LazyHammock
Well-known
Pedro,
I would echo that the Omega D2 and Beseler 23C enlargers are good choices. Both are sturdy and reliable and it is very easy to find spares, lensboards, carriers etc. The D2 also gives you the advantage of enlarging up to 4x5. I have been using Schneider Componon enlarging lenses and have been very happy (I print up to 16x20).
Good luck,
Nick
I would echo that the Omega D2 and Beseler 23C enlargers are good choices. Both are sturdy and reliable and it is very easy to find spares, lensboards, carriers etc. The D2 also gives you the advantage of enlarging up to 4x5. I have been using Schneider Componon enlarging lenses and have been very happy (I print up to 16x20).
Good luck,
Nick
Tim Gray
Well-known
A lot of times you can get the enlarger for very cheap or free. I would also consider getting a color enlarger for B&W work. The filters are nice for VC paper.
If you look on ebay, a lot of new Nikkor 50mm/2.8N enlarging lenses come up. I got mine with a Buy it now for about $60 - I could have gotten one for cheaper if I had have waited longer, but the extra $20-30 spent saved a lot of hassle...
If you look on ebay, a lot of new Nikkor 50mm/2.8N enlarging lenses come up. I got mine with a Buy it now for about $60 - I could have gotten one for cheaper if I had have waited longer, but the extra $20-30 spent saved a lot of hassle...
crawdiddy
qu'est-ce que c'est?
Maximum negative size with Beseler 23C ???
Maximum negative size with Beseler 23C ???
I thought the Beseler 23c II was also capable of printing from a 4x5 inch negative?
Maximum negative size with Beseler 23C ???
I thought the Beseler 23c II was also capable of printing from a 4x5 inch negative?
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
That would be the 45C, IIRC. If you have the space and manage to get hold of a enlarger with condensors/diffusors and film holders for smaller formats (if components like these are missing, a seeming bargain can turn quite expensive) buying a large format enlarger is a smart idea - these are invariably high quality professional tools and currently they cost next to nothing, their devaluation in the digital boom makes them a much better bargain than small format enlargers.
Sevo
kipkeston
Well-known
The 23cII is a 6x9 enlarger and built like a tank. The omegas are good too. Buy whatever you can find in good condition locally.
pakeha
Well-known
Hi Pedro, being in Europe you may find that the Meopta enlargers are in plentiful supply, they are very solid and well made. Axomat or Opemus perhaps. You will get an adjustable 35/120 neg carrier and parts ,if for some reason you need them are available. There is also a colour head for these. I use an Opemus 6 with nikkor lens, 50mm/80mm, you will have euros left from your budget for a rodenstock lens.
regards
CW
regards
CW
parsec1
parsec1
If your wallet will allow it buy any Leitz enlarger. In my experience all the National Newspapers used them when they had 'wet darkrooms' and for good reason.
Roma
Well-known
I prefer a condenser. It makes punchy prints without as much filtration as a diffuser requires. Omega D2 is a great one and it's easy to file the negative holders if you want to print full-frame.
It's easy to change filters on a D2 as well.
An El-Nikkor lens is a very, very good one and can be found for around US $100.
I also have a nice Focomat V35, but it's not easy to find and you can only do 35mm film.
Best wishes and it's nice to hear someone's looking for an enlarger!
It's easy to change filters on a D2 as well.
An El-Nikkor lens is a very, very good one and can be found for around US $100.
I also have a nice Focomat V35, but it's not easy to find and you can only do 35mm film.
Best wishes and it's nice to hear someone's looking for an enlarger!
ChrisN
Striving
The OP started this thread in 2007. I suspect he either has an enlarger by now or has given up on the idea. Are you still out there Pedro?
Steve M.
Veteran
I had a Beseler 45 that turned out to be just too big for my needs. Are you shooting 35mm and 6x6? A Durst 606 is a good enlarger. I bought mine for $70 shipped, but decided to upgrade the lens(es). Here's where things get tricky. An El Nikkor 50mm for 35mm printing was $50, but then it wouldn't fit the lens board that came w/ the enlarger. That cost me another $35, shipped, for the lens board. I wanted to use the Componon S 80 f4 lens from the Beseler ($160), but needed a different lens board for that. Another $35 shipped. So already my $70 enlarger has cost me $350. It didn't have to, I could have printed w/ the 75mm Componar that came w/ it, but why shoot Leica glass and use anything but good glass on the enlarger?
Whatever you decide to get, make sure you get a complete enlarger w/ negative carriers and lens boards, or at least understand what these things are going to cost individually before you buy. I love the Durst. It's small and light, yet extremely well designed, and it will print up to 16x16 w/ the present setup. But it won't print 6x7 or 6x9, so I knew that going in. As far as the different types of light sources, I wouldn't worry about that. A properly aligned enlarger w/ good lenses and a good negative will give you good prints regardless of the light source.
Oh, and congratulations on going to darkroom printing. I think you'll be thrilled w/ the results.
Whatever you decide to get, make sure you get a complete enlarger w/ negative carriers and lens boards, or at least understand what these things are going to cost individually before you buy. I love the Durst. It's small and light, yet extremely well designed, and it will print up to 16x16 w/ the present setup. But it won't print 6x7 or 6x9, so I knew that going in. As far as the different types of light sources, I wouldn't worry about that. A properly aligned enlarger w/ good lenses and a good negative will give you good prints regardless of the light source.
Oh, and congratulations on going to darkroom printing. I think you'll be thrilled w/ the results.
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crawdiddy
qu'est-ce que c'est?
I suspect you're right, Chris. I found the thread when I began thinking of enlarger upgrades.
crawdiddy
qu'est-ce que c'est?
I don't have any 4x5 negatives, but I did acquire a Kodak Medalist a while back, which produces 6x9 cm negatives. I think that may be too large for the small to medium format enlargers. I currently have a Beseler Printmaker 35, and I don't believe it can handle it.
Btw, the Medalist produces huge, beautiful negs, and it's driving me crazy that I can't print them. But even the contact prints look huge.
mh2000
Well-known
el-nikkor 50/4 is quite good budget priced, the 50/2.8 might be a touch nicer in the corners, but not much.
People are throwing away enlargers... if you are lucky, it will be free.
I have a classic Omega B-22, I really like it. I use the nikkor 50/4.
People are throwing away enlargers... if you are lucky, it will be free.
I have a classic Omega B-22, I really like it. I use the nikkor 50/4.
mh2000
Well-known
el-nikkor 50/4 is quite good budget priced, the 50/2.8 might be a touch nicer in the corners, but not much.
People are throwing away enlargers... if you are lucky, it will be free.
I have a classic Omega B-22, I really like it. I use the nikkor 50/4.
People are throwing away enlargers... if you are lucky, it will be free.
I have a classic Omega B-22, I really like it. I use the nikkor 50/4.