looking for a certain LPL enlarger model

[stet]

This might be a bit strange sounding, but I'm wondering what my options are in LPL enlargers for B&W work, in 35mm, 6x6 and 6x7.

For a bit of background on this question, in a few months I'll be moving to Thailand, where I'll need to set up a darkroom. The owner of my favorite local camera shop was helping me with this, and he spoke highly of the LPL enlargers. He also said I might have better luck finding one in Asia for cheaper because of the distribution deals LPL goes through here in the U.S. Sadly, my friend died of a heart attack last week, and the shop is now about to close because Larry was the human database of all things photography and really was the only one who *knew * the store, and no one can take over what he did.

We were talking about setting up a darkroom, and he highly suggested an LPL enlarger, but we never got to finish the conversation, and I can't find out what enlarger he might have had in mind. I tried googling, but I can't find a comprehensive rundown of the LPL line, and most sale pages confuse me with all the different Saunders and Omega co-branded models listed in no apparent categories.

Anyone know what I might be looking for?

 

[LazyHammock]

Lpl 670vcce

Lpl 670vcce

Stet,
Sorry for the loss of your friend. I also attempted to research LPL enlargers with little success. It appears the LPL is Japanese and was distributed by Saunders in the US, Omega has recently taken over the disribution - hence the name changes (guys, gals, please jump in with any corrections).
I did end up purchasing a used LPL 670VCCE (for B+W) and I love it. It has a diffusion light source with adjustable contrast. It has two contrast control settings, one for Kodak Polycontrast type papers and the other for Ilford Multigrade and the like. It has constant exposure when you change the contrast settings. In my tests it seems to work really well. It is very sturdy and stable and more importantly it is very intuitive.
At present I am working in 35mm but will also be printing some of my 645 and 6x6 negs when I get the negative carriers. The enlarger handles up to 6x7.
All in all I'm very impressed and happy with my purchase.
Good luck,
Nick

 

[stet]

thanks for the reply, Nick. I did manage to get a run-down of the different LPL enlargers, and for the most part what they're branded here and in Japan. Not having been able to play with them, right now I'm leaning toward the more budget 6700/7700 series. I hope I can find some used when I get out there.

cheers,
and welcome to RFF,
rick

 

[Bryan Lee]

thanks for the reply, Nick. I did manage to get a run-down of the different LPL enlargers, and for the most part what they're branded here and in Japan. Not having been able to play with them, right now I'm leaning toward the more budget 6700/7700 series. I hope I can find some used when I get out there.

cheers,
and welcome to RFF,
rick

An LPL PRO 7700 is more than 500$ . I know where there are second hand japanese and Chech enlargers that are nice and would be happy to give you some directions on getting one. The big thing is GLASS, get the best enlarger lenses you can get in the States as any used glass here is mostly junk from fungis. When are you coming?

 

[Poptart]

It appears the LPL is Japanese and was distributed by Saunders in the US, Omega has recently taken over the disribution . . .

I used the VC model quite a lot at my college's darkrooms. It's a pretty good kit. The LPL was also made under the brand name Rollei early on and you can sometimes find one of those for less.