Can’t use Sanders VT2000 16x20 easel with Omega D2VXL.

[sruddy]

I’m haveing trouble setting up my new D2VXL enlarger. My negatives are 2.25” x 2.25”. I’m using an 80mm lens on Omega’s flat mount and flat lens disc. My problem is the edge of my image is too close to the enlarger rails so I can’t get the easel in close enough for any size. I don’t get it as the table is an Omega accessory and is 30” x 40”.

 

[MattKing]

The problem is actually with your easel, or at least with the appropriateness of your easel when using a D2V - some easels require more space around them than others.
Some times you can solve this by rotating the easel 90 degrees or 180 degrees. It may not be as convenient to operate in that orientation, but it also might be quite usable, once you get used to it.
If you are doing smaller than 16"x16" enlargements, consider using a longer lens, like a 90mm or 105mm. The combination of the slanted column and the fact that the longer lens mandates raising the head higher will move the centre of the image farther from the rails.
A change to wall mounting of the support rails can also solve the problem.
If the problem only arises with smaller than 16"x16" enlargements, you could also consider buying a second, smaller easel.
I've gone the other way with my D6. My main easel is a Saunders 11"x14" and for 16"x20" prints I use a much less desirable 2 blade easel.

 

[sruddy]

The problem is actually with your easel, or at least with the appropriateness of your easel when using a D2V - some easels require more space around them than others.
Some times you can solve this by rotating the easel 90 degrees or 180 degrees. It may not be as convenient to operate in that orientation, but it also might be quite usable, once you get used to it.
If you are doing smaller than 16"x16" enlargements, consider using a longer lens, like a 90mm or 105mm. The combination of the slanted column and the fact that the longer lens mandates raising the head higher will move the centre of the image farther from the rails.
A change to wall mounting of the support rails can also solve the problem.
If the problem only arises with smaller than 16"x16" enlargements, you could also consider buying a second, smaller easel.
I've gone the other way with my D6. My main easel is a Saunders 11"x14" and for 16"x20" prints I use a much less desirable 2 blade easel.

I guess it's not possible for easel manufacturers to make thier easels work with all enlargers. I just came up with a solution for 8x10. I'm using the 15" slot and inserting my paper as a portrait. This will result in a landscape aspect when done. This way I don't have to spin my my negs as they would need to be cut. I like to keep them in strips of 3. I'm not sure how other size papers will need to be set up yet but I'm fairly sure none of the slots can be used as designed and the largest I can go will be 16x16 on 20 x 24 paper and I would need to spin the easel if I want it like the 8x10's. I'm thinking a magnetic board magnetic strips maybe easier and big enough to go to 30" right on the top board. I do have a 23CII, all set up, that I can use for smaller stuff if needed.

 

[MattKing]

In my D6, I can spin the negatives at will, so that adds flexibility.
Do you have a 105mm lens? It may very well make the difference for you.

 

[sruddy]

In my D6, I can spin the negatives at will, so that adds flexibility.
Do you have a 105mm lens? It may very well make the difference for you.

I only have a 150mm. It has some issues inside with the paint coming off. I think there is a name for the condition. It's an old Componon. I have my eyes open for some more lenses!

 

[MattKing]

I only have a 150mm. It has some issues inside with the paint coming off. I think there is a name for the condition. It's an old Componon. I have my eyes open for some more lenses!

The paint flaking off is called "Schneideritis", which usually is a merely cosmetic problem.
It probably is an f/5.6 lens, which means the image on the baseboard might be a bit dim for difficult to focus colour negatives, but otherwise should be useful.
Try it!

 

[sruddy]

The paint flaking off is called "Schneideritis", which usually is a merely cosmetic problem.
It probably is an f/5.6 lens, which means the image on the baseboard might be a bit dim for difficult to focus colour negatives, but otherwise should be useful.
Try it!

thx, will do!

 

[ic-racer]

My negatives are 2.25” x 2.25”. I’m using an 80mm lens

consider using a longer lens, like a 90mm or 105mm. The combination of the slanted column

Yes, wrong lens, as pointed out by MattKing.

 

[darkroommike]

I have a smaller 2 bladed Bogen easel I use for smaller prints. And when I need to print smaller I also raise the easel on an old 250 sheet paper box.