Printalyzer UV/VIS Densitometer

Densitometers are invaluable tools for anyone taking an analytical approach to film processing and darkroom printing. By being compact and budget-friendly, the Printalyzer UV/VIS Densitometer aims to make these capabilities accessible and affordable for everyone.

While most photographers only need to measure density within the visual spectrum, those who work with alternative printing processes often want to measure in the UV spectrum as well.

Historically, UV-capable densitometers have been uncommon and difficult to acquire. By leveraging modern light sensor technologies, the Printalyzer UV/VIS Densitometer aims to make both UV and Visual capabilities available to everyone.

 

Note: This page discusses a future product that is currently in development. Everything about it is subject to change prior to market release.

If you are looking for a visual-spectrum densitometer right now, the original Printalyzer Densitometer is still a great choice.

 

Product Features

  • Reflection and Transmission Density Measurement for B&W film and paper

    • Visual Reflection range: 0 - 2.5D

    • Visual Transmission range: 0 - 4.0D

    • UV Transmission range: TBD

  • Visual measurement spectrum in the Photopic range using a 3000K light source

  • UV measurement spectrum centered around 385nm

  • Transmission light diffused through flashed opal glass, for improved measurement accuracy across a range of materials

  • Measuring area of approximately 3mm with a focusing lens, for a more precise measurement spot

  • Temperature compensation for more accurate UV measurements across a range of environmental conditions.

  • Measurement reach of approximately 7cm, sufficient to cover a variety of film/paper sizes up to 5x7” and most test strips

  • Includes calibration reference materials for both reflection and transmission

  • USB interface for power, measurement logging, and desktop control

  • Compact device with dimensions of 11cm L x 4.5cm W x 3.5cm H, weighing only 162g

  • Upgradable firmware

  • Open source hardware and software

The goal for measurement accuracy is ±0.02D under most circumstances, and ±0.01D under freshly calibrated lab conditions. However, it is difficult to adequately test visual reflection density beyond 2.00D, visual transmission density beyond 4.00D, and UV transmission density beyond 3.00D due to availability of reference materials.

Product Videos

TBD

Resources

User Manual - The complete user manual for the device, which will be regularly updated as necessary