I looked over a Zone VI 5x7 Type II VC enlarger for the first time at Calumet la st week, and was disturbed by crumbly foam that seals the negative carrier to th e head, as well as apparent reliance on compression springiness of the same type foam used to maintain lensboard alignment.
Would anyone who's owned one for a while please advise us how the foam holds up? I'm really anxious to find out how often you've had to replace it, as well as what environment (temperature, humidity, smog) your enlarger lives in. The pote ntial of this enlarger to provide extremely even 4x5 illumination - - it's got a 5x7 double-diffuser light source - - and, using the out-straight carrier, to ho ld negatives flat without glass, is exciting. However, incorporation of such "c heesy" design elements greatly detracts from the overall impression of quality.
Thanks in advance for any informed responses.
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