Neeew guy setting up 1st darkroom - Omega enlarger calibration question(s)

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Tim Breen - 09 Jul 2004 20:07 GMT

HI folks,

Omega D2V (sngl lens mount) and D5XL (turret), both wall mounted with
enlarger(s) base plate now 6 3/8" above bench surface.

It didn't occur to me during design of the darkroom but this (now,
obviously) affects focal plane (right term?) as the original distance
from neg stage to easel stage has increased by aformentioned amount.

Additionally the minimum size of the enlargement is impacted (become
larger) because I can't lower the head as close to the easel as I
could before, due to the head hitting the lower "stops" on the rails,
they're now being 6+ inches off the bench surface.

In order to print smaller images should I

a: I shim the lens, using longer throw lens mounts
or
b: use a longer focal length lens,
or
c: either because it doesn't it matter as long as I can registe and
focus the full-frame or cropped image size I'm after?
or
d: neither because of something else I need to do 1st, and hadn't
thought of.

Also, isnt corner-to-corner light-loss a potential issue here too?)

Lastly, is there anybody out there - close to Bend, Oregon - who I
can schedual an appointmet with for you to come to my lab and help
me/show me how to calibrate these enlargers. Paid help, of course.

Thank you!

Tim

Reply to this Message

Francis A. Miniter - 09 Jul 2004 20:24 GMT

Hi Tim,

How about putting together a "bench" top that is capable of being raised
or lowered by rack and pinion movement, so that you can close the
distance or open it as required? When I was considering wall mounting
my Omega that is what I planned to do. (Never did wall mount it.)

Francis A. Miniter

>HI folks,
>
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>
>Tim

Reply to this Message

Craig Schroeder - 09 Jul 2004 22:12 GMT

You didn't mention what optics you own but the turret makes me assume
you have multiple lenses to choose from. I would simply use a longer
focal length. This should cover most situations and you could always
contact print your 4X5's. I always appreciate the added working space
that this allows anyway. A plumb and square riser will work for those
oddball combinations, too.

There are many good ways to equip yourself for enlarger alignment. In
the absence of engineered equipment, you can get a good start on
alignment by use of a level and see that your easel surface is in
registration to your enlarging lens and film stage. For a quick
check, you can etch some fine lines with a razor blade onto a dark
negative (film end, etc) and do some test enlargements. Simply check
to see that they are in sharp focus and the same in appearance at the
four corners. I can't recall the alignment adjustment points on the
Omegas but they are usually quite obvious with a bit of inspection.
If you're way off, it might be easier to shim your wall bracket but my
guess is that you'll be able to use the enlarger adjustments.

>HI folks,
>
>Omega D2V (sngl lens mount) and D5XL (turret), both wall mounted with
>enlarger(s) base plate now 6 3/8" above bench surface.

Craig Schroeder
craig nospam craigschroeder com

-Eschew Obfuscation-

Reply to this Message

Mike King - 10 Jul 2004 06:57 GMT

Those times I needed to make smaller prints and couldn't get the head any
lower I raised the easel. I just stacked paper boxes until I got the easel
where I wanted it. With enough bellows extension or shorter f.l. lenses you
can make reductions this way. You can also switch (within limits) to a
longer f.l. lens and make smaller prints at the minimum elevation of your
rig.

Signature

darkroommike

----------

> HI folks,
>
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
>
> Tim

Reply to this Message

RWatson767 - 11 Jul 2004 06:28 GMT

Tim

>Neeew guy setting up 1st darkroom - Omega enlarger calibration question(s)

Be sure to install a wall brace with your wall mount.
Use a box or something to raise the easel for small prints. Or a longer lens.

Bob AZ

Reply to this Message