Help me to choice a new enlarger

[Vincenzo Maielli]

I own a Meopta Opemus 6, a very fine and sturdy enlarger, that i use to print both 35 mm and 120, up to 6x6 (respectively with a Rodagon 50/4 and Componon 80/5.6). I'm thinking of buying another enlarger, brand new, to make print up to 6x7, to print only the medium format negatives. In this way i would use the Meopta Opemus 6 for Leica format, and the new enlarger for medium format negatives.
Now that Meopta, IFF and Durst are out of the market for the enlargers and darkroom in general, i refined my choice on three models: KAISER VPM 7005 BW, DUNCO 67 and BESELER 67 XLD.
In your opinion, which of the three models is the best?
Ciao.
Vincenzo Maielli

 

[JohnTF]

Is the Beseler 45M still in production? I know it is larger, but it is a tank, and works quite well for all formats, including 6x9cm to 4x5 inches.

There are so many used ones, am wondering why you want a new one?

Regards, John

 

[venchka]

I agree. And add the Beseler 23C, they made numerous models, to the list. I think the 23C-III was the latest B&W model. 35mm to 6x9. Solid & dependable. The only enlarger you would need for multiple formats.

Surely there are similar Durst models around as well?

 

[climbing_vine]

It sounds like the OP specifically wants something by a company that is still producing and supporting its gear...

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

I prefer buy a new enlarger because on line is impossible verify the real conditions of an used enlarger, for example if there are leaking light from the head and/or trouble with the stabilty of the column.
I don't have any type of great format cameras and a Beseler 23 C or 45M are excess of my needs, and too bulky, although are both very sturdy. Also, i know that are both difficult to align.
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

It's a pity that you are not a little closer ( to UK ) there is a mint Durst M670 with all the goodies, been standing idle on my bench for a couple of years!. No one seems to want 'em here, any more!.....probably wind up on the scrap heap with me!🙂
Dave

 

[nikon_sam]

I believe that Beseler is still making the 67 Series of Enlargers...the 67's are not that bulky and should fit your needs...plus the color head comes in handy as Multigrade filters when doing B&W...

 

[le vrai rdu]

I own a Meopta Opemus 6, a very fine and sturdy enlarger, that i use to print both 35 mm and 120, up to 6x6 (respectively with a Rodagon 50/4 and Componon 80/5.6). I'm thinking of buying another enlarger, brand new, to make print up to 6x7, to print only the medium format negatives. In this way i would use the Meopta Opemus 6 for Leica format, and the new enlarger for medium format negatives.
Now that Meopta, IFF and Durst are out of the market for the enlargers and darkroom in general, i refined my choice on three models: KAISER VPM 7005 BW, DUNCO 67 and BESELER 67 XLD.
In your opinion, which of the three models is the best?
Ciao.
Vincenzo Maielli

take an enlarger for 6x9

for 6x6, 80 mm is okay but a bit short, for 67 69 you have to take a 105mm lens 😉

 

[Beemermark]

Freestyle in California has these in their catalog

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/c1601-Darkroom-Supplies-Enlargers. I'm not sure where you get information about the 23CIII & 45MXT (too bulky, light leaks, difficult to align). I had both for close to 30 years and even thought they have been carted all over the country I haven't had much trouble (if any) with them. The nice thing about these two models are (1) they are still in production and replacement parts and accessories are still available and (2) every conceivable accessory is available. Since these two models have been in production for over 40 years it isn't hard to find anything you might ever need, which something I can say for the Durst and some other enlargers I've owned. As far as new vs. used, it's your money but enlargers do not wear out and unless someone runs over them with a truck it's pretty hard to damage them. A new 45MXT is $2200, while most sell used for around $200 in the USA. All enlargers pretty take up the same amount of table space. Height can be a problem (I had to cut a hole in the ceiling for my 5x7) but then it all depends on how big of enlargement you want to make. And, since vibration of the enlarger head is the one of the biggest issues with making large prints I'll take "bulky" over flimsy any day.

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

The Beseler 23 CIII or 45 MXT are not very litlle, indeed, and the houses in Italy are normally not Berlusconi's hall style... I can not cut the roof of my house (a flat in a building) without provoking a merry shootout with the neighbors, after all...
The leaking of light was not referring to Beseler enlargers but generally at the used enlargers market. Instead, the difficult to align of the Beseler C23 or 45MXT (and the corresponding Omega models) i read in website of Dante Stella. However, just today i read, in the website Jafaphotography, that the latest version of the Beseler 23CIII is aligned at the factory, with laser technology, then the problem no longer arises. However, would remain the problem of neighbors merry shooters...
Joking aside, considering all informations received, the Beseler enlargers models seem to fit my needs, maybe the Beseler 67 XLD, not just to challenge my nervous neighbors gunfight at the OK Corral...
Heartfelt thanks to all.
Ciao.
Vincenzo