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  #1  
Old 21st December 2018, 11:35 PM
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cwiuliano cwiuliano is offline
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Default Advice on medium format enlargers

After my first thread, with a mystery that left a few members stumped (see htttp://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=12276) I am hoping my next question is a bit more straight forward.

I was blown away by my first ever darkroom printing experience and now would like to equip myself with an enlarger set.

Here are the criteria:

- must be able to print 35mm, 6x6 and 6x7 negatives
- easily dismountable (since I will be setting up a temporary darkroom in my tiny bathroom)
- I currently only intend to print in b&w, but I know you can do so with a colour enlarger head
- I am on a budget
- Would favour multigrade/variable grade enlarger (to avoid having to rely on filters) but if all other criteria above were met I would consider grade filters used above the negative

I suspect there are a number of threads asking similar questions but in my 30 minute search on the forum I did not find my answer.

I look forward to your suggestions and advice.
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  #2  
Old 22nd December 2018, 07:40 AM
Martin Rick Martin Rick is offline
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If you're on a budget, I'd look out for Meopta Opemus 7 (Meopta 6 and lower only do 6x6) or Magnifax (for up to 6x9). Both available with B&W condenser, multigrade or colour heads.
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  #3  
Old 22nd December 2018, 08:21 AM
Richard Gould Richard Gould is offline
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I agree with Martin, the Opemus 67 or Magifax should suit you, although no longer made you can get MG heads or Colour heads, and they are plentyful and reasonably cheap, and built like a tank, get one and it will last you a lifetime,easy to take down at the end of the session, I use a opemus 6 myself, with the condenser head, which I like, and have had it for over 20 years and it is still going strong, if price is no problem then look at the Kaiser or LPL range,
Richard
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Old 22nd December 2018, 12:22 PM
alexmuir alexmuir is offline
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Durst M670, LPL6700, 7700 are good and generally available. A colour head can be used to print variable contrast papers. The paper usually comes with a chart to give you single or dual filter values. It’s worth shopping around to find something in good condition and at a good price. It pays to know what should be included so that you end up with a usable enlarger without having to source any parts.
Alex


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Old 22nd December 2018, 12:44 PM
Terry S Terry S is offline
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Just checking over on ebay.co.uk, there are an awful lot of photo enlargers going for really low prices, for 35mm ones at least. I know you want a 6 x 6 / 6 x 7 but I haven't looked at all the listings, so there might be some on offer, depending upon what your budget is. If they are too much, many of us started on a 35mm one to learn the ropes; I know I did for many a year. As for the items, the main problem is that most want to sell as 'pick up only'.

My main advice would be to check with the seller that the item is operational and comes with a lens that fits (and with a lens mount if necessary). Some don't come with baseboards but that's no big deal - it obviously meant that a lot must have attached them to a workbench etc somewhere to make them a permanent feature.

BTW, make sure you search for enlarger under 'camera and photography' and NOT 'all', otherwise you might get a few listings for things you didn't expect!

Anyway, good to hear your first outing doing some developing went well, and good luck with the future sessions!

Terry S

Last edited by Terry S; 22nd December 2018 at 12:52 PM.
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Old 22nd December 2018, 03:29 PM
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cwiuliano cwiuliano is offline
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Thank you Alex. The LPL models you have mentioned seem to fit the bill but as you say I am yet to find a complete set. Very often they will have no lenses, power supply, etc. Apart from eBay and secondhanddarkroom, which seems quite pricey and provide no details in their descriptions, where else would you recommend looking for a complete enlarger that can print 6x7 negatives?
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Old 22nd December 2018, 03:43 PM
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Thanks Terry.
And I know what you mean, some dodgy items in the search results in eBay ;-)
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Old 22nd December 2018, 04:15 PM
alexmuir alexmuir is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cwiuliano View Post
Thank you Alex. The LPL models you have mentioned seem to fit the bill but as you say I am yet to find a complete set. Very often they will have no lenses, power supply, etc. Apart from eBay and secondhanddarkroom, which seems quite pricey and provide no details in their descriptions, where else would you recommend looking for a complete enlarger that can print 6x7 negatives?


eBay is the best bet, I think. I wouldn’t worry too much about a lens being included. As long as the mounting plate is there, you can source a lens separately. There are usually lots available on eBay. I think you’re in London? Collecting the equipment would be a good idea, and saves on postage. Gumtree is the other place to try, as well as freecycle.
Alex


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  #9  
Old 22nd December 2018, 05:38 PM
alexmuir alexmuir is offline
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The things you need included are a transformer (normal for colour head enlargers), a negative carrier and a lens mounting plate (lensboard). Things like lenses and timers are often sold separately. Many lenses for 35mm and MF use a 39mm mounting thread. There are some other sizes, but this seems to be most common. You need a lens of 80 or 90mm focal length for 6x7. You can do 35mm with that as well, but a 50mm is more convenient. Timers are fairly universal. Digital displays make it easier to include fractions of a second, although some analogue timers have a control to add tenths of a second.
Ideally, you will find a deal that includes everything, but if not, you want to make sure that the bits that are specific to the particular enlarger are included. Sourcing negative carriers, etc separately can be expensive.
Alex


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  #10  
Old 22nd December 2018, 07:12 PM
Mike O'Pray Mike O'Pray is offline
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Unless buying from a clearly reputable "power" seller i.e. a business that specialises in photographic stuff I'd try and see the enlarger in a working state before handing over the money. In an area the size of London and say 30 miles beyond should give you some scope

OK these days with Paypal on e-bay accepting the seller's description and finding it flawed give you comeback but much better if you can see it working.

Dismantling an enlarger each time you use it is not a quick or easy matter. You might want to consider placing it on a stable but movable trolley if at all possible.

Best of luck

Mike
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