Choosing a medium format enlarger model

[Rosssiiii]

Hi everyone,
I'd like to ask for your advice on which enlarger model to buy for the 6x4.5 medium format. I imagine it won't be an easy choice because there are quite a few enlargers, but I know that different models can have different negative holders or condensers.

The fact is, a friend and I printed some 35mm photos, and since I have a medium format camera and medium format enlarger lenses, I'd also like to get some printing equipment, but I'm not sure which models to choose without spending a fortune.

For 35mm, perhaps having glass in the negative holder isn't necessary, even though we use it, and it must be said that there have been few difficulties with printing, with prints always being fairly even in the center and edges.

For medium format, perhaps glass is even more important.

Some very popular models are the Durst M600 and the Meopta Opemus Standard 2.

I found the Durst M600 with this negative holder:


While I found the Meopta Opemus Standard 2 with this negative holder and condenser:



The Meopta negative holder seems very good to me, and it comes in this format. Status:
meopta.jpg
meopta 2.jpg

The finish near the supporting column is a bit damaged.

The thread should be M39 for both, right?

 

[Bolo Kukus]

From much experience in a darkroom, I would suggest you go with the Durst over the Meopta. Much better construction, Italian made so as good as they get. I had a similar M600 in the '80s and '90s and made thousand of work and fine prints with it. Sadly, I sold it (stupid me!) about 20 years ago, for too little money, to buy an LPL 7700 with a color head which I use only a few times a year. Not so much due to the enlarger, but I nowadays print much less on sensitive paper with messy chemistry in the dark and scan-Inkjet print, when I can be bothered to make prints.

Whatever you do end up buying, I also suggest you get a model with a crank to raise/lower the head, and not one on a post with a knob that has to be loosened to adjust the head and then tightened again. Which will drive you insane in a very brief time.

Also get a proper easel. The el cheapo models are, to be frank, crap. Invest in a good Saunders or similar, in the largest size you intend to print plus one size bigger. This you will never ever regret.

 

[skopar steve]

I have the Saunders LPL 7600 with color head. It's well built and easy to find and purchase accessories for. As for the two you are looking at, the Durst would be my pick.

 

[Beemermark]

Thee Besseler 23C and the 45 model were mainstays in the darkrooms. Good solid construction.

 

[Mos6502]

I have a Durst F60 which was their budget medium format model. There is no 6x4.5 holder for this one, just the 6x6 holder, which is fine. The orientation of the negative with 6x4.5 means 8x10 inches is the largest print that can be easily made with this enlarger. I do not find glass necessary for this format, if anything it just introduces more headaches than it solves.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

For many years, I used two main enlargers for medium format- a Beseler 23C and an Omega C760. They were real workhorses and were really easy to work with. Both of those models are fairly easy to find on the used market, and I believe Beseler still makes the 23C.

 

[Muggins]

I would expect the Meopta to be L39 thread, as my Opemus 6* is, BUT for reasons I don't understand you will find a lot of Meopta enlarger lenses are a 23.5mm thread, which will need an adapter. Be aware!

*Not actually used yet, so I can't help with that.

 

[Duofold RF]

Durst is a better choice. These days, enlargers are basically free if you can find one locally. I picked up a Beseler 45V‑XL from the trash with all the accessories and lenses for free and a Leica Focomat V35 for $300.

 

[Rosssiiii]

Does someone know Kronus 66 SL color ?

i have some more picture about the M600, does miss something ? ahah

Durst M600 - Google Drive

drive.google.com

i have not yet understand if it had glass or not ?

I want it to use with 6x4,5 and will black and white, i don't know if is available film color for medium format.

For color i have a Durst 302 with color head.

 

[Beemermark]

I had a Durst way back in the day. Even when it was relatively new it was hard finding negative carriers beyond the one that it came with.

 

[Leon C]

How much you got to spend?

Quick dirty answer:

Meopta Opemus 6 with Color Head
Or
Meopta Magnifax 4 with Colour Head

And it's more about the lens as well and take with a pinch of salt the 'Durst is better' comments, not necessarily so.

Long answer, decide what you need it to do, work out how much you want to spend and search for weeks for all the models that will work for you and make sure whatever you decide comes with all the bits as some spares can cost more than the enlarger....then start again for the lens of choice.....

 

[Bolo Kukus]

Some other ideas from an old darkroom bunny.

I still hold that you would do well with that old Durst, but you are considering old enlargers - Durst, Kooks, Meopta.

The Durst M600 is 1960s. Ancient technology, altho it will work well and give you excellent results if the lens you use is up to a reasonable standard. I've always used Nikkors. The original Durst lens (it came with my M600) was pitted, minor marks, but it did an okay job. If one came on the market and I was still actively making a lot of prints, I would consider buying again.

Mine came with a glass negative carrier with adjustable borders. It was sufficient for everything from 35 to the various 120s.

Okay. My 'suggestions' are (1) you should check that enlarger globes (light bulbs) are still available before you buy, and (2) look at the condition of the lens if it comes with the enlarger, or for that matter any secondhand lens you intend to buy.

Also (3) Durst had many accessories for the M range. Some turn up now and then on Ebay. Not always cheap when they do, but they do.

In Australia at least, it seems some globes for the older enlargers are no longer available, or have to be ordered from overseas.

 

[Godfrey]

Back in the day ...

• In my youth at home I had a very ancient Omega enlarger, my dad's, which could handle up to 6x6cm.
• At my high school darkroom, we had a big Beseler 45 which could handle from submini up to 4x5 inch. And we had a Durst 301, I think it was, which was primarily for 35mm.
• At my last darkroom (converted the kitchen of my apartment in San Francisco, late 1980s) I had a Beseler 67C which could handle Minox 8x11mm up to 6x7cm.

I have not owned an enlarger since 1992. All of my film work since then has been scanned, digitally rendered, and inkjet printed, no matter the format from Minox 8x11mm to large format.

B&H Photo has Beseler enlargers, maybe others. If buying today, I'd likely go with a Beseler 67 type enlarger.

G