I create handmade black-and-white mural photographs to honor and protect the wild horses of Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
At our darkroom, we use a Beseler 45V-XL enlarger with the 8×10 conversion kit, paired with the Heiland LED Cold Light head system and Splitgrade & Comfort controllers, to create all of our big silver gelatin fine art prints for collectors and fine art photography customers. We produce silver gelatin enlargements up to 40″ x 60″ with stunning consistency and quality.
In 2021, I added a new Heiland LED Cold Light system to work with the same Beseler 45V-XL enlarger for creating smaller prints (20″ x 24″ and below), as well as a variety of large-format contact prints.
Before adopting the Heiland LED system in 2018, I spent over thirty years printing with traditional tube-based cold light heads and variable contrast optical filters. The difference is nothing short of transformative.
Why I Chose the Heiland LED System
The combination of the Beseler 45V-XL and Heiland system has been a genuine game-changer. We love this setup so much that we invested in another Beseler 45V-XL and Heiland system to streamline our workflow for smaller prints.
The Heiland LED Splitgrade system allows us to work with incredible precision, achieving consistent and repeatable results down to 1/10th of an f/stop and paper grade. This level of accuracy ensures our prints maintain exceptional quality, even when reproduced long after the original print was made—something previously unattainable with traditional systems.
The time savings and creative control offered by the Heiland system are phenomenal. What once took hours now takes mere minutes, and the level of fine-tuning we can achieve is beyond anything I experienced in over three decades of darkroom printing.
The ability to control print tonality down to 1/10th of a stop is a significant advantage, especially for creating split-grade silver gelatin prints on both fiber and RC papers.
To be clear, I am not compensated by Heiland. I am simply a passionate customer who genuinely appreciates the quality and craftsmanship of their products.
How the Heiland System Works
The Splitgrade Controller and LED Cold Light source work together seamlessly to deliver outstanding results. With the optional Comfort Controller, making fine adjustments becomes even easier—an essential feature when you print for hours on end.
The Splitgrade controller’s specialized software drives the entire system, delivering perfectly balanced exposures for shadow detail and highlight values in a single exposure. It uses simultaneous yellow and magenta light outputs, calculated down to 1/10th of a f/stop for both contrast and exposure time.
The process is straightforward:
- Negative Setup: Load the negative, dial in the working aperture, compose the image, and focus using the powerful white LED focusing light.
- Paper Selection: Select your paper using the Splitgrade Controller interface. I often use Ilford MGIV Fiber-Classic, but many others are pre-programmed into the controller, and you can add your own.
- Test Prints Made Easy: I can create test prints on RC paper and seamlessly switch to fiber paper using the controller’s automatic exposure and contrast adjustments.
- Precision Exposure Measurement: I measure the darkest and lightest tones within the projected image using the light-sensing probe. The controller calculates a suggested contrast grade and exposure time within seconds—no more tedious test strips or wasted materials.
- Exposure & Development: The controller sequences the appropriate exposures for each grade. I then develop and evaluate the print, making fine adjustments in 1/10th of a stop or grade for exceptional precision.
Enhanced Creative Control & Workflow Efficiency
The ability to burn in specific areas at any grade down to 1/10th of a grade provides unprecedented creative control. In the past, I was limited to adjusting in much larger increments.
Additionally, the Heiland system’s consistency and accuracy are essential for my fine art workflow. Whether I’m creating exhibition-quality prints or fulfilling customer orders, the ability to replicate results with precision is a game-changer.
Even more impressive, the first print is often perfect, requiring no manual adjustments. When adjustments are necessary, they are fast and simple, allowing me to achieve my creative vision effortlessly.
The wider range of contrast I can achieve with the Heiland system allows me to focus my time where it truly matters: crafting compelling, emotional subjects and creating high-quality, beautifully printable negatives.
The Future of Darkroom Printing
As a large-format analog fine art printmaker, I am incredibly grateful that companies like Heiland continue to innovate and create tools that enhance the darkroom process.
I can only imagine what legends like Ansel Adams would have said about having access to such technology. The system arrives ready to use, with no calibration or adjustments required. It is a truly plug-and-play experience that unlocks endless creative possibilities.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever considered investing in a Heiland LED Cold Light and Splitgrade system, I can confidently say it is worth every penny. As someone who has printed manually for decades, I find this system’s time savings, precision, and creative flexibility invaluable.
We produce split-grade silver gelatin prints on fiber and RC papers, all of which are selenium-toned for enhanced richness and archival permanence. From 35mm film to 8×10 negatives, we create prints ranging in size from 8″x 10″ to 40″x 60″. While we could go larger, 40″x 60″ is the practical limit for our process.
The Heiland LED Cold Light & Splitgrade system has redefined what is possible in the darkroom, allowing me to produce museum-quality prints with an efficiency and precision that was previously unimaginable.
Recommended Resources on Fine Art Photography Investment
To further explore the value of analog fine art photography in today’s market, here are several trusted sources offering deeper insight:
The Art Newspaper – Trends in Fine Art Collecting
Collectors are increasingly seeking physical, process-driven works of art over mass-produced digital images. The Art Newspaper frequently reports on these shifting trends and provides insight into what serious collectors are looking for in 2025.
George Eastman Museum – Historic Photographic Processes
As one of the most respected institutions in the world of photography, the George Eastman Museum offers valuable information on historic photographic processes like calotypes, salt prints, and other analog methods. These resources underscore the cultural and historical value of handmade photographic art.
Christie’s – Fine Art Photography Auction Results
Christie’s is a leading authority in the global art market. Their auction results highlight the growing financial value of analog fine art photography and show how handmade works are gaining traction among high-end collectors.
