The Enlarger

The Enlarger is that machine in the dark room you must use in order to create test strips, contact sheets and prints. With the knob at back you can raise and lower the enlarger. This allows you to decide the dimensions of the borders of your print. With the knob on the enlarger, you are able to focus the negative projection. You must insert a filter into the top shelf of the enlarger. Use a number 2 filter, as it is flexible for starting you test strips and contact sheets. Insert the negative into the lower shelf, paying attention that the numbers on the negative are not upside down, and especially important, that the negative is not reversed, meaning glossy side needs to be up. Then focus the negative with the enlarger. Once it seems in focus, use the focometer understand the and focus precisely by seeing the grain of the negative. At right on the table you will find the timer. It has a switch with three settings. The top switch provides continuous light, the middle setting is stand by, and switching down is off. When you are ready to set the timer for your test strip, make sure the red filter is screening the enlarger light. This way you can place the photo paper beneath the lens without burning it to focus. Set the timer while the switch is at standby, and remove the red filter to allow light to expose the paper. Make sure all extra photo paper is already put away so as to not expose it to the light. Press the  orange button for the timed light exposure to occur. In order to choose a time setting, guess at first, the more printing you do, the easier it will become to have an idea of exposure length. Once the light switches off, place the paper in the developer for a maximum of 3min. Then in the water for about 30sec. Then in the Fixer for a minute or two. Then move it too the water. Leave it for a few minutes, then press it against the cabinet so it stick, and at an angle so the water runs free of it leaving it dry. GOOD LUCK!