So, the inevitable happened. After much discussion on Photrio and many great suggestions from mates about using LED panels etc. I decided to drive to Scotland last Tuesday to collect the LPL 7451 enlarger. (Thanks Alex!) I brought the enlarger back and wired it up that afternoon and did my first printing session last night. I’m pleased with it – especially now I have found a major (taller!) Paterson focus finder in my loft. One great feature of the Beseler was the flexible knob/ handles which hung down – not so with the LPL and I ended up doing the funky gibbon impression.

LPL 7451 enlarger in position

I met up with a neighbour last week and we had a coffee (outside, of course) and she asked if was I thinking of doing an exhibition this year especially as an event is, hopefully, taking place in our area which would be good to be involved in. I haven’t actually exhibited my photography since we moved here. When we had the gallery going we showed other photographers work but not my own.

As a test I found this negative from 2011 and printed it last night and it’s the first using the new enlarger and a Rodagon 135mm enlarging lens I bought years ago. It’s from a visit to Staithes we did with a friend on 26th November 2011. I’m not so sure I like the composition (or the print) but I’m going to post it anyway. It was taken using my Mamiya C330s and the 80mm lens. Film was Ilford HP5+ at 800 asa and developed in Kodak HC110 (Dil.B) for 8 minutes.

The Volunteer, Staithes, 26th November 2011 (Work Print)