..Lets starts with the enlarger and the components of the enlarger. Below is a diagram labelling the basic parts that are important to be familiar with.

..First we have the calibrated height post, which is simply the measured shaft which the enlarger head sits upon and moves up or down to determine the size of the projected light.

..The lamp and condenser lens housing are fastened to the post and these contain the lamp which shines down through the lens housing to shine through the negative and produce the image below. The condenser lens determines the light density to be directed through the negative. This is usually adjusted between 35 mm and 120 mm depending on the type of lens you have.

..Just below the lamp and condensor lens housing is the negative carrier which sits on the negative stage. This carries the negative and allows for a fixed position of the negative which sits on a grooved stage to prevent the carrier from sliding.

..The enlarging lens is specific to the size of your negative. Common lenses are 35 mm and 120 mm. When you change between lenses, you must adjust the lens condenser so that light is distributed properly over the negative.

..If you negative is not perfect, which is commonly the case, you can utilize the contrast filter holder. By placing a colored filter you can dramatically change the contrast of your print.

..Laying on the baseboard is the easel. Used to hold the paper for making prints. Also can be used to crop unwanted light from exposing your paper. .

 

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