A Durst Pictograph just moved in!!

[sruddy]

I recently acquired my first Durst enlarger a few months ago. Until then, I had never seen or used anything other than several models of Beseler and Omega enlargers. I liked the Durst AC800 Elite so much I decided to start looking for a parts machine. I found several, but none for free, and some as high as $1200! Then I came across a Pictograph for $600. It's made for black and white and it will do 4"x 5" as well. Although I could have waited for a free one to show up, I felt the possibility of that happening was not great, so I purchased it. It was purchased new by a local photographer and is in really nice condition. He said he hasn't used it since 2000. It fires up, focuses, and I see the programs are still intact. Unless something better falls in my lap this will most likely be my last enlarger. I feel very lucky, and I always pay it forward by passing along anything I acquired for free. The last enlarger I gave away to a school and am looking for a good home for my Omega D2XL which is being replaced by the Pictograph. The only thing I may want is a light box for 6x6 negs. Only the standard largest box was included.

 

[Neal]

Nice!

 

[sruddy]

Nice!

Thanks Neal! I just got it cleaned up and lubed. I used lithium grease on the lens stage rails and the auto focus threaded rod. I’m not sure if it’s ok but I sure would like maybe gray or darker grease. It looks kinda sloppy.

No lenses were included so I pulled out my spares. I have a Fujinon EX f2.8 50mm that I think I’ll try. It looks to be a better than my other 50mm lens which is an ElNikor f4. For my 6x6 negs I have two El Nikon f4 75mm. They both are labeled the same but one is larger than the other. For 4x5 I have a vintage Schneider Kreuznach f5.6 150mm. I will need to find a way to mount it though. The manual calls for the lapla 50 lens board but it has a 50mm hole. The lens is 39 x .75mm this is not a Leica thread. I’m wondering if there maybe an adapter I can use with the lens board I have? I found one place over seas that sells a custom lens board that will work but I don’t want to wait that long for it.



I can’t wait to try it out. I have also been restoring an AC800 Elite and sidekick processor and am just to the point of using both. I think these enlargers are a joy to work with, and I feel very fortunate to all of the sudden be an owner of two! This work has been going on for several months and as much as I like fixing things I’m anxious to get back to production. In the end, my new equipment will be a big time saver.

 

[AgX]

I sure would like maybe gray or darker grease. It looks kinda sloppy.

Wait until you got black grease on your white clothing, and ask yourself then how that looks...

 

[resummerfield]

Very nice! Lithium grease will be fine. I would wipe down the grease points to leave only a slight film, to minimize the mess.