Got Lucky? Lucky Enlarger, I mean!

[rbiemer]

I'd been sort of casually looking at enlargers and on a whim bid on one at the Shopgoodwill site. Looks to be a fairly complete kit but I want to find a source for parts if there is one. And a manual would be good, too.
The auction page:
http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=3428533
The auction pictures are the usual Goodwill "quality"🙄 but from what I can see the kit looks like the main parts are there, but I won't know for sure for a week or so.
I tried looking on line but, frankly, the results for "Lucky Enlarger" weren't very helpful--and I'm glad mom wasn't around!
I did find the Fujimoto web site but I didn't see anything about any older models or spares; not reading Japanese may be my problem with that, though.
Any helpful suggestions appreciated!
Rob

 

[crawdiddy]

Sorry, Rob. I googled Lucky Enlarger here at work, and for some strange reason, those sites are blocked.

I've never heard of it either. But for $32, how wrong could it be?

 

[rbiemer]

Sorry, Rob. I googled Lucky Enlarger here at work, and for some strange reason, those sites are blocked.

You probably don't want to see most of those results anyway...😀

I've never heard of it either. But for $32, how wrong could it be?

That was my thinking and the company--Fujimoto--is still around and I figured; much like a camera is a light tight box to hold a lens, so is an enlarger. With the understanding that an enlarger is easier to mis/dis align. And hopefully easier to realign if needed!
And I got some tongs with it, too!
Rob

 

[jan normandale]

Rob, how hard can it be to work without a manual. It's just an enlarger. It looks like there is paperwork in the box. Wait and see. It looks straightforward.

Post pix later!

 

[rbiemer]

Probably not too hard, Jan! Just my small obsession--I like having the manual if I can.
And I do see that there is something ion the box--I'm just a bit antsy.
Did I type out loud "I can't wait to get this"? , cuz I sure am thinking it!🙂
It has been a long time sice I've done any darkroom work--do we still sacrifice an egg towards Rochester these days? Or should it be to the East and Illford?
Rob

Rob, how hard can it be to work without a manual. It's just an enlarger. It looks like there is paperwork in the box. Wait and see. It looks straightforward.
Post pix later!

 

[Bryce]

Isn't Lucky a Chinese brand?
I guess I can sort of understand your concern about the manual, but I'm also sure there will be little there to confuse.
Now go make some prints!

 

[rbiemer]

I spent some time looking at what else I'll need and I suspect Freestyle will be getting some of my $.
And while I was there, I looked at their enlargers and the Holga sure looks like the Lucky!
One other thing has occured to me: about 95% of what I've shot lately has been C-41 BW. A small amount of XP-2 and tons of Kodak's BW400CN.
I remember the frustration of trying to print color negs on BW paper from way back when and I don't suppose that's gotten any easier.
Just have to shoot more and more suitable film. Darn. 😀
Thanks to this interweb thingy, I have vastly more choices for film now than I did the last time(20 years ago? That can't be right!😱 ) I spent time in the darkroom. Not sure if that's a good thing or not but it will be fun trying out a bunch of different films and working back to one or three as my mainstays.
Going to be a fun summer!
Rob

 

[rbiemer]

The enlarger was waiting for me when I got home yesterday and is in decent condition and mostly all the pieces are there; the 80mm lens is not but all the film carriers are. Including 35mm half frame and a home made 4 x 4. And the "manual"--one large-ish folded sheet of how to put it together and use it.
The condenser lenses look good if a little dusty and the bulb is working, though I will probably get another to have on hand.
Only about 8 weeks before I get back to Raquette Lake and get this set up. Just barely enough time to gather the other stuff. I can't wait!
Rob