As I am in the market for a good quality easel, I have searched the forum about easels, but it seems the latest discussions are somewhat dated now.
Currently I use a 4-bladed Leitz 10x12 for smaller prints and a 2-bladed LPL 12x16 for bigger prints. I seldom make bigger prints than 12x16 (30x40cm). It's the LPL I want to replace as it prevents me from making prints with large borders, and also, mechanically it isn't the most sophisticated part of my darkroom.
After some internet searching, I narrowed my choice down to a Saunders 12x16 V-track, a Beard or a Dunco 90/4 Pro 30x40. It seems however that from this trio only the Dunco is still in production, the Beard or Saunders I would have to buy used, and from what I have seen they are not readily available and go for salted prices. But still, about half of what you pay for a new Dunco which costs EUR 489,- in Germany (Phototec).
Another point I am not sure of is whether I shoud by a 16x20 instead of a 12x16, as I am a medium format worker on 4.5x6 film. These negatives are projected in portrait format on the ground board and a bigger easel maybe would give greater flexibility in placing the paper. OTOH it might become unwieldy and heavy. More expensive too.
I suppose I would have to limit my choice of used or new easels to the European countries, as the transport from the US to Holland where I am based, would be expensive and risky.
Any thoughts on my dilemmas would be greatly appreciated.
Hans
Currently I use a 4-bladed Leitz 10x12 for smaller prints and a 2-bladed LPL 12x16 for bigger prints. I seldom make bigger prints than 12x16 (30x40cm). It's the LPL I want to replace as it prevents me from making prints with large borders, and also, mechanically it isn't the most sophisticated part of my darkroom.
After some internet searching, I narrowed my choice down to a Saunders 12x16 V-track, a Beard or a Dunco 90/4 Pro 30x40. It seems however that from this trio only the Dunco is still in production, the Beard or Saunders I would have to buy used, and from what I have seen they are not readily available and go for salted prices. But still, about half of what you pay for a new Dunco which costs EUR 489,- in Germany (Phototec).
Another point I am not sure of is whether I shoud by a 16x20 instead of a 12x16, as I am a medium format worker on 4.5x6 film. These negatives are projected in portrait format on the ground board and a bigger easel maybe would give greater flexibility in placing the paper. OTOH it might become unwieldy and heavy. More expensive too.
I suppose I would have to limit my choice of used or new easels to the European countries, as the transport from the US to Holland where I am based, would be expensive and risky.
Any thoughts on my dilemmas would be greatly appreciated.
Hans
). I think I'll stick to 14x17 and improvise for bigger prints. But also see my point about the Versamask system.
