6 x 9 question

[Jim Jones]

6x9 was popular before 35mm became pervasive. Many inexpensive older enlargers were made in that size by Solar, Federal, and others. By now most have probably been trashed or converted to copy stands. Many may yet be hidden in attics. However, I'd prefer Omega or Besseler.

 

[Bill Burk]

I've never seen one available. Where are you finding those?

Of course Omega D negative carriers are fairly easy to modify / hacksaw / file. I use a Jeweler's saw.

My 6x9 is a modified something else, probably used to be a 6x7

 

[pbromaghin]

Ratty, last spring Laostyle17 and I bought an older 23C for $10, along with a bunch of darkroom accessories. It was in good enough shape that when I saw the seller a month ago he was wishing he hadn't sold it. It can take some time, but when you get back to the States, if you are patient, enlargers and darkroom equipment can be had for very little cash, or even given away to a good home.

 

[nworth]

I've been using the same 23CII since 1971. They work. If you can find a good 4X5 enlarger for not too much more money, it will give you more flexibility and to opportunity to go LF if you want to. But be sure you can get a 6X9 negative carrier for it. They are definitely available for Beseler and Omega and are probably available most other major enlarger makers. You will probably need a new lens to cover the area. 105mm is standard for 6X9. 6X9 (or 2-1/4X3-1/4, if you prefer) is an interesting format. I've used it a lot in the past 30 years. It is the same as 35mm, only 6 time larger, with proportionally less grain and more detail. The negative size, like 35mm, doesn't correspond to any standard paper size, but the proportions are pleasing for many prints.