Module Comparison Details


1. Parallelism, top-to-bottom of module.

LED Module
.0001" to .0004"

Ring Module
.0001" to .0010"

This module is constructed so accurately that its top and bottom surfaces can be used interchangeably. This means the module can be registered upside down or right side up to any plane.  

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2. Minimum included angle which results in a change in the pattern's shape
(when mirrors are 2' apart).

LED Module
20 seconds of arc

Ring Module
90 seconds of arc

  This module uses rings instead of dots to create the alignment pattern, making it 4.5 times less sensitive than an LED module.

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3. Recognition of shape of alignment pattern

LED Module
easier

Ring Module
not as easy

This module is extremely sensitive, because the four parts of the LED alignment pattern best accommodate the way the human mind-eye system recognizes shapes. This is one reason the LED pattern is easier to use than the ring module. This module uses rings instead of dots to create the alignment pattern, making it 4.5 times less sensitive than an LED module.

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4. Placement of view hole

LED Module
±.0016"

Ring Module
±.0020"

This module has a more accurate placement of the view hole than does the ring module, so when the pattern is symmetrical, it represents the smallest possible included angle so actual parallelism is almost perfect.  

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5. Room light required?

LED Module
no

Ring Module
yes

This module has built-in, battery-powered illumination, so room light is not required. This module requires ambient light.

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6. Orientation on enlargers

LED Module
any angle

Ring Module
vertical only

This module is constructed so accurately that its top and bottom surfaces can be used interchangeably. This means the module can be registered upside down or right side up to any plane.

This module can be suspended from its top, improving contrast in the alignment pattern and reducing flare. This makes repeated reflections easier to see, especially important at longer distances when the pattern is small. Suspending the module makes it usable on horizontal setups and at any angle.

This module contains a custom viewing system so you can see the alignment pattern by looking into the side of the module. This eliminates the need to climb above the module on vertical setups. Because the viewing system is enclosed, it is possible to use both top and bottom of the module.

This module has a small, unenclosed mirror set at 45 degrees to the viewing hole for enlarger systems, so you can view the alignment pattern from the side.This module has one registration surface. For enlargers, it only can be used right side up, in vertical setups, and never on the paper plane, because the 45 degree mirror is unenclosed.

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7. Placement in either plane being checked

LED Module
yes

Ring Module
no

This module is constructed so accurately that its top and bottom surfaces can be used interchangeably. This means the module can be registered upside down or right side up to any plane.

This module contains a custom viewing system so you can see the alignment pattern by looking into the side of the module. This eliminates the need to climb above the module on vertical setups. Because the viewing system is enclosed, it is possible to use both top and bottom of the module.

This module has one registration surface. For enlargers, it only can be used right side up, in vertical setups, and never on the paper plane, because the 45 degree mirror is unenclosed.

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8. Durability*
* Neither module, if broken, can be restored to original accuracy.

LED Module
greater

Ring Module
less

This module should be handled with care. This module should be handled with care, especially because it is entirely glass.

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