[Richard Jepsen]

I recommend a Leitz Valoy II. It is light, small and perfect for making 5x7 prints using a speed easel. This is an exquisitely designed/manufactured enlarger and very portable. I appreciate the helicoil focus. The lens mount works very well with Nikkor 50mm optics.

For readers who want to enlarge to a higher factor the Leitz wood easel is perfect. You can use a Saunders 4 border adjustable easel but that easel bumps into the elevation post resulting in restrictions.

Use of contrast filters is an issue since there is no dedicated holder. I used several methods. If you have the red filter one can remove the filter and use the assembly to support flat contrast filters. For a light source the 211 size bulb is adequate replacement for original shorter neck bulbs. Newton rings can occur on my Valoy. Rings were eliminated by placing a very thin shim (white out tape) on the edge the neg carrier. This lifts the condenser slightly off the neg.