Enlargers

Film Photography & Darkroom discussion

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Camera13
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Joined: Fri Feb 27, 2009 10:55 pm

Enlargers

Post by Camera13 »

I am looking to buy an enlarger for a home darkroom-I will be using my bathroom. I shoot 35mm black and white, mostly 8x10 enlargements. Does anyone have any suggestions of what brand I should look for? And price range-what's a fair asking price?

foolscape
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Post by foolscape »

The first question you should ask yourself is: will I always be shooting 35mm?

I started there, and then bought a hasselblad because I wanted more resolution. Then, I went to 4x5, and now I shoot 8x10. If you never intend to move away from 35mm and 8x10 enlargements, a Beseler 67 would do.

There are many orthers, though. Durst made some very good, compact enlargers for 35mm. Omega made a few good ones. Since the advent of digital, they are a dime a dozen. I've seen them for less than $100.00. I picked up an Omega DII for $40.00 at a Goodwill a couple years ago. As long as the enlarger is sturdy, and can be aligned properly, any of the main brands (Omega, Besseler, Durst, Saunders) would do. The critical thing to look for is the optics. If the lens says "Omegar" or "Beselar," you'll need to find a better lens for it. If you have a descent camera shop in your neck of the woods, ask if they have any used EL-Nikkor, or high-end Schneider or Rodenstock lenses. You may find a few on eBay as well.

Fotohuis
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Post by Fotohuis »

If you stay with 35mm: Leitz Focomat V35.

If you planned to go in MF:
Dunco II 67 or
Kienzle 67 or 69

Best lenses: Rodenstock or Schneider although El-Nikkor can be also very good. The V35 has a WA 40mm Focotar and is also auto focus.

I am working with 35mm, 6x4,5 and 6x6 and panorama 24x65mm so I went for the Dunco (with Split Grade module) already many years ago.
http://www.fotohuisrovo.nl/documentatie ... inting.pdf
"De enige beperking in je fotografie ben je zelf"

http://www.FotohuisRoVo.nl
http://gallery.fotohuisrovo.nl/

Keith Tapscott.
Posts: 551
Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:58 am
Location: Plymouth, England.

Post by Keith Tapscott. »

Foolscape has raised a valid point about film format for future consideration and Fotohuis has made good suggestions for enlarger and lens choices. Another option is to look at secondhand enlargers such as the well built Durst M707, Modular 70, M805 and L1200 models which are (were) available in condenser types with filter drawers for B&W photography as well as with colour and VC modules (diffuse lightsources).
The latest enlarger lenses such as the Apochromatic types from Rodenstock and Schneider are state of the art. However, the 30+ year old Leitz Focotar f/4.5 lens will hold it`s own very well against the modern lenses and may help you to save quite a bit of your hard earned money. Just a suggestion.

miha
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Joined: Tue Jan 20, 2009 11:42 am

Post by miha »

Here in Europe, the Kaiser range is very popular:
http://www.kaiser-fototechnik.de/en/pro ... asp?w=1342

I bought a Kaier sacond-hand about 15 years ago. It is extreemely well build and expandable up to 6x9.

For lenses, I would go for a El-Nikkor. It is at leat as good as a Rodenstock or a Schneider, but is costs less.

Here is a Kaiser review:
http://www.phototechmag.com/previous-ar ... /meier.htm

Fotohuis
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Post by Fotohuis »

Yes, Kaiser is also an option, like the Durst M805 (6x9) and Laborator L1200 (4x5".) However the Durst are more difficult to build over for Split Grade. The V35, Dunco, Kaiser and Kienzle are more modular based and easier (=cheaper) to adapt.
"De enige beperking in je fotografie ben je zelf"

http://www.FotohuisRoVo.nl
http://gallery.fotohuisrovo.nl/

pentaxpete
Posts: 100
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Location: BRENTWOOD,Essex,(UK)

Post by pentaxpete »

If you belonged to a camera club there are members who will GIVE you enlargers ! I have been given a Durst M305 colour enlarger recently and I was also given a Durst M601 6x6 format by an 'Old Gentleman' who was moving away and he found me from a mention of the Camera Club in the local newspaper.
Got COMPUTERISED and 'slightly Digitised Pentax K10D' but FILM STILL RULES !

Keith Tapscott.
Posts: 551
Joined: Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:58 am
Location: Plymouth, England.

Post by Keith Tapscott. »

pentaxpete wrote:If you belonged to a camera club there are members who will GIVE you enlargers ! I have been given a Durst M305 colour enlarger recently and I was also given a Durst M601 6x6 format by an 'Old Gentleman' who was moving away and he found me from a mention of the Camera Club in the local newspaper.
With many photo-hobbyist switching to digital, there are some excellent enlargers literally being thrown away. There are some outstanding bargains to be found for those wanting to build a darkroom.

kennethcooke
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Joined: Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:29 pm
Location: West Riding UK

Post by kennethcooke »

I don't know where you are based but I got a really good deal on an as new Durst 670 colour enlarger from Durst UK. The contact, who was so helpful is called Terry. He is also very happy to do upgrades if you decide to change formats

http://www.northernphoto.co.uk/
"It's called grain it's supposed to be there"

Regards Kenneth

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