Enlarger Advice Please

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Sarcophilus Harrisii

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I've made a quick search but am on a time schedule so forgive me, please if I'm possibly re-asking an old question.

I'm may be in a position to acquire 5x7inch and 10x8 inch Chromega colour enlargers for free. I understand the colour heads are good for variable contrast paper printing, yes? I'm processing and scanning my 120 and 35mm B&W films at present, and loving it, but I have never set foot inside a darkroom so am a complete newb in that regard. We own a few acres, though, so building a darkroom can be done over the next year or two, if I want to, and I've been considering this. Most reports my brief research has turned up suggest the Omegas are reasonable quality enlargers. They are surplus from a local film lab who closed a few months ago and should be in reasonable order.

I'm not doing large format at present, however it's a possibility I wouldn't rule out. But am I correct in assuming that these should be able to handle 35mm and 120 formats as well? And is either one preferable to the other? I figure the 8x10 will be a beast of a thing.

Any comments about the merits of either or both from the darkroom brains trust would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

Regards,
Brett
 
Dear Brett,

Yes, they're good enlargers.

Yes, colour heads are good for Multigrade.

Yes, they should be able to handle smaller formats BUT you may be limited in what lenses you can use (minimum bellows compression). Sunk lens mounts may be a good idea. The only drawback may be long exposure times because you're using such a tiny area of the illuminated neg carrier. Even so, you shouldn't be looking at intolerable waits: a minute or two at most (all the more time for dodging and burning).

In your situation, I'd go for both, like a shot.

Cheers,

R.
 
Make sure that they come with all the film holders and lens boards required for the formats you want to use - if they are missing, it can cost a small fortune or many years to get hold of them (or have them made).
 
Sarcophilus Harrisii said:
I've made a quick search but am on a time schedule so forgive me, please if I'm possibly re-asking an old question.

I'm may be in a position to acquire 5x7inch and 10x8 inch Chromega colour enlargers for free. I understand the colour heads are good for variable contrast paper printing, yes? I'm processing and scanning my 120 and 35mm B&W films at present, and loving it, but I have never set foot inside a darkroom so am a complete newb in that regard. We own a few acres, though, so building a darkroom can be done over the next year or two, if I want to, and I've been considering this. Most reports my brief research has turned up suggest the Omegas are reasonable quality enlargers. They are surplus from a local film lab who closed a few months ago and should be in reasonable order.

I'm not doing large format at present, however it's a possibility I wouldn't rule out. But am I correct in assuming that these should be able to handle 35mm and 120 formats as well? And is either one preferable to the other? I figure the 8x10 will be a beast of a thing.

Any comments about the merits of either or both from the darkroom brains trust would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

Regards,
Brett
Click to expand...

Brett,
Knowing what I know now, I would suggest if you are starting, to use a smaller enlargers first.

Keep the big ones for when you (and your darkroom) are ready for it.

Like you, I once had the opportunity to buy a 8x10 Durst for $50. The catch? that thing is mounted on a rail which was bolted to the floor. The owner tried hard to contain his laughter when I suggested (before I saw the thing) that I can pick it up in my 4Runner.
 
shadowfox said:
Brett,
Knowing what I know now, I would suggest if you are starting, to use a smaller enlargers first.

Keep the big ones for when you (and your darkroom) are ready for it.

Like you, I once had the opportunity to buy a 8x10 Durst for $50. The catch? that thing is mounted on a rail which was bolted to the floor. The owner tried hard to contain his laughter when I suggested (before I saw the thing) that I can pick it up in my 4Runner.
Click to expand...

I understand what (and why) you are saying that. But chances to obtain large format enlargers in those sizes come rarely and usually very expensively. They are useful now, for cheap, and I would go for them in a New York Miniute. If the OP doesn't like them, he can sell them for something he does like.
 
Update:
Well, I've arranged collection of the 5x7 enlarger. The benefactor's description of the 10x8 turned out to be faulty memory; it was actually a 5x4 Chromega. The 5x7 comes with film holders and lens boards, however as he was in the middle of an unscheduled meeting I didn't have as much time as I would have liked to inspect the enlarger and accessories. It looks to be in excellent condition, though. There are other locals keen to acquire some equipment too, I did not wish to be greedy and take both, however as the premises are being vacated shortly, I'll happily pick up the 5x4 as well, if it is unclaimed.

I also came away with a Jobo ATL1000 processor and a CPE2, too. Ex-government use according to some stickers. As the location from which these were collected was also the last local E6 line still going, I plan to put the ATL to use later this year processing transparency, so I can go back to using the colour film I'd rather shoot, again. And catch up on the backlog threatening to burst my fridge door open, so I don't do a Winogrand...
Regards,
Brett
 
oftheherd said:
I understand what (and why) you are saying that. But chances to obtain large format enlargers in those sizes come rarely and usually very expensively. They are useful now, for cheap, and I would go for them in a New York Miniute. If the OP doesn't like them, he can sell them for something he does like.
Click to expand...

Actually I am agreeing with you.
I meant "Keep it" as in "get it now and keep it until you're ready."

Sorry, typing too fast results in blurred meaning.
 
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