Enlarger easel for V35

[harro_de_wilde1]

I would like to hear from V35 users what easel works best with

this enlarger. I'm planning on buying the V35 and will make

enlargements up to 12x16. My experience with easels sofar is

limited anyway. Any good suggestions are welcome. Thanks,

 

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Harro de Wilde

[sam_smith3]

Personaly I have found that a four blade easel works best with the

V35. This is because the enlarging head moves forward and backwards

as it is raised up and down and the 4 blade easel gives you a lot

more versatility. A 16 x 20 2 blade I had did not work well with this

enlarger. A Saunders 4 blade would be great, particularly the 'V

Track' model. I use a Photon Beard 4 blade easel but the height of

this easel, being so high (65 mm), has upset my autofocus function

because my column is right on the upper limit of adjustment.

[bobtodrick]

I too recommend the Saunders 4 blade easels. They are probably in

more pro darkrooms than all others combined..............

[richard palmer]

I use a beard 2 blade cos it is what came with the enlarger when I

bought it second hand. It is fine, I tend to print 8x12 these days on

9.5x12 paper which mean I miss the left hand border and right hand

border and then trim top and bottom. Why paper is not avaliable with

the 24x36 aspect ratio I do not know. Who the ......uses 8x10 without

trimming, I will not buy this size as I feel like I am supporting

some sort of conspiracy.....

[tony_brookes4]

I don't use an easel at all.

 

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I obtained a piece of plain white kitchen worktop about 3/4 cm thick

and glued to the underside a thin piece of aerated plastic - the

stuff that delicate computer bits are wrapped in. I then carefully

marked the white surface with the sizes I use, 5x7, 10x8, 12x16,

16x20 using a permanent black marker pen. Approximately twice a year

I spray the surface with 3M spraymount - very lightly. I have used

this system for 15 years and it has never failed. Before re-coating I

wipe the surface with white spirit to remove the old adhesive. the

result is that I can always see the whole of the paper and can print

right up to the edge.

[russell_brooks]

I use the Dunco 90/4 Profi easel. It's perfect for 12x16. Only

problem is that it is made for European paper sizes. It costs a bomb

but it is worth it. Only thing I've found better are these speed

easels from Ganz. I would love to have a speed easel that prints 8x12

on 12x16 paper, but they dont make this....