Zone V1 5x7 Enlarger

[loismclewis]

Hello All,
I was recently given a Zone V1 5x7 Enlarger with a Cold Light Head, Compensating Enlarging Timer, and Variable Contrast Enlarging Timer.
My question is: will this enlarger only print with variable contrast papers?
Thanks for any advice!

[Jim Noel]

It will print any silver gelatin paper. If the head is variable contrast, not just the timer, it will have two tubes, blue and green. To print graded papers set it to full blue.

[Ron McElroy]

Be sure to warm the enlarger before using to help with bulb life.

[loismclewis]

Thank you so much for your replies. Also, the enlarger is leaking light very badly: the head and the negative carrier do not quite connect. I made sure everything is in alignment and was wondering if there are any other steps I can/should take?

[Howard Barron]

I have a Zone VI 5x7 enlarger. I found that the foam stripping around the head and bellows mount have rotted away after a few years. Remove the head and replace with rubber stripping that can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowe's, or most any good hardware store. There are 3 allen screws in the bellows mount where the negative carrier goes that are accessible only from the bottom to align it. That should stop most of your light leaks. The lens mount also has plastic foam in it that probably needs replacing and realigned with allen screws. Mine works perfectly and I think yours should also.