8x10 enlarger

Erwan · 2025-10-25T03:34:49-0400

Hi,
Any advice about the best way to afford a 8x10 enlarger in France?
A conversion kit for a 4x5 device?
The problem is that either Omega and Beseler are rare and very difficult to find
Erwan

gary mulder · 2025-10-25T03:56:36-0400

If I wanted to make a new setup now, I would go for a LED light source. Secondly, seriously see if a Durst 138 can be converted to 8x10. Real 8x10 enlargers such as a Durst 1840 are scarce and are paid high prices for them. If you can afford that, it is of course worth considering. I don't expect prices to fall in the foreseeable future. So in that sense, buying an 8x10 enlarger is not a bad investment.

Ian Grant · 2025-10-25T04:13:42-0400

It's rare to see 10x8 enlargers listed on eBay in Europe/UK now. Cheapest would be an older De Vere, surprisingly there are a few listed at the moment, £500 for one that needs re=furbishing, £825 for a nicer one with a Cold Cathode head.

The newer 5108 enlargers tend to be over £3000 with a colour head, 5x what I paid for mine 20 years ago in 4 lenses and a large Beard easel. Cheaper with a cold cathode head, as GAry says that could be replaced with an LED head.

You usually need to collect, and you need a van. In France it might be easier to find a 10x8 Durst.

Ian

Klaus Mähring · 2025-10-25T04:19:15-0400

I consider parting with my 8x10 Durst 184. If you are interested, drop me a message. I am looking at € 3500, including 2 neg holders and lens panel (revolver style). Shipping is possible.

I am selling it because I prefer to work on my De Vere 5108, which is the best enlarger I've ever used....

Erwan · 2025-10-25T05:44:27-0400

Thanks a lot for all your replies and feedbacks
A 8x10 enlarger might be too bulky for m’y use… I will try to go for a conversion or a Durst, Beseler or Omega

Ian Grant · 2025-10-25T10:35:55-0400

Generally a 10x8 camera is not really bigger than a 5x4 camera, the De Vere 504 uses the same column and baseboard as the 5108. In practice, only the head is larger.

A lot depends on whether you have a bench or flor standing version, how large you want to print, etc. Choice of lens can help, using a 240mm instead of a 300mm lens for 10x8 reduces head height for the same size print.

Ian

Alan9940 · 2025-10-25T11:23:44-0400

I don't know what your setup is, but it is possible to use an 8x10 camera setup as a horizontal enlarger. Way back when I did enlargements from 8x10, I used my Deardorff as the "enlarger", built a custom back for the rear standard, and used an Aristo 1212 coldlight tuck in behind everything. I used a 305mm G-Claron as the enlarger lens. I'll admit that it was a bit of a pain to setup each time I wanted to print and focusing was a sight to behold, but I was always satisfied with the prints achieved. However, my setup pretty much required the use of graded papers which wouldn't be possible nowadays.

If I was going to enlarge my 8x10s today, I'd be looking at an LED light source for my Beseler 45 that would allow me to print on VC papers. I'd make some sort of easel as these things in large sizes are prohibitively expensive, IMO.

mshchem · 2025-10-25T12:05:50-0400

Erwan said:
Thanks a lot for all your replies and feedbacks
A 8x10 enlarger might be too bulky for m’y use… I will try to go for a conversion or a Durst, Beseler or Omega

I'm assuming black and white only? Less enormous 8x10 is in USA the Elwood, cast aluminum, can be moved by a single person, nothing like the 5108. Also Zone VI Type 2 I have one of these, with a 2 type cold light, aftermarket timer.

Key is finding someone who is just trying to get rid of the machine, that's how I lucked into my setup. 20 years ago these were being sent out for recycling.

ntenny · 2025-10-25T12:14:53-0400

My wife (who does 3D printing) and I didn’t have too much trouble putting together a conversion to 5x7 for a Beseler 4x5 enlarger. The principle would have been the same for 8x10, but I don’t have an 8x10 light source; that might be the hardest part of a conversion. The actual enlarger extension is conceptually simple, just a little fiddly when it comes to putting the details together. But I think converting a 4x5 enlarger seems like a very realistic option.

-NT

ic-racer · 2025-10-25T12:16:39-0400

Just to echo what others have mentioned. About 10 to 15 years ago 8x10 enlargers were able to be obtained for very little money. These days, it might take quite a bit of patience to find one. Got this one 15 years ago. $500 USD for the column alone, but I tracked down almost all the dedicated accessories over the years.

DREW WILEY · 2025-10-25T12:54:28-0400

It's fairly easy to convert a 5x7 Durst L138 to an 8x10 head. And if you're only enlarging 8x10 up to 20X24 inches or metric equivalent,
it will work in floor standing mode beneath a common 8 ft tall ceiling, unlike the taller L184 machines. Both models quickly convert to horizontal mode if needed, for especially large prints. 184's are a lot bulkier and heavier; I needed a flatbed truck to pick up mine.
If you just intend to make black and white prints, a compact cold light or custom LED flat "pancake" style head can be used.

What kind of neg carrier you use in 138 conversions can be rigged any number of ways; but it is always preferable to use Anti-Newton glass on both sides of the film, if you can find that. I use my own 138 8X10 cold light conversion strictly for black and white work, up to 20X24 inch prints. It uses a 12X12 Aristo high-output V54 blue-green cold light. My L184 is equipped with a 10X10 Durst halogen colorhead, and is suitable for prints up to 30X40 inches in vertical mode; I use it mostly for color printing.

Erwan · 2025-10-25T15:53:11-0400

Thanks all for your accurate advices !
I think I made up my mind and will go for a Beseler 45 with a conversion kit and/or an Heiland head while I already own a splitgrade system
Have a nice week-end !
Erwan

payral · 2025-10-25T16:06:19-0400

Bonjour Erwan, selon où vous situez en France, vous pouvez voir une tête Heiland 8x10 sur un agrandisseur mural du même nom en Haute-Savoie dans mon petit labo.
Bon dimanche avec nouvelle heure.

Erwan · 2025-10-25T16:22:19-0400

payral said:
Bonjour Erwan, selon où vous situez en France, vous pouvez voir une tête Heiland 8x10 sur un agrandisseur mural du même nom en Haute-Savoie dans mon petit labo.
Bon dimanche avec nouvelle heure.

Bonjour Philippe (?)
Je pense avoir entendu parler de vous par Stéfane …
Je venais tout juste d’acheter ma tête Heiland pour mon Focomat 2 ;-)
Cela me ferait vraiment plaisir de voir « la bête »!

aoresteen · 2025-10-25T19:24:49-0400

I downsized from 5x7 to 6x9 20 years ago. I can't imagine working in 8x10 now. I am impressed with your dedication!!

payral · 2025-10-26T02:39:05-0400

Erwan said:
Bonjour Philippe (?)
Je pense avoir entendu parler de vous par Stéfane …
Je venais tout juste d’acheter ma tête Heiland pour mon Focomat 2 ;-)
Cela me ferait vraiment plaisir de voir « la bête »!

Effectivement je connais Stéphane, on s'est même rencontré en juillet à Arles. Tu es le bienvenu quand tu veux pour voir "la bête"

8x10 enlarger

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