Heiland TRD-2 Black and White Densitometer (inc USB port)

Densitometers are used in film photography to measure densities of negatives and the saturation of prints. Such measurements enable the photographer to choose the right photo paper and the correct exposure instantly, thereby eliminating the need for test strips.

Heiland densitometers are designed and produced by Heiland Electronic GmbH in Wetzlar, Germany, to laboratory standards and are rugged and reliable for all black and white darkroom work.

The design of the TRD-2 densitometer makes it suitable for use in general photographic applications such as the calibration of b&w films and variable contrast papers. You can also use it for the process control of X-ray films. It comes with a fixed 3mm aperture, or interchangeable apertures can be an optional extra. The TRD-2's display shows density in log.D units.

The quality of your negatives will be greatly improved by targeted corrections of exposure and development when using the TRD-2. You can optimise any film-developer combination quickly and safely by using it.

Features:
Optional device configuration allows a basic transmission and reflection instrument for everyday photographic applications,
Compact, metal construction design, is also ideal for portable use.
Quick process control for the development of X-ray film and microfilm.
Monochromatic inkjet prints and Fine Art Prints can be calibrated.
You can reliably determine measurements up to 6 logD (<1/1000000 transmittance)

Using the TRD-2:
A small slide switch on the right side of the base is used to select the operating modes - 'R' for reflection and 'T' for transmission. The 'O' (the centre position) is the standby setting that maintains power to keep the unit warmed up and the lamps disabled.

Pressing the arm down on the film turns on the reading light in the base. The density value is displayed in bright red numerals, to 2-decimal precision, in a prominent panel on the front of the arm. A reading accuracy of +/- (1% + 0.02logD), and repeat accuracy is +/-0.01 is guaranteed. The maximum rated transmission density is 3.5, but the instrument will read to 4.0 at 2% accuracy.

Converting the instruments to take reflection readings is just a matter of flipping the selector switch to 'R'. In that mode, lowering the arm turns on a lamp in the arm itself, and the light is beamed down onto the reading area at a 45-degree angle, a standard arrangement for reflection density readings. The maximum reflection density limit is said to be 2.5, which would be more than sufficient for reading any silver print density. As is the case with transmission readings, the readout is virtually instantaneous. In both operating modes, pressing a red button on the top surface of the arm will zero the instrument; the display flashes '888' when you exceed the measurable reading limit, which is a useful alert that's considerably better than simply providing a false value.

You switch the lamp on when the arm is depressed halfway making it easy to identify the reading area visually, at least for reflection and medium density transmission samples, but positioning heavily dense transmission samples properly over the aperture is still a guessing game.

Measurements are done about three times in one second, ensuring a continuous reading of even high densities.

There is a lifetime warranty of the lamp and reproducible measurement, and the main body of the units are of solid metal construction.

Additional options for TRD-2:
- Exchangeable apertures
- USB port
- Measurement range extended to 5.5 logD
- Extended display resolution (0.001 logD)
- Measurement range to extend up to 6.5 logD
- Four colour LED (creates red, blue, green or white transmission light) replaces original white light