LPL 4x5 and Leica Focomat V35 alignment

[CCLA]

Hello,

I was trying to figure out if it is possible to align the lens and the negative stage in these two enlargers but I cannot figure it out. Is it possible, and if so how?

claudio

 

[tedr1]

The LPL probably has a fine adjustment for the lens, I seem to recall 2 or 3 small screws located where the lens panels go, they are black so use a flashlight.

 

[Jon Shiu]

You can use tape to shim.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

My Saunders/LPL 4550XLwas slightly off when I got it used. I shimmed the column at the base until the negative stage was parallel to the baseboard, then shimmed the lens mount to get that to parallel. You may have adjustments for the lens board if you have a later one. I used paper for the column and tape for the lensboard. Pretty easy to do, but I have a Versalign laser. Only had to do it once six years ago. It is still right on the money.

A lot of enlargers "sink" into their baseboards over time due to the weight of the head. It is pretty common to have to shim them. I have a Focomat 1a that needed shimming because of it, but as soon as the column was good, everything else fell right into place. I suspect your V35 would be the same if it is off right now. Since the baseboard I have for the Focomat is wood, I shimmed it with aluminum stock which I figured would be better long term.

Hope that helps.

 

[Elias]

Hi, I am a bit late on this post but...
as said before, yes the V35 column has a tendency to sink inside the board. Once sinking addressed and column vertical, you can adjust the negative stage by removing the arm cover (outer side) and loosening the three screws of the head brass hub to allow some movement and rotate the head until parallel to the board. Tighten the three screws, refit the cover, you are done.

Be very carefull to keep everything else in place and beware of the springs and steel leafs joining the upper and lower wheels, they are mad to cut your fingers off and draw tribal scars on your face !
Hope that helps if not too late...