The death of Durst enlargers

[zuikologist]

I only saw this today so apologies if has already been posted elsewhere. Durst apprently and perhaps unsurprisingly have sold fewer than 1,000 enlarger units per annum for the last few years, down from 107,000 units per annum, and have ceased production of enlargers. The final paragraph of their press release is poignant and quite touching:

"We wish to thank all our customers, hobby photographers and graphic artists for their loyalty. It was a wonderful time - talking about colour dodging, exposure times and colour calibration. We shall miss you, but commercial reasons have forced us to take this decision. We do hope you understand".

http://www.durst-online.com/index.php?id=8&language=2&detail=72

 

[Jon Perry]

That's sad news. 🙁

What other enlarger manufacturers are still going?

Are there any that have a specialised enough market to continue?

Jon

 

[zuikologist]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong - I think Durst still produces large scale digital enlargers as does DeVere (both presumably for megabucks). Besler in the US still produces enlargers.

 

[Jon Perry]

Beseler (Photo Division)

OK. 🙂

 

[jrong]

I'm a tad worried about this. I have a Durst enlarger and I just had to replace one of the 6x6 glass plates that fell about a foot and broke. Those things are fragile. 🙁 I wonder if they will keep manufacturing spare parts to keep the existing Durst users happy for a few more years?

Jin

 

[zuikologist]

The press release mentions ready availability of spare parts for some time to come, though who knows for how long. Durst produced a lot of enlargers, so there should be used bargains out there on evilbay if needed.