battery-free, Nonvolatile Memories never forget calibration and exposure values.

Built-in camera Shutter Tester times exposures of 1/2000 to 6 seconds on focal plane and leaf shutters.

Lamp Decay Factoring computes light fall-off at the end of each exposure. Now, a "burst" printing of 5 two-second exposures equals a single ten-second exposure.

With the Remote Sensor accessory, projected light intensities can be measured at the easel to help determine contrasts, match grey-values, or automatically recalculate exposures during print-resizing.

Specifications:

Input/Switched Output 110VAC, 60Hz/720 Watts, Max (220V available)

Display 0.5" Red LEDs

Enclosure 2"H x 6.5"D x 8"W

Exposure Range 0.1 - 9990 lux or seconds

Channels 2 Calibration Channels, 3 Memories each

Percentaging Range 25% - 250% of exposure

Repeatability Within 1% (typically better than 0.5%)

Programmable Controls LED Brightness, Metronome, Hold/Reset Option

Photo Sensor On 10' cord

Sensitivity/Peak Response 3200 to 7300 Å/5600 Å

Temperature Range -10º to +60ºC

Accessories:

Remote Sensor For Easel-top projection densitometry

Footswitch 8' cord, operates either Focus or Expose

Additional Photo Sensor 10' cord for additional lamp heads

Zone VI Coldlight Adapter 6' RCA to 3P Din

What people say about the MetroLux II.

Teacher and Photographer Al Weber's thoughts on the MetroLux II®

"Best timer available."

"Very bright LED's, compact and sturdy with a honest linear response."

" Accurate, and finally a timer that handles intensity fluctuation in cold light printing."

"Meteredlight is a small, honest and reliable manufacturer that makes real tools, not toys."

Al Weber



Photographer & Author Huntington Witherill's comments:



"The Metrolux timer is deserving of "two thumbs up."

"An invaluable tool for any serious black & white printer."

Huntington Witherill.