Durst M700, is it a good deal ?

[jean-bob]

Hi,

I've been looking for a week to a suitable upgrade to my Durst 305, mainly to be able to print medium format negatives. It's been more complicated than I though as most of the enlargers that people sell do not have the right lenses/condensers combo needed for 6x6 negatives.

I've found at last something that seems to me quite a good deal but as I'm young and relatively inexperienced I would just like to ask your opinion :

DURST M700 :
negative masks for 24x36 et 6x7,
3 condensers : Unicon 50, 85 et 105
three lenses Rodenstock Rodagon : 50 mm , f:2.8 N ; 80 mm, f:4 et 105 mm, f :5,6

+ AHEL "MARGE 3 " 30x40 cm
+ various red lights and developping tanks (even if I don't need those).

all for 350€ (I'm in France)

What do you think ? Are the lenses good ? What is important for me here is that I don't have to look for hard to find condensers/negative masks, lens plates...

 

[xia_ke]

Hi jean-bob,

I'm not familiar with the M700 so can't really comment on that enlarger, but I do know that it can be a PITA trying to track down Durst parts, at least in the US anyway. A few years ago I had sold all of my darkroom equipment due to a move. We just bought a new house and I am in the process of building up a new one as money allows. I opted to get a Durst M605 for my "new" enlarger. It is built like a tank, has an all-in-one negative carrier with adjustable masking for 35mm to 6x6, and has 2 condensors which came with the enlarger from the factory, or at least mine did. I checked eBay France and there have been several that have ended at very reasonable prices comparatively speaking.

As for the lenses, I've had the Rodagon 80mm and it was a great lens, at least in my least in my limited experience printing MF at 11x14. I read A LOT of reviews prior to deciding on that lens and in all reviews the Rodagons were very well regarded. I will be buying 50mm and 80mm Rodagons for the new darkroom set-up as well.

Not sure of market prices over there, but in the US for a good condition Durst with necessary condensors, negative carriers, and a trio of Rodagons, I would definitely give the purchase some serious thought for that price if I were in the market.