Use red filter under enlarger lens to get best picture area.

MartinP said:

??? I think I'm missing something - why reposition the easel after setting it up, and why focus with red light?

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Actually,focusing with red light can cause a focus shift.white and red light do not focus at the same point.I always focus and enlarge with the same light spectra to avoid focus shift.

Best reason for the advanced darkroom worker to have a red under lens filter: to spot burn highlights with a penlight.

ic-racer said:

Best reason for the advanced darkroom worker to have a red under lens filter: to spot burn highlights with a penlight.

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And edge flashing 'a la Lootens - of course! You have to see where the subject is, so you know where the corners can be flashed black.

ic-racer said:

Best reason for the advanced darkroom worker to have a red under lens filter: to spot burn highlights with a penlight.

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Well THAT is very interesting!
I might have to try this.

A related tip for burning small, specific areas - use a standard burn card that's white on top and black on the bottom. Slide a sheet of red lighting gel or rubylith over the hole.

Hit the timer and use the white surface to get the card positioned - then slide the gel out of the way with your thumb, watching the image on the card to determine your motions. When you reach the proper number of seconds for your burn, slide the gel back over the hole.

I've found this to be really accurate and saves me from burning a circle around the print as I try to get the hole aligned.

For Lith printing, I often need a flashing mask, a card raised over the print with cutouts. I use the red filter to get this positioned, pull the neg, and flash through diffusion. Works REALLY well to control highlight exposure.

Another reason to use the red filter...

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

For what it is worth I have found that the rubber feet on the Paterson equivalent of the Speed EZ-El can go shiny and allow the easel to move when inserting the paper as the easel itself is very light in weight but if you give the feet a quick rub with sandpaper or even the striking surface of a matchbox then this work very well and lasts quite a long time.

pentaxuser