Advice: Enlargers

[dadsm3]

Hello: I'm in the market for an enlarger and was wondering if I could get some advice concerning brands. The Leitz Focomats still go for too much coin, and I was hoping for somerthing in the $200 range, with or without additional equipment.
Epay has many different brands; Saunders, Omega, Beseler, Durst etc.
Any advice for someone just getting into wet printing? Ideally, it would be one that I'd be happy with from the learning to the intermediate stage....
Thanks,
Mike
PS: I'll only be doing 35mm work.

 

[Theo-Prof]

I have used several enlargers over the years. My recommendation would be to buy the sturdiest enlarger that will allow you to make at least 16x20 prints on the baseboard. I have used a Beseler 23c and really wished I had the 23cXL (which is taller and thus allows larger prints on the baseboard.

You mention that you will only be printing 35mm, but most of the better enlargers can handle 35mm to 6x7 or 6x9. The Beseler 23c, for example, will accept negatives as large as 2x3 (6mmx9mm). If you think you might one day shoot medium format, most of the good enlargers will be able to handle this film size.

You also need to think in terms of light source. Many enlargers will have condenser heads, which can have good contrast but really show dust on the negatives or condenser lenses. Many B&W photographers swear by a cold-cathode light sources. A "diffusion" head will have softer light like the cold-light head but usually have the added benefit of built in filtration for variable contrast B&W papers or Cyan-Magenta-Yellow filtration for color printing. (By the way, you can use the CMY filtration to control contrast, at least over a certain range, with a "color" head.

Also, buy the very best enlarging lens that you can afford. If we have top performing lenses on our cameras, then we should have the same attitude when it comes to printing.

I hope that this helps,

Kevin

 

[MP Guy]

I have used enalrgers for MANY MANY years. worked in a lab, did my own stuff etc ... If i were to buy an elarger today I would not look at anything other than a newer (1980's and above ) durst. No compromising on this. Durst for me is the ONLY option for a good enlarger. rails, focus, lighting, stability you name it is the leica M's of enlargers.

 

[Honu-Hugger]

I'm with Jorge on Durst. My Dad has a Leitz which I used for many years and I have also used Omega, Besseler, etc. in friend's darkrooms. There are many good enlrgers but for my own personal use I have two Dursts and I am very pleased with them -- not at all unhappy with any aspect of them and would not hesitate to recommend them.

 

[Kyle]

Some good advice here, I'm paying close attention to this thread.

I do have a question, and pardon my ignorance, are enlarger lenses interchangable between different brand enlargers?

 

[Ken Ford]

I've been using an Omega D-2 for over twenty years, but would replace it with a Bessler 23-series if it died.

 

[CJP6008]

Just to add to your confusion, De Vere make excellent enlargers. Built like tanks, they will survive earthquake, nuclear attack...

I have a 504 with an Ilford MG head on. A nice touch on the De Veres is that the hight adjustment wheels are just below the front of the baseboard.

I would recommend reading Ctein's excellent book "Post Exposure". He also has some good recommendations for enlarger lenses. Interestingly, some less fashionable names in the world of enlarger lenses (Nikon principally) score very highly. This is handy as they are a good deal cheaper than those from Schneider and Rodenstock. Ctein also explains why good enlarger lenses are so important. When your research is done, hit eBay and see what you can get.

C

 

[rvaubel]

I had a Durst 606 condensor enlarger which I bought new in the early 60's. It worked perfectly. I never that their was such a thing as alaignment problems. The helical focuser was silky smooth. And the whole thing was very compact,
10 years later I had a Besleler 23C. It was overkill for 35mm but I had the XL so I could still do 16X20s. The rack and pinion focus wasnt as smooth but OK. Some light leaks. Generally, I would by another one since they are so cheap and available.
My real question is about the Leitz V35. That seems to be the cats ass for 35mm. I could get one locally for about $400.
Opinions???
Rex

 

[dadsm3]

