LPL 7700 Pro Alignment Issues?

[StephanJ]

Hi folks,

I picked up an LPL 7700 Pro a while ago in anticipation of building a darkroom. Since the latter has yet to happen I've not had a chance to try it out. However, I've had a tinker....

It has a knob that you twist to lock the head at a particular height and I've noticed that doing this actually causes the head to tilt back a little - possibly a few degrees. This suggests that I will have to be wary of alignment issues and that a bit of stopping down is in order.

I'm a relatively novice darkroom user so any advice or opinions either specific or general would be welcome.

 

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, the head is not supposed to move when you lock down the height. If yours is moving several degrees, I think that there is possibly something that needs to be tightened up or is damaged. (I have 2 LPL670VCCE enlargers and neither of them do that.)

Jon

 

[firecracker]

Check to column and see if it's bent, curved, twisted, etc. If the head is okay, keep it and perhaps look for a replacement for the column.

I'm not sure if this particular model has anyway to adjust and/or align once it goes out. I think it's a factory-aligned type. I have a similar model.

 

[StephanJ]

Thanks for the replies. Overall it's in excellent condition. I've had a look at the assembly. The column appear fine, and unfortunately I can't see anything that's adjustable.

If I have to write it off it's no real loss as I bought it as part of a bundle with a CPE2, trays, graduates, tanks and so on.

Stephan

 

[Dave Miller]

Check the alignment with the head locked since this is the only way that you are going to use it.

 

[Sean]

I had bad luck with mine as well. I could align it with a laser alignment tool, lower the head 1ft, raise the head 1ft, test the alignment again and it would be off. I wrestled with it for a while and couldn't get anywhere. While I was deciding what to do next I came across a used Durst Pictocrom which I believe uses the durst 1200 chassy? Anyway the Durst is a rock, I aligned it 6 months ago and it's still spot on. Since then I've decided to use the lpl for paper flashing and other jobs.

 

[StephanJ]

Check the alignment with the head locked since this is the only way that you are going to use it.

Of course Dave, thanks. That's a good observation that I feel a little daft for not having made.

 

[Jon Shiu]

tighten and then

Yes, and then you could shim the easel, if necessary.

Jon

 

[Ronald Moravec]

Never buy an enlarger that can not be adjusted is the lesson.