• Welcome to Photrio!
    Registration is fast and free. Join today to unlock search, see fewer ads, and access all forum features.
    Click here to sign up

A Durst Pictograph just moved in!!

sruddy

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Aug 31, 2018
Messages
341
Location
CA
Format
Multi Format
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.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0176.JPEG
    654.9 KB · Views: 875
  • IMG_0177.JPEG
    682.1 KB · Views: 1,147
OP
OP

sruddy

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Aug 31, 2018
Messages
341
Location
CA
Format
Multi Format

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

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Apr 5, 2007
Messages
29,972
Location
Germany
Format
Multi Format
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

Subscriber
Allowing Ads
Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
1,467
Location
Alaska
Format
Multi Format
Very nice! Lithium grease will be fine. I would wipe down the grease points to leave only a slight film, to minimize the mess.