How can I support a large enlarging easel that overhangs the enlarger baseboard?
Asked 3/16/2017
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2 answers
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I’m setting up an Omega D2 darkroom enlarger with an 11x14 easel that occupies about 14x17 inches. When I position the easel for many print sizes, one or more feet extend past the enlarger’s baseboard, so the easel tilts and is no longer level with the focus plane. I’d prefer to keep using this larger easel rather than buy a smaller one. What’s the best way to keep the easel level and properly supported?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
2
I believe the D2 is bolted to its base so you can detach it. Depending on the counter or surface you are using you could bolt it directly to the counter. ( that is what i would do )
You could replace the base with a larger board if you wanted it to be mobile on your counter top. I would use at least 3/4 cabinet grade plywood and sand it smooth round over the edges and put several coats of a protective finish on it.
I seem to remember a wall mount kit available for it as well. Try ebay.
A more minimal approach would be to measure the thickness of its base and just make couple of pieces of wood of the same thickness and put them under the legs that are hanging over.
Originally by user50217. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user50217
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The practical fix is to support the easel so its feet stay in the same plane as the enlarger baseboard. The simplest method is to place shims or wood blocks under the overhanging feet, cut to the same thickness as the baseboard.
A more robust solution is to give the enlarger a larger support surface: either replace the baseboard with a larger board, or remove the enlarger from its original base and bolt it directly to a countertop or other rigid work surface. A larger, flat board such as finished 3/4-inch cabinet-grade plywood can work well if you want the setup to remain movable.
If available for your model, a wall-mount setup is another option, since it can free you from the size limits of the stock baseboard.
Whichever route you choose, the key is rigidity and keeping the easel level with the enlarger’s image plane to maintain even focus across the print.
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