The utility of a drop-table

Pieter12 · Apr 20, 2019

I was just looking at a recent post showing a drop table that was being made for an Omega enlarger. It made me wonder how useful it would be--should I consider making something like that? I assume the utility comes into play for large format negatives needing a greater distance between the head and easel, or for enlarging small portions of a negative. Otherwise, the table doesn't look like it would accommodate a print larger than 20x24 and could introduce alignment errors between the enlarger and base quite easily. And dodging and burning small areas could be a challenge when the table is at a low setting. Maybe I am missing the point here? I haven't printed anything bigger than 16x20, I'm not set up for that.

MattKing · Apr 20, 2019

Most of the drop tables I have seen are designed to permit larger enlargements - 20x30 being fairly normal.
Their biggest advantage comes from the fact that they permit having the enlarger head at a near ideal height above the floor for almost all prints. They also provide for having the easel at a comfortable working height when printing the most common sizes printed. Finally, they usually are used either with a wall mounted enlarger or an extremely robust and stable column that is wall braced - think Durst floor mount enlargers.
Essentially, they permit the enlarger to be and remain stable and aligned at an optimum position, while the easel is adjusted as necessary.
I would love to be able to incorporate one into my workspace.

ic-racer · Apr 20, 2019

If you mount the enlarger on the wall, you need some type of table. Making it adjustable might save your back when not making the maximum size prints. At least that is how I use my adjustable table. Because no matter how low I put it, it does not get any wider, so the maximum print size is always the same.

jamesaz · Apr 21, 2019

Yes, they can be useful. The angle of the mast will move the projected image further away from the wall so if you build you will want to take that into account. Omega D enlargers can also be rotated 180 degrees on the base, clamped or weighted or both to project on the floor for extreme enlargements, if a better way isn't available.

Jim Blodgett · Apr 21, 2019

One big advantage to a drop table is you can keep the enlarger head lower, keeping color filter adjustments and scales at eye level.

I have two Omega 4x5 enlargers set up but only one over a drop table. If I'm not careful I find myself raising the height of the head so high on the second enlarger that I need a small step ladder to change my color pack, then there it is in the dark with me. Not necessarily a hazard, but I find myself kicking it as I move about in the dark between exposing and feeding prints into the processor - not good.

If I had one thing to change about my dark room It would be both printing stations had drop tables.

Nokton48 · Apr 21, 2019

Omega DII Drop Table no 2 nearly completed by Nokton48, on

Today I put this second Omega DII Drop Table together. I think it came out rather well, I used the plans right out of an old Peterson's Photographic book about making photo equipment. I used an expensive sheet of oak plywood wood (might as well!), and some oak strips, from the local pro woodworking store, and they even cut the pieces for me in the store. All I had to do was put it together.

A few more embellishments and it's ready to use. And some good quality heavy locking casters as well.

Thomas Safelight Restored by Nokton48, on Flickr

Phase I nearing completion 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

My late Brother in Law built me this drop table, thirty years ago. He was a contractor building expensive custom homes. I gave him the Peterson's plans (same ones I just used) and he surprised me with this table at Christmas. Basically this machine is scaled to make 16x20s max, with cropping. It is sturdy 'cause the enlarging head stays low, where you can see and handle the controls.

In my new darkroom, the plan is for two Omega DIIs, side by side. Today I will finish the drop table.
Jim B, what do you think??
-Dan U

Nokton48 · Apr 21, 2019

Drop Table 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Drop Table 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

These are the plans I followed.

Ian Grant · Apr 21, 2019

I had a drop table in my previous two darkrooms, similar to what's shown above but much wider as I had two enlargers side by side. I had tight head room in a cellar this allowed me to make large prints up to 30"x20".

These days I use a floor standing De Vere 5108 with built in drop baseboard. If I didn't I'd definitely go back to a drop table, my one enlarger mounted on wall brackets the other to the rear of the table with a strap to the wall for rigidity. So easy to work with and the same benefits as my floor standing enlarger. Personally I'd want more width, I guess I had about 50% more than those examples.

