Saunders/LPL 4550XLG Enlarger

[Ron Musick]

I have ordered a new Saunders/LPL 4550XLG enlarger. Unfortunately, I have not received it yet. I was wondering if anyone had a URL where I could download a users manual and study up on it before it arrives. Thanks.

 

[Jeffrey A. Steinberg]

Ron, I have not found a legal donwloadable version of the manual.

I have to say this--there is not much to the manual. There is not all that much to explain. Its a great enlarger. On certain heads there is a light attenuator that if you forget its engaged will cut output by two spot.

Get the focusing attachment--its a flexable want that goes onto the focusing knob for fine focusing control.

You are going to love this enlarger. had my since 1999 and love it.

 

[jp80874]

I bought my 4550XLG on eBay a year ago from someone going the "d" word. It has been wonderful. I'm using it for b&w 6x7cm roll film and 4x5 sheets. I hadn't said anything Ron because I don't know of a download source for documentation. If you need any help when you receive the unit just ask, but set up is quite easy and well described in the manual.

Jeffrey, Thanks. I had not seen a focusing wand in any of the dealer accessory listings. When I am head down on the easel with my eye in the Peak grain focuser the focusing knob can be a long reach.

Having read about such tools on other enlargers I fabricated a substitute out of a length of soft 3/16 clothes line. I ran the head up to the top of the post and simply cut a piece of line long enough to use at the extreme. The focusing knob becomes a pulley with both ends of the line going to my hands. If you keep a little tension on it the line stays on the knob.

Good Luck and ask for help if you need it.

John Powers
Bath, OH

 

[Wally H]

Jeffrey, Thanks. I had not seen a focusing wand in any of the dealer accessory listings. When I am head down on the easel with my eye in the Peak grain focuser the focusing knob can be a long reach.

Having read about such tools on other enlargers I fabricated a substitute out of a length of soft 3/16 clothes line. I ran the head up to the top of the post and simply cut a piece of line long enough to use at the extreme. The focusing knob becomes a pulley with both ends of the line going to my hands. If you keep a little tension on it the line stays on the knob.

Good Luck and ask for help if you need it.

John Powers
Bath, OH

I purchased this accessory also... I believe it was a Saunders accessory.

 

[jovo]

Nothing much to add other than to concur that you'll have a terrific machine in your darkroom! There's so little to absorb in the manual beyond what it offers for set-up, that you've no need to study anything in advance. The wand sounds like a great idea, but isn't really necessary until you enlarge beyond 11x14 or crop significantly. Have fun....you'll really enjoy working with this enlarger!

 

[Donald Miller]

I have ordered a new Saunders/LPL 4550XLG enlarger. Unfortunately, I have not received it yet. I was wondering if anyone had a URL where I could download a users manual and study up on it before it arrives. Thanks.

The manual covers the difference in two settings based upon differing filtrations for two types of paper. It has a setting that bypasses the filtration for focusing. The rest of it is "ho hum".

 

[Ron Musick]

Thank you all for the information and advise.

 

[foraker]

So has anyone seen the focusing extension listed anywhere? I've looked around and the only place I've seen it is on Omega Satter's web site where they want $102 USD for it.

 

[Donald Miller]

So has anyone seen the focusing extension listed anywhere? I've looked around and the only place I've seen it is on Omega Satter's web site where they want $102 USD for it.

I would think that B&H or Calumet would be able to provide it if not in stock. It is vital in my estimation.

 

[foraker]

After a bit more looking, I finally did mange to track down a couple of sources. Both Calumet and Adorama have the focusing extension for sale, however they both list it as an 'extension shaft' rather than as a 'focusing extension'.
Adorma: 79.95
Calumet: 82.99

 

[Aggie]

I got mine through Midwest Photo Exchange. I paid around 20 for it.

 

[jp80874]

Quote: Having read about such tools on other enlargers I fabricated a substitute out of a length of soft 3/16 clothes line. I ran the head up to the top of the post and simply cut a piece of line long enough to use at the extreme. The focusing knob becomes a pulley with both ends of the line going to my hands. If you keep a little tension on it the line stays on the knob. JP

Lets see 50 cents worth of cloths line vs $80.00 part plus shipping. It has worked quite well for a year or so. I would encourage you to try it before you buy it.

John Powers