Easels

Photographers use easels in their darkroom setups to hold the photo paper while it a print is exposed. The size of the easel determines the size paper and enlarged print to use. A print easel comes with an arm that keeps the unexposed paper flat while in use.

Camera and darkroom equipment manufacturers sell easels of various sizes. Some easels come in fixed photograph sizes, like 8" x 10" and 5" x 7". A few brand easels include multiple sizes with a cutter arm. Photographers choose between simple or complex easel setups based on the photo processing desire and, or course, budgeting costs.

Different companies claim to offer the best easels for photography darkroom use. Saunders Universal 4 blade easel holds prints from postcard sizes up to 11" by 14". The borders adjust as thin as a hairline. Slide the blade actuators to adjust the border or remove them to create a full sized frame. Three slots hold the paper still in position and a rubber base pad holds the easel from slipping. It even includes a locking hinge to keep it in place. This allows the photographer to use both hands while working without worry that the easel will tip or fall. This easel costs around three hundred dollars brand new.

Photographers may choose to purchase cheap easels, like the 5" by 7" Speed-Ez-El from Ganz Ganz. With a price tag around twenty five dollars this inexpensive easel promises consistent one quarter inch boarders on all sizes for 5" by 7" sized photos. Its non-reflective yellow is fog free. Foam rubber feet keep it from slipping and sliding. It also includes a thumb hole to release the paper without a fuss.

Another inexpensive easel is the CPM Magnetic Enlarging easel. Find these easels in larger sizes like 11" by 14", 20" by 16" and 20" by 24". The magnetic angle bars hold the paper in place against a black matte finish. These come with easy to use precise borderless settings. Clips hold the photo paper in place while in use.

A Kalt 4-in-1 printing easel helps speed up the printing process when more than one size is required for an image. It comes pre-setup with four different panels, wallet sized, 3 ½" by 5", 5" by 7", and 8" by 10".

Search online and auction sites for wholesale easels and darkroom suppliers. Some sellers offer used easels of more expensive brands for bargain prices.