Ian

Nokton48 · Apr 21, 2019

16x20 is as large as I go without getting very complicated. That will do for me right now. In the next thirty years I figure I will expand.

Jim Jones · Apr 21, 2019

A sturdy wall-mounted enlarger permits a lighter drop table. Rather than fit an existing drop table into your darkroom, design your own table to best fit the darkroom.

Jim Blodgett · Apr 21, 2019

"Jim B, what do you think??"

I like it, Dan. That's similar to the design I have but mine is built in, not mobile. I'd have to go out and measure but I think the surface that I move is 30x42" (+/-). I have three sets of cleats I can lower it onto plus the floor.

Like others have mentioned, I anchored the top of my masts to eye bolts in the wall with threaded rod and turn buckles. Simple, solid design I copied from the dark rooms I learned in at our local college.

I'd post a photo but I lost my digital camera recently and I don't think I have any on my hard drive. Might have to borrow my wife's camera.

The fact that you intend yours to be mobile is interesting. I see advantages, for sure, but I think I would want some way to secure that mast when printing - maybe some unistrut or t-trac along the wall you intend to print in front of. Those heads are heavy and it seems like if you have your head way up and your mast unsupported you could get some vibration. Maybe not. It's probably just me obsessing over stuff that doesn't matter.

Really enjoying following the progress as you get your dark room together. Looking good.

jim10219 · Apr 21, 2019

I have a Beseler Adjustable for my 45MX. What I like about it is it's rock solid. Though I've never printed from the drop table position, it does provide a nice working height and it allows for storage down below the enlarger, which is where I keep my easels and trays.

If I already had a table for my enlarger, I don't think I'd buy one. But the Adjustable came with my enlarger so I didn't have to pay any extra for it. I think most people could get by with the standard height and then wall projecting should they need to go larger. It's hard to find an easel that supports more than 16x20 anyway.

I have a Beseler 23XL III that I installed locking casters onto the baseboard. That's a lot more convenient for me, as I can easily roll it around anywhere. The only real downside is it doesn't do 4x5 film, and you have to work from the floor, or lift it up to a table. But it makes wall projecting easy.

Nokton48 · Apr 23, 2019

Second Drop Table Installed 1 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Second Drop Table Installed 2 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Second Drop Table Installed. Whew! All I need now is another Omega DII 4x5 Enlarger. Actually I just need the column and base.

Jim Blodgett · Apr 23, 2019

"All I need now is another Omega DII 4x5 Enlarger. Actually I just need the column and base."

I have an Omega D2 I don't need, Dan. It's missing one of the return springs and the plate you slide the negative carrier onto (at the top of the bellows). I need all my lense boards. Other than that it's in great shape, all the knobs, gears and levers are there and work nicely. I could offer the Omega Univesrsal 4x5 condenser head, too, but I don't think I have a condenser for it.

I could bring it with me. I'm sure we could agree on a fair trade.

Pieter12 · Apr 23, 2019

Just wrapped up a short darkroom session and I realize using a grain focuser could take some contortion with a drop table. I'll gladly get up on a step-stool to change filters rather than stoop over uncomfortable to focus.

Nokton48 · Jun 10, 2019

Second DII finally initial install by Nokton48, on Flickr

Side by side Omega DIIs is real luxury. Finally DII #2 is initially installed on the second drop table. Needs more cleaning and boku adjustments, but the images on the easel look sharp and all good. I can print on it starting right now.

Patrick Robert James · Jun 10, 2019

The only reason for a drop table is if you want to make really big enlargements, usually more than 24" but that depends on your enlarger. You can accomplish nearly the same thing by simply mounting the enlarger to the wall at it's maximum height. For huge enlargements you are going to have to turn the head sideways anyway, but that is a whole other can of worms.

Jim Blodgett · Jun 11, 2019

"I can print on it starting right now."

That's the main thing. Once I get to that point, the lawn might not get mowed, the gutters might not get cleaned. Looking good, Dan.

The utility of a drop-table

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