Examples of using zig-align systems

All zig-align systems contain a module (with its mirror), a second mirror, and other items. Everything you need is included.

There are as many ways to use zig-align systems as there are different configurations of equipment. The example below narrates the installation and use of zig-align systems in one of two common applications.

Example 1: LED module, vertical enlarger

Introduction:
Terry wants to check alignment of a D5 (4x5) enlarger before a printing session. Checking can be done frequently, since it takes just a few minutes...before every new session, for every print, every time the enlargement ratio changes, when switching between horizontal and vertical setups. Tthe frequency depends on your standards.

zig-align systems and products needed for the task:

  • ZD3 LED Alignment System
  • adapter ring to fit your lens (An adapter ring is needed in order to use zig-align at the lens stage. Zig-align makes exceptionally accurate rings in most of the common sizes.)
  • neg-align
  • ease-align

    Process overview:

    Summary
    Terry will install the ZD3 LED system (module, mirrors, and glass), view the alignment pattern, and make all adjustments using ease-align and neg-align, never touching the enlarger's settings. When the alignment pattern is zig-aligned, Terry will remove the ZD3 system, and make the enlargement.

    Elapsed Time
    Approximately 2 to 3 minutes for the three steps defined below.

    Comments
    • Depending on your enlarger's design, you will start alignment at either the lens or negative stage. The following example and its sequence are for the equipment on which it is fastest to use zig-align.
    • There are often several possibilities for any alignment procedure. These Examples are just that, examples!
    • A wall brace is good insurance for your enlarger's parallelism, whether or not the column leans forward. A wall brace prevents variations in the column's movement due to raising or lowering the enlarger head.
    • For achieving alignment, using ease-align with vertical enlargers, and neg-align when appropriate, make the process easier and faster.

    Step 1
    Terry places the easel on ease-align, sets the cropping and focus of the negative, and places the system's large mirror on the easel itself. Next, Terry screws the adapter ring into the lens, then the LED module into the adapter ring. Neg-align is already in place on the negative bridge, where it resides permanently.

    Step 2
    The alignment pattern for the lens stage is close to symmetrical, so Terry will adjust ease-align until the alignment pattern is a perfect "X".
    (If the pattern for the lens stage is way off, Terry will use enlarger adjustments to adjust the lens stage approximately, then use ease-align to make a perfect "X".)

  • Step 3
    Now Terry places the 1/4" negative stage glass on neg-align, removes the LED module from the lens, and screws the module into the universal ring (UR1) that is attached to the glass. Terry adjusts neg-align until the alignment pattern is a perfect "X". The lens, negative, and paper planes are now parallel.

     

    See details in D5 Alignment Information Brief
    This information brief requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here if you are not familiar with this program.

     

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