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 2: Ring module, vertical copy setup with a 4x5 view camera
Introduction:Terry plans to use a 4x5 camera in a vertical setup to copy artwork and wants to check the setup for parallelism before exposing film.
zig-align systems and products needed for the task:
Process overview:
Summary
In order to avoid the possibility of re-cropping and therefore the possibility
of cycling through the alignment procedure more than once, Terry will
first align standard to standard with ZV1. Then Terry will make the
entire view camera (both of its standards) and copy parallel by adjusting
the copy plane with ease-align, in the same way as ease-align
is used in vertical copy setups with small and medium formats.
(If the possibility of re-cropping is acceptable, Terry could first
use ease-align to make the copy parallel to the rear standard,
then make the lens standard parallel to the rear standard.)
Elapsed Time
Approximately 5 minutes or less for the six steps defined below.
Comments
Copying with a view camera is more complex than copying with a small
or medium format camera, because the standards of a view camera are
not as parallel as the front and back of a fixed-body camera.
Zig-align recommends using the procedure specified below if shooting
transparency film (for which the original image needs to be well cropped).
But since a minor amount of re-cropping is perfectly acceptable when
shooting negative film, you probably will find the alternate procedure
(mentioned above in Summary) more convenient.
Although ring module systems for view cameras are the simplest systems
that zig-align makes, several factors determine the way they
should be used. For help in determining the most efficient method for
your needs, please feel free to make use of the company's willingness
to share its expertise and experience.
Ease-align makes achieving parallelism more efficient in vertical
copy setups.
Step 1
Terry places the artwork on a board set on ease-align, then installs
the view camera, pointing down, on the copy stand and makes an approximate
cropping and focus. After putting the ring module with its double-sided
tape on the back side of a spare lens board, Terry inserts that assembly
in the lens standard (module facing the film standard), removes the
bellows, and inserts the plain mirror into the Universal Back of the
rear standard so the two mirrors face each other.
Step 2
If Terry can successfully rotate the entire camera assembly, this step will be easier. Otherwise, Terry must get down on hands and knees in order to look up through the view hole and use swing and tilt adjustments of either one or both standards. Either way, Terry makes the two standards parallel to each other by making the ring pattern concentric.
Step 3
Then Terry removes the Universal Back from the rear standard, replaces
the Back with the lens board that has the module on it, and places the
plain mirror on the copy board so both mirrors face each other ( the
lens standard is now empty).
Step 4
Terry looks through the view hole and sees the image below. The rings
are not concentric, which means the standards are not parallel to the
copy. Terry knows that the pattern points in the direction that the
standards are closest.
Step 5
Without disturbing the rear standard's alignment, Terry adjusts ease-align
until the alignment pattern is symmetrical.
Step 6
Terry carefully removes all zig-align parts, sets up the camera
as it is normally used, and now is ready to expose film.