Ben-
How large do you think you will want to print in the future? If you are going to upgrade your enlarger and there is any chance that you will want to go larger than 6x6 in the future (which I think is the max for the Opemus 6), I would suggest getting a 4x5 enlarger. They are typically going to have greater stability than a smaller format enlarger and you don't want to get trapped by maximum negative size and have to buy yet another enlarger down the road. I use the Beseler 45MXII and really enjoy it, but aligning the lens stage has been a pain. I was able to pick up mine in like new condition with the condenser head and a 150mm Nikkor lens for $300USD used - if you aren't in too big a hurry, these deals can be found.
... The negative carrier is excellent and it is far better quality than a meopta enlarger. ...
I used Meopta's at college and until I used Durst I thought they were the D's B's.
There´s one thing you have to consider with 645 negs, and smaller enlargers - particularly those without an angled column. Because of the orientation of the exposure on the film, it can be difficult to make bigger enlargements.
I´m having a hard time explaining it properly... Compare the way a 645 neg is oriented on a film strip, as opposed to a 35mm neg. The 645 neg sits vertically while the 35mm neg sits horizontally.
Until a careless shipper broke two filters on my 138S head, and I tried to get replacements, I though they were the D's B's too. After that I just thought they were B's.
Cheers,
Roger
I'm watching a few different units on e*bay at the moment, a couple of LPL 7700s, and a Durst Modular 70, which I thought looked quite good.
There aren't many meoptas on there at the moment.
Thanks for the advice everyone,
Nice as it would be, I don't think I realistically have space for a 5x4 enlarger.
I think I'll have to stick with a MF, at least for the time being.
So how long out of production was your enlarger when it was dropped.
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