Should I buy this?

pevelg

pevelg

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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...86673&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1274wt_1138

I am about ~125 miles from this location, so I can do a pickup. Should I buy this? From the reading I've done online, it is similar to the Durst 138 (s/p?). Looks like only one lens and based on condensers, probably for 4x5. I'll mainly use it for 6x7/6x6, though I eventually will be doing 4x5 (plan to get a crown graphic again). Any one have any opinions?

Just six hours left.....
 
Any thoughts? I'd probably need extra stuff to make it fully fully compatible with all film sizes... Would this do both color and B&W? Variable contrast?
 
How much headroom do you have?
It has two condensers in it (Latigo) of different focal length. I don't know if you need both for one format or if different combinations are used differing sizes
If it is set up for 5X4(UK)that set will do for everything smaller. Smaller sets will give you slightly faster printing speeds.
Durst uses funky lens boards that aren't always easily found but there's one there & you might be able to jerry rig something else when & if you need it like for a shorter lens.

PS I have NEVER seen one of these in the flesh, so take this into account when you make a decision.
 
Landshark said:
How much headroom do you have?
It has two condensers in it (Latigo) of different focal length. I don't know if you need both for one format or if different combinations are used differing sizes
If it is set up for 5X4(UK)that set will do for everything smaller. Smaller sets will give you slightly faster printing speeds.
Durst uses funky lens boards that aren't always easily found but there's one there & you might be able to jerry rig something else when & if you need it like for a shorter lens.

PS I have NEVER seen one of these in the flesh, so take this into account when you make a decision.
Click to expand...

Ah, that make sense about using smaller stuff with the 4x5 setup. Based on the Durst 138 documentation, it seems that the paring of the 240 and 200 condensers is designed for 4x5... I personally don't mind slightly longer exposure times.

EDIT: I plan to set this up in by bathroom which is pretty large with very high ceilings. Eventually I'd like to help build a dedicated darkroom at my folks place (my father used to do darkroom printing in Russia).
 
I know nothing about this enlarger. However, it would seem you couldn't go wrong, even if you had to buy additional part/accessories. You won't have to pay shipping, and the cost of shipping will keep away buyers who can't pick it up. I got a similar bargain a little about a year ago on a Chromega 4x5 enlarger. I am convinced most people didn't bid as the shipping scared them away. Like you, I was within pickup distance so I got it for a song. I actually felt sorry for the buyer, it was certainly worth a lot more than I paid.
 
The price is right...if it stays reasonable go for it...pick up will save on shipping cost and overall price...if you have the space for it...
I've never seen one of these but I cannot see a color head so color work might be out but you could get Variable Contrast filters for the B&W stuff...
If you win it tell the seller not to break it down...when you pick it up take loads of pictures then disassemble it...label everything...
Good Luck...
 
Looks good, but huge. Looking at the pictures the lens is 135mm, which must be for 5x4 as it's too long for 6x9cm (105mm), 6x6 (75 or 80mm) or 35mm (50mm).

I got a Durst 609 which is probably a bit older than this enlarger, and it's built like a tank, but as others said I had to get various lens boards to use other negative sizes, but the cost wasn't prohibitive.

Like this one, I think people were put off by 'collection only' but I went there on the train with a massive old suitcase and a hiking backpack. This enlarger looks a little too large for public transport though.
 
nikon_sam said:
Dude it sold for $10...I was really hoping you got it...oh well, start looking for another one...
Click to expand...

Ya, I know. I felt like crap. As soon as I remembered I went to eBay and saw there was only 19 seconds left. I entered a bid but then had to log in. By the time all this was done the auction had ended.

The Standard Deviant said:
It might be worth contacting the the seller and saying if it doesn't work out with the high bidder you might be interested.
Click to expand...

I contacted the seller and let them know. I guess it's back to waiting. I am going to see another offer for a Besseler II and Omega lite and accessories this Saturday, but this is setup is being offered at $250.
 
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