Instruction Manual for the Comparator
100

The JOBO Comparator is an electronic measuring instrument for
the determination of exposure times for black and white and color enlargements. It is
suited for the following applications:
- Determination exposure time for all black and white
enlargements
- Determination of exposure time for color enlargements of
slides or negatives
The operation is simplified by the use of LEDs to guide
you to the proper exposure time.
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- 1. Contents
- 2. Power Supply
- 2.1. Loading of the battery
- 3. Programming
Comparator 100
- 3.1. Entry of the determined exposure value
(selective)
- 3.2. Entry of the determined exposure value for full
area (integrated) measuring with black and white, and color
- 4. Measuring
of exposure values
- 4.1. Measurement with constant exposure time
- 4.2. Measurement with constant aperture
- 5. Special
indications
- 6. Mounting of the
diffuser
- 7. Maintenance and
care
- 8. Dimensions
- 9. Service
- 10. Scope of delivery
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The JOBO Comparator 100 is powered by a 9 volt
battery (not supplied with unit). After loading the battery and switching on the unit, the
Comparator is ready for operation.
2.1 Loading of the Battery
The following batteries can be used for the
Comparator: e.g. Duracell NN 1 604/6 LR61/9V or equivalent types of other manufacturers. A
sliding cover an the back of the unit gives access to the battery compartment
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Note: During programming and during all measuring
processes the safelight and all other darkroom illumination must be off. The photocell
will respond to any light. To program the Comparator you must first make what you consider
an Ideal print without using the Comparator. The exposure values (enlarger height, F-stop
of the lens, paper grade and exposure time) must then be used to program the Comparator
for future use. The JOBO Varioformat Easel and Test Printer are valuable aids in
determining the exposure values.
3.1 Entry of the Determined Exposure Value for
Selective (Spot) Measuring for Black and White
The enlarger height and lens aperture should be the
same as for your ideal print and the negative for that Print should be in the negative
cagier of the enlarger. Turn on the enlarger.
Turn off all darkroom light. With the main switch 5, turn on the
Comparator. At this point one of the two red LED triangles 1 will be lit. The time scale
dial 6 is set to the exposure time you used for your ideal print. Place the Comparator on
the easel of baseboard so that the measuring cell 3 covers the lightest part of the
projected negative still shows some details. Choose this spot as close to the center area
of the negative as possible. With the Comparator in place, turn the adjustment knob 2
until the balancing lights 1 change from a red triangle to the green center LE D.
Individual settings can be noted on the while border in pencil. After that do not change
the position of the adjustment knob 2 anymore.
Your Comparator is now set for the paper you have been using. It is
programmed. Now you can determine exposure time required for an unknown negative used with
this paper.
3.2 Entry of the Determined Exposure Value for
Full Area (Integrated) Measuring with Black and White and Color
The diffuser supplied with the Comparator should be
placed under the enlarging lens in the light path of the projected negative or slide. The
entry of the exposure value should then be entered into the Comparator as described in 3.1
above.
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Place an unknown negative or slide in the enlarger,
focus, and select the picture details to be printed. The Comparator is placed on the
baseboard or easel so that for selective measuring the lightest part of the negative or
slide, which still shows some details, is projected onto the measuring cell 3. For full
integration measurement, swing in the diffuser disc. Turn the Comparator on with switch 5,
and the exposure value can be determined in two ways:
4.1 Measurement with Constant Exposure Time
For this method the time determined in making your
ideal print is set with the time 3. The aperture of the enlarging lens is now changed
unfit the balancing lights 1 are adjusted to display the green LED only. You may now
expose the paper for the time indicated, set in the procedure above.
4.2 Measurement with Constant Lens Aperture
For this measuring method the enlarging lens is set
to the desired aperture, and the time scale 9 is turned until the balancing lights 1 have
only the green LED burning. The exposure time thus found is transferred to the timer and
the exposure is made. If the unit cannot be adjusted by turning the time scale 3, select a
different lens aperture.
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- TIME SCALE 6 does not light when unit is turned on
Battery
exhausted
- LEFT RED LED lights up, and no adjustment will change it
Too
much light
- RIGHT RED LED lights up
Too little light
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Remove existing red filter from the mounting, place
it on the diffuser, mark and cut out and place diffuser in the mount instead of the red
filter.
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The Comparator 100 does not need any special
maintenance. However, the measuring window should be kept clean, because dust and dirt on
this spot can lead to inconsistent results. The measuring window is easiest cleaned with a
cotton ball or Q-Tip. When not in use, the instrument should be stored in a cool and dry
place. Just like any other precision-measuring instrument, the Comparator, too, must be
protected from excessive heat, humidity as well as from shocks and impacts.
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- Width: 3 inches (76mm)
- Length: 5-1/2 inches(140mm)
- Height: 1-1/8 inches (28mnn)
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If, in spite of sufficient battery power, the
Comparator does not work, or shows troubles, we recommend sending it to our service depart
for a check and possible repair. Contact your dealer from where you purchased your item.
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10. What is Included With the
Comparator 100
- Comparator 100 (#6252)
- Diffuser (#65022)
- Instructions (#66061)
(The battery is not included.)
Balancing lights for time adjustment, proper exposure is
indicated when center (green) LED is lit
Adjustment knob to set paper sensitivity
Measuring cell
White area an aid in finding a suitable measuring spot
ON-OFF switch
Time Scale backlighted adjustable dial with range from 1.5 to
30 seconds
Cover of battery on back of unit