Is an easel essential?

[Bone_Idle]

I ahve just been given an old enlarger (an Agfa Varioscope) which seems to work, I've managed to project a pretty sharp negative image onto the enlarger base plate.

However, it doesn't have an easel, I was wondering if this is essential or if there's a work round (bearing in mind I've never touched and enlarger before yesterday or even seen an easel). I assume it's just to hold the paper in place and flat, so would a thin piece of glass, from a photo frame and some tape, work?

[LargeFormat]

I wouldn't use a piece of glass. You are bound to have finger marks/dust etc on it that will spoil the print. So long as the paper is flat, i.e. not rolled or anything, holding down the corner is enough but if you want nice white boarders get an easel.

[Bone_Idle]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. Still need all the other bits and bobs though.

I think a safe light and some trays, measuring vessels next. then I will attempt a print.

[beejaybee]

if you want nice white boarders get an easel.

Or use steel rulers to mask off the margins, and hold the paper flat.

[taxor]

I wouldn't use a piece of glass. You are bound to have finger marks/dust etc on it that will spoil the print.

You'll also stand a good chance creating the dreaded 'Newtons rings'. If it helps, easels are also known as 'masking frames' (should you see one advertised somewhere!)

[John_K]

My easel (masking frame)only goes up to 10x12 and as I only very rarely use anything else apart from RC paper that lays flat, I have a 20x16 piece of white melamine coated plastic (Formica) on which I have drawn lines around pieces of paper 5x7, 10x8, 9.5x12 and 12x16. I used a fine pointed black permanant marker pen.

This has been in use for at least 12 years and cost me virtually nothing. I use it for both RA4 and monochrome.

[Rhys]

I always used and easel for printing, I carried around everywhere I went when at college (probably because the college ones were rubbish if you could find one - and to stop it getting nicked). There are several on fleabay at the mo.

[Bone_Idle]

I've managed to get one, bought a box of bits on ebay which included an Easel, oranger safe light, Ilford Multigradde filter set, developing tank and a few other useful bits and bobs.

Thanks for the advice.