The Dursts must be pretty good because there's few of them on Epay. It's obvious I'm going to have to pay a little more to get set up, which I don't mind as long as I get results I'm going to be happy with for a few years at least.
I spoke to KHB Photo in Toronto just a few minutes ago, they're enlarger refurbishers. He was suggesting at least an Omega B-66 or B-22 and the best lens I could afford, otherwise I was wasting my Leica glass. He does sell a few junior kits available on epay but he tells me you really take your chances quality-wise buying a good enlarger from there.
He ball-parked me; $250US for an Omega refurb (models above), $100-$150 for a lens (he has a variety), good timer, easel, neg carrier, etc....he said I should expect to be in the $650-$950 range depending whether I took new or used stuff, and all refurbs have a one year warranty. Any input on this package, or on the Omega brand?
Going to think about it.....and keep my eyes open for a Durst, but a beautiful, complicated Durst with no back-up support won't do me much good....
I'd be interested in any stateside Durst refurbishers you guys may know of...
Mike

 

[dadsm3]

Rex: A Leitz V35 just sold for $500 yesterday on epay (I lost it). Came with a 40mm F2.8 Leitz lens. Even the old Focomats go for huge bucks....

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

I do have a question, and pardon my ignorance, are enlarger lenses interchangable between different brand enlargers?

Kyle,

Yes, in general enlarger lenses may be used on other enlargers. The lens boards a brand specific. Most lens boards have a hole drilled in the center and you mount your enlarging lens with the rear threads of the lens going through the hole and threading into a retaining ring (flange) on the back side of the lens board.

Wayne

 

[markinlondon]

Kyle,

Yes, in general enlarger lenses may be used on other enlargers. The lens boards a brand specific. Most lens boards have a hole drilled in the center and you mount your enlarging lens with the rear threads of the lens going through the hole and threading into a retaining ring (flange) on the back side of the lens board.

Wayne

Beware, though that some enlargers need different lens boards for different focal lengths. These can sometimes be hard to find as spare parts. You can of course use longer MF lenses for 35mm, you just won't get the same degree of enlargement.

Mark

 

[Finder]

I have used and owned Saunders LPL 66 & 67, Omega D5, and Bessler 23C III. All are good enlargers. I perfer the flat neg carriers of the Omega and Bessler - easier to make them full-frame or to change the aperture for different formats. The Omega focuser is a pain, but you get used to it.

I would jump to a medium format or large format enlarger. They are built better and you are all set if you try a new format. If you are not attacthed to a condensor head, get a color head. Not only can you do black and white printing with it on graded or multi-grade paper (just dial in the filtration and that means not hanging filters in front of the enlarger lens), but you can go to color in the future.

About the prices you quoted. You should be able to get a good, modern 50mm enlarger lens off ebay for about $30 - $80. I picked up a Rodenstock Rodagon 135mm for $70 (4x5), an APO Rodagon 80mm for $100 (6x6), and a 60mm Rodagon for $75 (35mm). You should be able to get a 50mm for under $100. Rodenstock, Schnieder, and Nikkor EL are all fine lenses (I have used them all). Make sure it is a 6-element (or greater) design - Rodenstock and Schnieder have a 4-element economy lens. You should be able to get the lastest versions off ebay - check the manufacturer's web site for names and specifications.

I have bought one enlarger from ebay. First, enlargers are simple machines. They are easy to fix and they are not difficult to align - unless it was "unaligned" by a large fall or hammer. Don't get anything that shows chemical stains. I was able to get a nice Omega D5 with a color head. The problem is not the enlarger, it is the shipping. My enlarger arrived with the negative stage bent in half and the lens stage ripped off the rails (and packed in what only can be described in garbage - it took me two and a half hours to clean up the "packing" material). Not the happiest of days. But for about $30 in parts, I fixed it up and it works tickety-boo.

