Here's a little something I've been wanting to get to for a while now. My Omega D2 and Durst 601 under lens filter tray systems have been rather popular and I've been wanting to see about making versions of them for other enlargers. The systems use the small Ilford under lens filters but provide a much easier to use filter tray (and one that doesn't have to bolt onto the lens itself which can be very troublesome for larger lenses).

This is a concept for a Beseler 23C. It replaces the original lens board which allows for accommodating different diameter lenses as well as an optional tray mount. Just like with my D2 system, all thread is used and held in place with nylon screws to allow for being able to easily rotate the tray out of the way (or remove it entirely).

I was wanting to use the original location of the red filter rod, but it's too close to the lens to use with the Ilford filters. Moving the rod to the corner means it's more out of the way as well.

Would love to know if any Beseler 23C users have thoughts on this and would like to see it as an actual product!

#Beseler23C #UnderLensFilterTray #3DPrinting #FilmPhotography #DarkroomAccessories

Trying out a new easel design prototype. Now that I have 8x10 easels available, naturally folks have been wondering if I might be able to do 11x14 and larger. Those are larger than my largest 3D printer and so I had to come up with some new ideas.

Introducing the Woodeasel, Woodensel? Woodsel? I dunno. It's really just 2 flat sheets of MDF with some markings, magnets, and rubber feet. The magnets are oversized and, sure enough, they are so strong they can easily lift up the base. I did this on purpose in hopes they would be strong enough to hold down fiber paper. I think I can combat this by adding some tabs on the base to hold the easel down whilst placing the top on or off. One needs to place the top at an angle but otherwise I think this would work.

This is the "Basic" version. I'm thinking of a "Pro" version which will be similar to my Simpleasels and will have an inlay for the paper as well as a top which presses down into the inlay. That will require more work to assemble (hence the Pro part).

Being that this is MDF and darkrooms tend to be wet, I'll need to seal or paint these as well.

No promises that this will become a real product (and if so, what sizes I might offer). I haven't even tested this yet in my own darkroom :P But if folks are interested, do let me know!

#Darkroom #DarkroomEasel #Simpleasel #Woodeneasel #LaserCut #FilmPhotography #DarkroomAccessories