dadsm3
Well-known
Thanks gentlemen, saved me an impulse buy. I'll take my time and get the right enlarger for the right money. Sound advice remains a hallmark of this forum.....
Thanks,
Mike
Thanks,
Mike
Advice: Enlargers
- Thread starter dadsm3
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 27
- Views 3K
FrankS
Registered User
Mike, check out the BuyandSell magazine, or this site: http://www.buysell.com/root/browsesub/Ontario/500/19/6/Cameras.aspx
Also look in local papers in the classified ad section. There are lots of darkrooms being abandoned these days and you should be able to get a complete package of enlarger, lens, trays, timer, etc. for $100. Check out garage sales too.
Also look in local papers in the classified ad section. There are lots of darkrooms being abandoned these days and you should be able to get a complete package of enlarger, lens, trays, timer, etc. for $100. Check out garage sales too.
ErnestoJL
Well-known
The choice of an enlarger is sometimes a hard thing to do. A good one should (IMHO) be as good (mechanicaly) as the worst camera you have. Otherwise, your perfect negs would be ruined in the print. What many people do (and this is a must to avoid), is to buy the best camera they can afford, and later, invest the less the best in an enlarger/lens combination.
This is just the best recipe for bad results.
The printing lens should be as good as the taking lens; the enlarger should be as good as your camera, not less. Fortunately, a good enlarger is allways cheaper than a good camera.
A good choice are IMO, any Durst starting from the 35mm only, and up to the 6x9able models (I used for some time a Durst 609), this thinking that you may in the future do something in MF. Another good choice is the Beseler 23 CXL which is perhaps one of the best designed enlargers I´ve seen in many years.
Remember, there is no chain stronger that it´s weakest link.
Ernesto
This is just the best recipe for bad results.
The printing lens should be as good as the taking lens; the enlarger should be as good as your camera, not less. Fortunately, a good enlarger is allways cheaper than a good camera.
A good choice are IMO, any Durst starting from the 35mm only, and up to the 6x9able models (I used for some time a Durst 609), this thinking that you may in the future do something in MF. Another good choice is the Beseler 23 CXL which is perhaps one of the best designed enlargers I´ve seen in many years.
Remember, there is no chain stronger that it´s weakest link.
Ernesto
dadsm3
Well-known
I have a opportunity to purchase an excellent condition Durst M600 with all the fixin's (timer, etc) from Camtech here in Hamilton for $200 complete. Couple of issues....first is the 'SIXTUB' lens mount for a 50mm lens is missing. Seller is contacting original owner to see if it was somehow misplaced...none available on epay as far as I can see so this deal is contingent on it being found or one of you guys knowing of one around.
Secondly, it comes with a Hansa 50mm lens which Roger feels won't be up to snuff for Leica photos. I've been checking out epay and there seems to be a pretty good variety of the Rodagon or Componen 50mm's he suggested I go for. But I did notice that cametaauctions has brand new EL-Nikkor 50mm F2.8's for $40US.......
So I guess my questions are: a) Are these Nikkor lenses any good, or should I just concentrate on the Rodegons and Componens?, and b) Is this a realistic price? (Too good a deal?)
Thanks,
Mike
Secondly, it comes with a Hansa 50mm lens which Roger feels won't be up to snuff for Leica photos. I've been checking out epay and there seems to be a pretty good variety of the Rodagon or Componen 50mm's he suggested I go for. But I did notice that cametaauctions has brand new EL-Nikkor 50mm F2.8's for $40US.......
So I guess my questions are: a) Are these Nikkor lenses any good, or should I just concentrate on the Rodegons and Componens?, and b) Is this a realistic price? (Too good a deal?)
Thanks,
Mike
T
tedwhite
Guest
El Nikkor's have been around forever and some swear by them. I have no experience with them, but do have experience with Rodenstoks and Schneider lenses, all positive. Toss the Hansa and get any of the above.
remrf
AZRF
I recall reading somewhere that there were Nikor enlarging lenses made in both Japan and China and those made in Japan were considered a better lens. I also bought one of the Nikor 50mm's for enlarging but have not used it yet so I can't comment on the quality. Mine says made in Japan on the front ring. And I got it for $20.00 off ebay.
Last edited:
dadsm3
Well-known
Maybe these NIB one's are Chinese....
dadsm3
Well-known
I may SOL anyways, these 39mm 'SIXTUBS' look to be about as rare as a Stanley Cup in Toronto....
Similar threads
