I've exhausted my ideas, hoping someone has some more intelligent insights for me.

LPL 4500, VC enlarger.

I have a sharp image 7/8 of the way across the frame (side to side) then a dramatic out of focus end of the image. This happens across lenses.

1) I tweaked the lens alignment with the adjustment screws- it reads level with my laser unit.

2) I've shimmed the easel, doesn't fix it.

3) I've shimmed the negative stage with tape or card, doesn't fix it.

4) Tried using glass and glassless neg carriers- no difference.

I've printed with this machine for five years with zero alignment troubles. It hasn't moved, been dropped, or whacked. I usually spend a few months printing 810 size proofs, then a month or so printing 1114 and 1620 final prints. This started suddenly with one negative about two months ago, after I'd printed about 15 negs to 1620 over a two weeks. I called Omega and KHB, was given the alignment procedures by KHB which fixed it for a few negatives at 1620. Went back to 810's and all seemed ok. Tried to return to 1620's today and cannot get anything sharp all the way across.

Any suggestions??

I guess I'm going out to shoot today instead.