I have a few enlargers. A while back I bought a Laser Alignment Tool made by Versalab. Got it here on the forum.
I only used this weekend as I was scared of what I may find. Like I might find a lot of work to be done.
I did quick checks on baseboard to lens alignments following the instructions.
As I expected nothing was perfect, meaning the laser beam disappears back directly onto itself.
The included directions gave a brief sample calculation of misalignment that made some sense. Not a perfect technical explanation by any means.
I discovered, all my 4 tested enlargers at least hit the circle target. Good start.
All were measured at my typical user heights. The instruction say to halve the off center measurement as the laser goes up, hits reflector and then back to target.
None had been aligned by me ever and suffered many indignities before I rescued them.
8x10 Calumet off center 3/4" so 3/8".
4x5 Beseler MX off same as above.
2X3 Beseler 23cIII about same.
But my Fotar was on 1/16" off center which is very close to perfect.
The 2 Beseler have adjustments and I will get to them.
The Calumet will need to have lens board shimming. PITA
I will not touch the Fotar, but it is adjustable by baseboard.
Anybody done this and got it straight back into the center?
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