Peak focuser replacement mirror

Description

A brand-new, high-quality optical first surface mirror for use in a Peak enlarging focuser/focusing aid, Type I (2000). New on the right, with blue sticker, old and damaged on the left.

Peak enlarging focuser

The Peak Type I (also known as the Omega Micromega Critical Focuser in the US) is hands-down the best darkroom focusing aid ever made. It provides a crystal-clear image, and you can focus all the way in the corners of your print. Professor Z. Koana was really onto something with this design. But, most of these focusing devices are really old by now, and their mirror is often damaged over the years by unsuccessful cleaning attempts.

First-surface mirrors, including the Peak focuser mirror, are notoriously sensitive to scratching. A damaged mirror will work, but will decrease the amount of light going into the lens, making the image harder to see. If the mirror is scratched enough it’ll become impossible to get a clear image at all, leading to your prints being out of focus altogether. If you want to make your darkroom sessions easier on your eyes, replace it!

This replacement is a 94%+ reflective first-surface mirror, protected with a blue sticker. B&H used to sell them as 130MIRROR but that part has been discontinued. It’s a drop-in, just unscrew the clamps at the bottom and the mirror and backplate should come right out by pushing it from the top. Assembly in reverse (don’t forget to peel off the sticker first). It’s the same high-quality type of mirror as the ones I stock for Nikon Coolscans!

Notes

Test-fit the mirror before removing the blue tape. The size of the slot seems to vary slightly between copies of the focuser. If you can’t get the mirror in via the bottom, take off the screws on the top bracket and put the mirror in that way instead. If it still doesn’t fit you can sand down the corners of the mirror slightly using regular sandpaper.

TL;DR

• A brand-new high quality 94% reflective first-surface mirror, equal to or even better than the original part. Sealed with blue protective tape to prevent scratching during transport.
• Do not touch the mirror, ever. If you get any dust particles or w/e on it, blow them away with a rocket blower. If you really need to clean it, use the rocket blower first, then use lens cloth with ample lens cleaning fluid.
• While you’re at it, clean the felt patch on the bottom of the door that covers the mirror. An easy way to get rid of any grit and dust stuck in it is by sticking a piece of tape over it, pushing it down firmly then pulling it off.