Questions about platemakers...

Adam F. Kimball (afk@SIRIUS.COM)
Fri, 2 Jun 95 20:01:15 -0700

I've been using an exposure unit built around banks of BL fluroscent tubes
for some time, but I've been considering upgrading to a more powerful
system. I find that the sometimes long exposure times (20-30 minutes)
are the major source of frustration for my darkroom hours. I've heard
that used platemakers can be found rather cheaply, but I don't know where
to begin researching them. My questions are these:

1) How can I get a more powerful light source under $800
2) Will the source be relatively harmless (physically)
3) Could I find a source in this range that automatically compensates for
UV output fluctuations?
4) What types of Platemakers are recommended for non-silver processes?
5) Could I find one in a size 11x14 or smaller?

I would appreciate any advice, but the more specific the better in regards
to platemakers. Any info on suppliers, model-numbers, dates of production,
etc. would be extremely helpful...

Thanks a zillion,
Adam