BTW, try to get a good grain focuser. Peak make excellent models. I have use both model I and model III and they are very good. Omega repackaged the top-of-the-line Peak grain Focuser and goes by the name Mircomega. They can be had for less than the Peak version because fewer folks know about them. BTW, I think the Bessler HD enlarger lens line is the same as the Rodenstock Rodagon (they look the same too) and go for a little less as well.

 

[ray_g]

Used darkroom equipment is easy to find. People are practically giving it away. I built up my darkroom for less than $200 total. The key would be to find local items, as shipping for such heavy equipment can cost quite a bit. Try Craigslist - there are quite a few items listed in the Toronto area (like THIS ).

The Leitz Focomat is nice, but goes only to 35mm. The focomat II is very, very expensive.

This ARTICLE may help get you started in the right direction.

Good luck!

 

[remrf]

I would agree with others who suggested that you look at least into a medium format capable enlarger. Who knows what you might decide to do in the future. My personal preference is the Omega D series although I have to admit that the Durst units look like they are built very well. And the Besseler units I have seen also look very well made. But I have used the Omega D on and off for over 30 years at various labs and I know it well. I watched ebay for about two months and finally picked up a DII for about $170.00 with shipping. It was set up for 4x5" with the right condensor ,neg holder and lens.And it made it to my house in Tucson from Maryland without mishap. And then not two weeks later I had a chance to buy another D series ( This time a D2V with medium format lens) and a Durst 606 set up for 35mm for $45.00 for both. I also picked up two of the diffusion heads for the Omegas so I have a choice as to how to make my prints. I would suggest you watch ebay for a while and see what comes up. When I first started looking there wasn't a D series there sold for less than $500.00. And shortly after I bought one it seemed that no one could give one away. It goes in cycles.

Good luck and have fun. I know I did during my enlarger search. 🙂

 

[ed1k]

Mike,
I'm second - don't rush. I found my enlarger at
www.buysell.com
Right now they have listed Omega B122 for $100 in Toronto (East York). I don't know what it's all about I saw this ad few months ago when looked for my Saunders/LPL. Periodically there are many offers there you can choose from. Also you can check Henry's used department in Toronto - sometimes they have enlargers (they always have new ones but these are expensive). Actually before I found Saunders, there was compact B&W Durst at Henry's I think for $100 but without lens and lens board. I didn't buy that Durst because of lack of the lens board. I was looking for a compact enlarger - I don't have real darkroom. And I was looking for condensor type as I owned condensor soviet enlarger and like image they produce. I found someone in Ottawa who sold me complete darkroom (including Componar S 50/2.8 lens, grain focuser, trays, tongs, tanks etc) for $375. I only bought new timer because I don't like that one I got in a set 🙂 And most important that guy while visiting relatives in Toronto brought all that stuff to my place.
Good luck!
Eduard.

 

[taffy]

Sorry, this might be slightly OT but how much does a Leitz Focotar 2 50/4.5 go for nowadays?

I got one with a V35 I bought last year and I want to replace it with a 40mm Schnieder or Leitz to get the autofocus to work.

Taffy

 

[MP Guy]

if you can find a used durst M605 in good condition it would be great for 35 or 6x6. I started with th 605 and ended up with a L1200. Wish I had never sold it.

 

[Nick R.]

If you come across a Honeywell Nikor enlarger, it wouldn't be a bad choice. A nice piece of equiptment, well thought out and goes up to 6 X 7. That's what I have.

 

[tedwhite]

I've had the same enlarger since 1971: A Simmons/Omega B22XL with two Rodenstok lenses, a 50mm and an 80mm. You can do 35mm, 6X6, 6X45, 6X7. Never tried to do 6X9. I guess that, obviously, I'm used to it and it produces fine enlargements. Always had a hankering for a Leice Focomat II but it's priced beyond my means.

One nice thing about the B22XL: YOu can unscrew the shaft from the baseboard, reverse it, bolt it back on, and that way it's pointing toward the floor, and you can make prints larger than 16X20. Naturually, you'll need a neg up to the task.

No idea what they go for on ebay, but they are well-made and will last a lifetime.

Ted