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Old 7th September 2013, 12:45 PM
Ian Arthur Ian Arthur is offline
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Default Durst 5x7 Enlarger Query

I have been looking for a 5x4 enlarger as I'm tired or scanning in my 5x4 negs. I have had little luck so far, but today i've come across a Durst 138S with the dichroic head - the floor standing giant - and I am tempted. Very tempted, especially as its in working condition.

It's big, and I have the space, but i am just concerned that it may be too old.

Has anyone here got any experience of these enlargers? Are they a bag 'o spanners, or do they give consistent results.
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Old 7th September 2013, 01:29 PM
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Xpres Xpres is offline
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A fine machine which you should grab if you have the opportunity and the space to use it.... age is irrelevant. As long as it has the necessary bits, neg carrier etc...
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Old 7th September 2013, 01:39 PM
Mike O'Pray Mike O'Pray is offline
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Durst are well made enlargers and there is at least one stockist in the U.K. who keeps second-hand parts for Durst equipment.

As Xpres has said if you have the room and it can be verified as being in full working order I'd be tempted.

Even if a bit is missing then if the seller is willing to wait you can check on whether that bit is available.

The stockist I have in mind is called, I think, Northern Photo but maybe others will help here with the name.

Mike
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Old 7th September 2013, 02:56 PM
Ian Arthur Ian Arthur is offline
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Cheers lads, you've given me some food for thought ver the weekend.....

Thanks.
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Old 19th September 2013, 02:07 PM
Ian Arthur Ian Arthur is offline
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All sorted. Ended up with a DeVere 504 with a varicon head. (Thanks Paul). When I was last printing in the 80's we used 54's with cold-cathode diffuse heads, and the newer 504's with the Varicon. Towards the end of the 80's they all got replaced by 504s with the colour head with colour analysers that couldnt analyse for toffee...

I suppose its all about personal preferences, but I did prefer the varicon, as it always seemed a bit crisper than the 54's - though I must admit, the 54 was a damn fine enlarger.

I think it would have taken up far too much space, so I'm glad I'm getting the 504. I just need to pull my finger out now and get my darkroom finished. Now, where did I put that sink...
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