I've been straining my back trying to check the focus with my grain focuser while adjusting the focus on my enlarger.. somewhere I had read that you can use telescope focus extensions on enlargers. Well, I just found an article that outlines a method for building one out of parts from a hardware store for cheap.

This would presumably work on an Omega DII, i'm not familiar with any other enlarger.

http://www.weasner.com/etx/techtips/focus_cable.html

I'm sure many other people have thought of this but I thought that it may help someone out there besides myself. I take no credit for this.

Perhaps you could whip up a hundred or so for Omega and Beseler and sell them here.

I have no experience with the Omega. The Saunders LPL 4500 XLG and the Durst 138S have large focusing wheels or knobs. Wrap a length of 1/4 inch cloths line or thinner, two or three times around the wheel or knob and then have enough line left over that both ends reach the easel table. You can put your eye on the grain focuser and pull the ends of the line one way or the other to turn the wheel or knob. It has worked for me for four years. No special tools required beyond a knife and match to sear the ends of the line.

John Powers