Enlarger for 35mm and 6x6

[mike kim]

I'm planning to make a darkroom, but I need an enlarger that covers both 35mm and 6x6 formats (ah, the complications of loving Leica and Rollei). I've found a Focomat Ic pretty cheap and I only heard superb things about this enlarger. I know it's only for 35mm but this offer is really tempting... I'd like to hear opinions about having different enlargers for 35mm and medium format vs. one for both. Unfortunately Focomat IIc is not an option due to its high price.

Thanks.

 

[FPjohn]

There is a world of fine enlargers - A new or used meopta axiomat or opemus will serve you well for both 35mm and 6x6 for very little. The older ones are tanks.

http://www.meopta.com/index.php?id=117&lang=en

yours
FPJ

 

[sepiareverb]

I've got two enlargers, and as long as you have the space it shouldn't be a problem. I use a LPL4500 for 35mm through 4x5, and then a Zone VI for 810. Lenses are never interchanged so the different lensboards don't matter.

I'm a huge fan of the LPL enlargers, now sold by Omega in the US. They are rock solid, and never need aligning- one of my least favorite chores.

 

[lshofstra]

Answering the same question for myself I recently bought a Durst Modular 70 with Vario module (yes, for variable contrast paper). In short: diffusor type, light boxes for 35mm and medium format up to 6x7 at the flick of a switch, shares accessories with the m670, still easy to come by. Built like the proverbial tank. Very, very nice. Don't know about availability in Argentina though.....

 

[jmcd]

Valoy II

Valoy II

I have a Leitz Valoy II for 35mm. It is tiny, easy to move, and a pure pleasure to work with. It is so nicely aligned, all the time. The negative is squished flat when printing, and the helical focus is smooth and fine. Printing 35mm became so much more fun when I got this machine.

For everything else medium and 4x5 I have a gigantic Beseler 45 V-XL. It is dandy because the negative stage is stationary. But no way does it hold the precision of the Valoy II.

I wish there was a Valoy 4x5.

I bet the Focomat IC is as nice as the Valoy II, if not nicer. That's what I would try.

Better yet, one enlarger for each format, if you can make the space. Less time switching around, and getting dialed in.

 

[mike kim]

Don't know about availability in Argentina though.....

I'm going to the US to study in August aprox... that would open up the possibilites. So I was considering either buying the enlarger there or getting a small one here, portable enough to take it to the US.

I have a Leitz Valoy II for 35mm. It is tiny, easy to move, and a pure pleasure to work with. It is so nicely aligned, all the time. The negative is squished flat when printing, and the helical focus is smooth and fine. Printing 35mm became so much more fun when I got this machine.

For everything else medium and 4x5 I have a gigantic Beseler 45 V-XL. It is dandy because the negative stage is stationary. But no way does it hold the precision of the Valoy II.

I wish there was a Valoy 4x5.

I bet the Focomat IC is as nice as the Valoy II, if not nicer. That's what I would try.

Better yet, one enlarger for each format, if you can make the space. Less time switching around, and getting dialed in.

Interesting. How does it compare to the Focomat Ic in size? Would it be "portable" if disassembled?

 

[FPjohn]

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Axomat-4a-Bildve...ryZ15424QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Comes in a suitcase.

yours
FPJ

 

[Anupam]

I prefer one for everything. My Omega 4x5 has a lens turret so switching between formats down to 35 takes no time. A good small almost 35mm size enlarger that also does 6x6 is the Durst F60.

-A

 

[payasam]

I have an Opemus III sitting around, which I used for both 35 mm and 6 by 6 -- but sending the thing to Argentina from India will cost a packet.

 

[bsdunek]

I have a Durst 606 with 50mm & 75mm lenses. Works great for me. I also have my Dad's Omega B-66 which is a great enlarger, but he had only a 50mm lens. The condenser set has the moveable part to go to 6X6. I would sell this one, however shipping would be a problem. Better if someone wanted to pick it up.
I would recommend either enlarger.

 

[mike kim]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I'll have an eye on these enlargers 🙂

 

[fidget]

The idea to get a set up with different enlargers for each format had occurred to me too. I had an Opemus 5 (35mm & 6x6) and had also acquired a Durst m670 (35mm & 6x7). A chance to buy a Meopta Magnifax came along (35 & MF to 6X9) which I leapt upon.
I had intended to set up the Durst for 35mm and the Magnifax for MF when I discovered that these (for me anyway) are fine instruments which take some time to get to learn to use to best effect. Juggling two seems to be unnecessarily difficult. I now find that I do all my work on the Magnifax.
So if you are in my area you can take away the Opemus as a gift....well, maybe for a pint or two......

 

[mike kim]

fidget: thanks for the offer!! but i'm in argentina so it makes things quite difficult 😀